Dieting for Disney

[CJK]

Hi everyone!! I just got back last night! It's hard to believe I've been away for 16 days (with 10 of them being in Disney). I will catch up with this thread and WISH this week. I'm already back to setting goals!!! I hope you are all well and happy and are doing well in your healthy lifestyle.

Our trip was wonderful!!! It's true that I likely gained a few pounds, but I'm trying not to stress over it. We enjoyed the dining plan and some wonderful meals (ie. Wolfgang Puck Cafe, Narcoossee's, Le Cellier and Kona Cafe). We enjoyed some firsts this trip (ie. Expedition Everest, Turtle Talk, Captain Sparrow in Pirates and 4 terrific Eat to the Beat concerts) and enjoyed some old standby's (Jellyrolls, Wishes and practically every ride WDW has to offer)! We had a truly wonderful time and can't believe how quickly it all came to an end.

Here's the best news. We are particularly fast walkers and like to fit in as much during the day as we can. On previous trips, I'd get blisters or sore muscles. On this trip? NO FATIGUE, NO PAIN - and I kept wanting to go back for more. I could literally feel how fit my body had become and found myself dragging dh around (a far cry from trips gone by!). To give a little example, on our last night, we were having dinner at Concourse Steakhouse in the Contemporary at 5:30pm. We had a quick dinner for some reason and were out of the restaurant by 6:25pm. We decided to try to make it to the 7pm Eat to the Beat concert in Epcot (Loverboy). We took the monorail and walked to the concert (which is at the far end of Epcot) and made it on time. Then, I really wanted to see Spectro Magic one last time so we hurried back to Magic Kingdom where I made it for the 8pm parade (I went right to the main street bakery where I was able to watch the parade. It may sound a little nutty (or downright crazy!) how busy we were that last night, but it was so much fun. I didn't even get tired with the quick walking. It as a truly wonderful feeling. I couldn't wait to get home and share that news with my WISH friends. You have A LOT to do with any success I have achieved.

I may have gained a little weight, but I know I'll get back on track this week. I'd better get some sleep now. Hope everyone's off to a great week so far. It's time for me to get back into regular eating patterns without all the appetizers and desserts I've becomed so accustomed to!

 

[fromscratchmom]

How long have you been exercising and watching what you eat?

Hi, Bubba. I started in the beginning of this year, for this time that is. I had lost some weight before and then gained it back. I found that getting going was tremendously hard. I think it is true that we do a lot of damage to our metabolism by yo-you dieting, which is why I applaud you for your great way you have about yourself encouraging everyone all of the time (and why I'd like to do some of the same.) Back at the beginning of the year, I was ready mentally, but the things that had worked for me in the past to lose, were not helping, so I kept tinkering with my plan and making it more and more restrictive and difficult to follow. So I finally started losing in February and then bought a treadmill and started walking. The only problem was that my eating plan had become so restrictive that I knew I could never keep it up. But I thought, if this is the only way that the weight will come off, I'll do it for as long as I can and then keep working at how to maintain a lifestyle that will not cause me to gain it back. Eventually I hit the wall and had to eat more to stay healthy. Amazingly enough between the things that I had learned about myself in previous years and the things that I've learned on that "diet" experience I think I have found out what I need to do to keep from gaining it back (or at least some pieces of the puzzle). But it has been quite awhile since I lost any more weight. So now I am tinkering with my plan again trying to find a way to eat reasonably and lose more. I hope I can keep up a good attitude even if the weight comes off more slowly. But it has been hard, mentally, wanting so badly to lose more weight and knowing that I need to for my health and trying to find a way to do so. I'm hoping that you'll pray for me in this too. And not to make it sound like it is just a trade off, but I will definitely be honoring your prayer request too! You'll find your way. I know you will.

 

[o2bacelt]

Bubba, I'm sorry you've been having a tough time staying motivated at the gym. I can relate these days, between all the usual craziness at the house, my DD has had an ear infection and then I caught her cold so we've been out of the gym. My inlaws were here. We're hoping to get back for three days next week before we finally get to Disney (again!) we can't wait.

