Dieting while at Disney. Help

[Nlihte]

I am on a low calorie diet with excercise that I cannot go off of during vacation in two weeks. We will be at the BWV (1bedroom for a week.) Like most of you the Food at Disney is so difficult to pass up but I must follow my Dr's instructions. Anyone have some advice on how to go about eating healthy and light but still enjoying the eating opportunites. I will be working out every morning at BWV so that will help some. Thanks Dennis

 

[mackdaddyrocker]

Congratulations on deciding to manage your weight! It's not easy at WDW, but certainly doable.

First off, understand that if you're visiting the parks, you're likely to greatly increase your level of excercise, just by walking around. I averaged 20,000 steps per day - or nine miles.

There is fruit available at stands in each of the parks. This is always a healthier alternative to the tempting food in the restaurants