I do have good news though, I've been managing to loose weight. I've been down about not being able to get to the gym, my husband is late getting home so no evenings and with Delaney sick, kid care can't take her. I was watching reruns of extreme makeover and listening to what Michael Thurmond (the trainer) said, and he said that 80% of weight loss is your diet and if you stick to your healthy eating you can continue to lose while nursing and injury or whatever takes away your gym time. I've been trying to listen and take that to heart and it's been working.

As of this morning I'm down 21 pounds. The last 4 have come off really quickly. We haven't been eating out at all and that has really helped. I've stopped eating after 7 (for the most part) and been making better choices. I'm below 200 pounds for the first time in almost a year. I thought my scale was wrong and had to double check by hopping on the one at the rec center when I took Delaney to art class this morning.

I've missed you all a lot!!! Life has just been insane. I'm also a team captain for the biggest loser challenge here on WISH and I'm trying to devote time to that.

I haven't had a chance to catch up and read but I will this evening. I hope everyone is doing well!!!!

I hope to check back in later this week!

 

[bubba73]

CJK - It is so good to have you back. We have missed your infectious and inspiring attitude around here. Your information on your trip is a great reminder on why we do our exercise and push away from the table. You might even find out that you haven't gained any weight while you were gone. You know, there is a lot of walking around Disney. Please show us some of your pics.

Fromscratchmom - What an amazing story!! It is true that we all go through the hard times of not wanting to stick with it. It is human nature to get discouraged doing all that we do to get/stay healthy and see only minimal results. But it shows what kind of determination that we all have when we do stick with it anyway. I know with your determination and resolve, you will be able to reach your goals. And when you do, I am sure you are going to have a "BIG" celebration. That's ok. You will deserve it.

O2bacelt - Thank you so much for what you said. I was able to go to the gym last night It was funny. I had a co-worker give me a 20 second massage before I left and that literally released enough stress and tension to give me the energy to go and workout. My only hiccup was my knee. It was feeling "tweaky" when I was about to start my cardio. That scared me so I decided against it. I did a lot of abs and I focused on my arms as well. It felt really good to be able to get in there. I even got a chance to weigh myself and I have lost another 3 pounds. I think most of it is that I haven't been hungry due to the stress. It isn't the healthiest way and I don't like the fact that I am loosing some of my muscle but until things get easier.... I need to stop with the excuses and just do what I know I need too.


Thanks everyone! You will never know how much you help and inspire me. I really appreciate it.

 

[fromscratchmom]

I have been trying to plan to be able to walk around the parks all day, when we go on our Disney vacation. And two things really inspired me to stick with it, so that I did walk my treadmill this morning. Yay.

I have had problems with foot pain before, even before I got so heavy. And I finally decided to try a particular thing that I have been hearing commercials for for years. There is a store here in Columbus, OH, called The Good Feet Store, that advertises "custom orthotics" on the radio station that I listen to in my car. I've always wondered about it and finally went there 2 days ago. Two negatives: they are not really custom made for each person and they cost an arm and a leg. But I can give them the benefit of the doubt; they did really do evaluate me and my foot before deciding what to bring out of the back room to recommend me (or made a good show of it). So, in spite of the negatives, I was getting a very good feeling about the whole thing and I decided to just plunge in and do it and pray that this will help. It is too soon for me to be word of mouth advertising for them; I'll maybe really push how great they are after my trip if all is still going well up until then and then on the trip too. But I wore them in my shoe for a little bit yesterday and a little bit more today. (you're supposed to go slowly getting used to them.) And my feet were feeling pretty good when I had them in this morning! Hooray.

Also we had to have new luggage for our upcoming trip. There was no way around it. So after shopping around and thinking about it, I went back to a particular store yesterday and bought 2 big samsonite suitcases. I had no idea how good it feels to buy luggage. It is almost like a moment when you realize, "I am really going to Disney World." So When I got up this morning and put my inserts in my shoes and then after walking in them a minute and seeing those two suitcases sitting where I left them at the top of the stairs, I just felt great. I did my treadmill and before and after I was just kind of bouncing around, kind of doing a dance almost as I did some housework and sang a little bit. It was probably more than a little silly. But it felt great. It is my opinion that you've got to relish those times when you really feel good!

 

[Disney4Drew]

Hi all, I was wondering if I could join the thread? My name is Trisha, and I'm a 32 year old Mom, wife, and grad student. I am trying to bump up my walking routine and diet in preparation for our upcoming trip! I have an elliptial machine but have been really bad about using it. DH and I usually walk 2-3 miles 4 times a week, but we have gotten off track since school started. We both lost weight after DS was born, but I seem to be stuck. I am 5'2 and have about 10lbs to lose. I have really slacked off since our beach vacation in June. I was doing great with my eating and exercising but have probably gained 5lbs in the past couple of months. I am doing low carb, no diet drinks, etc. This is what works for me...it is really hard for me to stay under 125lbs. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but I have a small frame, so I do look slightly chunky.

I have struggled with my weight throughout my life and gain reallllly easily. I was 163lbs about 4 months before getting preggo and 135lbs when I got preggo (unexpectedly). Even though I weigh less now, my body is completely different, and the weight has shifted to new areas....blah! I also feel worse about my body than I did when I was heavier. I guess I need to do more cardio and some strength training.

Sorry for the long intro....I hope I can stick around and get to know you all!

 

[bubba73]

Disney4Drew! We are more than happy to have you join our clan. You will find that there are a lot of people here that either have or are going through the same things that you are. That is what makes this place so great. You are not alone. And there is something powerful about knowing that you have people going through the same thing that you are. I can understand how times get tough and you get frustrated or even bored. I have been going through the same thing myself recently. But there are a couple of things to consider. 1) How great will you feel while you are on your trip if you can shed those 10 pounds? 2) How much easier will it be on you and your joints? I am sure you can do it. Just put your mind to it and then succeed!

 

[CJK]

Hi everyone.

I'm really hoping that today is the day I get back to WISH and the journals and hearing how all of you are doing. I'm still not caught up with work, but I really want to get back to WISH! Bubba: I've been really thinking about you and your challenge with your knee. I hope you start to notice improvement soon. When's your trip?

Welcome to everyone just joining our thread! We're a friendly bunch who help to motivate and encourage one another. I hope you stick around!

Well, I'm very surprised to report that I'm actually DOWN a pound since before my trip. I'm not sure how that happened considering the food I ate, but I guess I did do a lot of running. I'm getting back into my healthy lifestyle now, though my lean cuisine at lunch doesn't look quite as good as my lunches while in Disney! I've written my first installment of my trip report if anyone's interested http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1249849 I'll try to post a couple pictures.

I'm off to do Taebo. I hope everyone has a great weekend!!

 

[fromscratchmom]

I'm still struggling. My kids and I have been passing some bad germs back and forth quite a bit, since the beginning of September and we are still not back to true health. Somedays I do not know whether I am mostly sick or mostly depressed. Surely it isn't really "depression", I'm planning a trip to Disney and getting really excited about it each time that I find that I have the energy for excitement; also feeling great at least 2 or 3 days a week. But why do we all keep getting better and then worse again, over and over? I just have to keep trying to have a positive attitude, but it is harder some days than others. If any of y'all are having a good day today, post a little sunshine for the rest of us, please!

 

[Disney4Drew]

I'm still struggling. My kids and I have been passing some bad germs back and forth quite a bit, since the beginning of September and we are still not back to true health. Somedays I do not know whether I am mostly sick or mostly depressed. Surely it isn't really "depression", I'm planning a trip to Disney and getting really excited about it each time that I find that I have the energy for excitement; also feeling great at least 2 or 3 days a week. But why do we all keep getting better and then worse again, over and over? I just have to keep trying to have a positive attitude, but it is harder some days than others. If any of y'all are having a good day today, post a little sunshine for the rest of us, please!

Here's some sunshine for you! Honestly, I never thought of myself as depressed, but I filled out an information sheet at my Dr office when I was feeling "off". It turns out I was depressed along with feeling anxiety. I have a wonderful family, nice home, my health, etc, but I was showing signs of depression. I have been taking Lexapro for a few months and feel like my old self again. I'm not the type to even take a tylenol, so it was hard for me to start taking a daily medication. I thought I could just snap out of it. I hope you start to feel better!

 

[Disney4Drew]

I am down 2lbs so far, but I know that it is mostly water weight. However, the loss is keeping me motivated, and I am right on track with my eating. It has turned bitterly cold here, so I can't put DS in the jogging stroller and be out and about (he has asthma). I guess that means I will have to do my exercise on my elliptical tonight. I have three assignments due in the next few days, so I am starting to get stressed out. That is when I start to eat. Luckily, DH has jumped on the bandwagon with me, so he will keep me in line! I hope everyone has a great weekend!!

 

[dizchick]

Hi, I was hoping I could join in on the thread too. A little about me: I've been trying to lose the same 10 pounds now for months! I am a lifetime member of Weight Watchers, so I started going back about 2 months ago. In that time, I've only lost about 3 pounds! I'm so frustrated! I need some motivation to at least try to lose about 3 more before my trip at the end of the month. I think it's harder for me b/c I'm not that overweight, but I could stand to lose a little (especially in my tummy). It seems to take so much work just to get a little to budge.

Also, my BF and I will be going to Typhoon Lagoon while we're at Disney and I'm a little nervous about walking around in a bathing suit all day. I hope no one there looks at me and judges me! So, I think it would really help me feel more comfortable to lose a few lbs before I go!

 

[Disney4Drew]

Hi, I was hoping I could join in on the thread too. A little about me: I've been trying to lose the same 10 pounds now for months! I am a lifetime member of Weight Watchers, so I started going back about 2 months ago. In that time, I've only lost about 3 pounds! I'm so frustrated! I need some motivation to at least try to lose about 3 more before my trip at the end of the month. I think it's harder for me b/c I'm not that overweight, but I could stand to lose a little (especially in my tummy). It seems to take so much work just to get a little to budge.

Also, my BF and I will be going to Typhoon Lagoon while we're at Disney and I'm a little nervous about walking around in a bathing suit all day. I hope no one there looks at me and judges me! So, I think it would really help me feel more comfortable to lose a few lbs before I go!

Welcome Dizchick! It looks like we are having the same weight issue! I am doing low carb right now as it really works for me. My body is happy at this weight, but I am NOT. Good luck with WW. I considered doing it too, but I have class on the night that they meet in my town!

 

[fromscratchmom]

Here's some sunshine for you!...I hope you start to feel better!

Thanks, Disney4Drew! I can't wait to get into the Florida sunshine. I know that getting all that sun will feel great! When I lived in Florida for a while, when I was younger, I took it for granted. After I moved back north, I remember saying to my mom that at least the sky is always blue in Florida. Obviously it isn't always blue, but compared to where I was, (in Atlanta at the time and everywhere further north that I've been since), it might as well be continuous sunshine all winter in Florida. I think the thing I need to consider might be one of those lights they make for depression! Anyway, on the plus side my feet don't hurt. So I am still feeling very hopeful about that situation. Yay!

 

[bubba73]

Dizchik. Of course you can join our thread. Anyone can join. We are all here to motivate and encourage each other as we go through these daily tests of life. We can all understand exactly what you are going through as we have all gotten stuck on those 10 pounds at one time or another. You might want to increase your intensity on your workouts. Really work up a "good" sweat. Also, if you can change the time of day that you exercise, that can make a difference. Trust me, I understand about schedules but if you can, it might make a difference.

Fromscratchmom - I hope you feel better soon. It is so easy to get sick with the young ones around. I know in my case, I have used a headache as a reason not to do any exercise. Of course, if it is bad enough, you should skip so you can better rehab your body. But, in my case, it wasn't bad. I just wasn't motivated to go exercise and I was looking for an excuse. Well, the headache won the battle and I lost. Sometimes, we just have to ask ourselves what do we want more? Is it more important for us to rest or do that 20 or 30 minutes of cardio? You might surprise yourself and have one of your best workouts.

Disney4Drew - Congratulations on your start. It is very motivating when you see any kind of weight loss on the scale. Isn't having a partner to help out wonderful? I always have wanted to be that person for my DW but apparently, she is one person that I can't motivate. Keep up the terrific effort. It will carry you a long way to succeeding your goals.

CJK - Thank you so much for your thoughts dealing with my knee. It is still very bothersome at times and other times, it feels fine. I figure that after I get back from my trip, I will have to go back to the Orthopedic to have that MRI. I am not looking forward to that. Also, please keep your trip report going. I really want to read it all.

As for me, I am heading out on my trip in just a couple of hours. I just had to stop in and see how everyone was doing before I headed out. I hope you all have a fantastic week! Keep encouraging each other. That way when I get back, we can all share a lot of wonderful success stories. I really hope you have a great week.

 

[fromscratchmom]

Hello. I've got my walking shoes on and I'm ready for some movement. Anyone familiar with fly lady? I'm not really on her site. I've heard of her from others. But I think that her advice about putting on your shoes in the morning is pretty good. And always having been a barefoot sort of person that has not been easy for me to figure out. When I first heard about it, I just couldn't believe it. I figured it was coming from somone who had never been "a bare-foot sort of person". Now that I'm seeing the difference with wearing my shoes, maybe I should consider finding her site and joining up for her emails? I don't know that she has anything to say about weight loss, but it is not as if that is the only area of my life that I am working on.

Well, I'm going to get up from the computer and get MOVING. Y'all have a great day!

 

[dizchick]

Thanks for the welcome Disney4drew and Bubba73. I only have two weeks to go before my trip and I really need to ramp up my exercise and cut down more on my unecessary calories. I lifted weights tonight after work and walked a little during lunch. But, for lunch today I had a Cosi salad, which was healthy (mixed greens w/ chicken and ff basalmic vinegarette), but I also had a piece of the Cosi bread, which is 5 ww points. But it's so good. I decided to eat a lighter dinner tonight to compensate. I just need to stay away from the extra bread.

 

[CJK]

Hi everyone!!! Thanks to everyone for checkin' in whenever we get the chance. This thread has slowed down, but I hope that's due to our busy lives and not due to any of us giving up! We're in this for the long haul and want to be healthy and happy for the rest of our lives!!

dizchick - Wishing you all the success you can during these next 2 weeks. You'll feel so good about yourself as you go into your trip! Keep up the great work!!

fromscratchmom - I've never heard of fly lady, but you know, that shoe advice is good. I should put my shoes on RIGHT now as I'm trying to get my butt in gear to go work out. Glad to hear it's working for you. Have a great week!!

Bubba - I hope you're having a WONDERFUL well deserved vacation. I hope you come back rested so you're all revved up to get back into routine and get back into the business of healing that knee!

Disney4Drew - I LOVED your quote, "my body is happy at this weight, but I am NOT". That is sooooo me!! I need to drop close to 20lbs still, but my body seems to be fighting me. It's nice to know we all have each other!!!

I hope all the regular members who haven't posted for a while have the chance to post soon. We miss you!! Hope you're all doing well in your healthy lifestyles.

As for me, I'm doing fairly well. I'm in a little bit of a post-trip slump, but that's pretty normal I guess. I'm exercising daily and have done *fairly* well with the eating.....though far from perfect. I wrote another installment of my trip report if anyone's interested. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1249849

You may remember me posting about a health scare I had about a month ago? The good news is that I am FINE! What a relief.... Still, it was a wake-up call and it helped me realize how much nicer I need to be to my body while taking care of it.

I'm off to do aerobics now. I hope you all have a terrific week reaching your personal goals!!!

 

[fromscratchmom]

Hello, all. I have not been wanting to post much lately, but I am making progress of a sort. You know sometimes when everyone in your house is sick and you have other strange circumstances your best effort is not nearly as good as your best effort at other times. But I am going to pat myself on the back for sticking with it as best as I can, under unusual circumstances.

My doctor decided to test me for celiac disease which honestly I wanted him to do. It was my idea in the first place, but it threw a monkey wrench into my diet never-the-less. The test is for a particular factor in your blood that will only be there if you have gluten in your diet and your immune system is having a reaction to the gluten. So you have to be eating gluten in the days leading up to the test. I had originally planned on doing this for two weeks after reading a lot of conflicting info on how long before the test the gluten had to be there. Some say one week and some say several months and then there was everything in between. Well, I could not make it to Friday, I was just starting to feel progressively worse every day. So I went and had the blood drawn yesterday. Today I am CRAVING bread and pasta, but I've held out and not had any so far.

I'm praying for accurate test results; doctors say that the celiac test is one that often gets false negatives and sometimes false positives. I'd love it if y'all would be praying for me to get some real info out of this test!

I've kind of come to realize all the more strongly that I know that I have to avoid certain foods, because I can feel the difference myself. But I have also come to realize that it is a big deal to me, psychologically, to find out what my doctor thinks and what the test says. I really would like to be able to point to an official diagnoses at times, rather than explain the theories behind why some people follow a certain diet. For instance, when I have to make my plans for eating at Disney, I'd much prefer to say, I need this and my doctor can back it up. I have already learned that the cast members that work at the reservations centers are none to knowlegable about helping people plan for special dietary needs. I don't think that people necessarily do it on purpose, but most people seem to either act as if they just can't believe that you know what you're talking about or they act very interested and curious, but then can't seem to grasp the concept when it is explained to them. Whereas I have noticed that with people who have their story backed up in a way that is popularly accepted already, such as kosher for religious reason or diabetic diet or even the less well known celiac disease get very good results. People either already understand or they defer to whomever has the info to offer on how it works and what is needed.

Luckily, I just got a PM from someone on the disboards who had to have similar dietary restrictions dealth with on a Disney trip. She sent me an actual name and phone number for the right person to deal with at Disney! Hooray! I am so thankful that she took the time to PM me with this info.

So I'm making progress and doing what I need to be doing. And I'm going to Disney in 57 days! Thanks so much to y'all for your encouragement!

 

[bubba73]

Hey everyone!! I'm BACK!! WOW! I feel a 1000% better and more relaxed. We actually did a lot more than I had originally planned but we had a blast. I was lucky enough to play 108 holes of putt-putt and 45 holes of golf. The amazing part of that was I won all but one of the games we played. Also, DW and I were able to get in the pool and the hot tub one night. (Of course, since I can't swim, we really just sat and soaked in the water. Talk about relaxing. The only negative was the place that we stayed at did not have any kind of workout facility. I did do a lot of walking around to try to offset that fact but it wasn't the same. But what was really cool was that we had FitTV and you talk about motivating. One of the shows that they have is called "FitFamily". What they do is they take a family and 2 trainers and then they will spend anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months with them. They go over nutrition, exercise and motivation. Watching what they did was so motivating to me that I couldn't wait to get home and get back to the gym. I saw wives that went from a size 16 to a size 8 in 3 months of high intensity exercise. I saw a husband that went from 270 pounds and being on the verge of a stroke to under 250 pounds and was no longer a risk. I am so pumped that I am going to the gym tomorrow to get started. I can't wait.

Now, for the funny part. Here we are at the beach in Myrtle Beach, SC and we are going through one of the shopping centers. Well, what do I see but a Disney Store. Well, I had to go in, of course. As I was checking out, I went on and pre-ordered a copy of Cars. But I was also talking with the clerk about DisBoards. She was already a member, of course. Well, I also told her about this thread. It seemed like her eyes perked up just a little and she said she would go home and check it out. I spent more money there than I did anywhere else all week and I got to talk about all of you.

Anyway, I'll shut up now. I just wanted to let you all know that I am back and I am back with a renewed vigor. As CJK said, we all have slowed down on our posting. I just hope that I can renew someone's intensity level just like mine has been renewed.

I hope you all have a great week!!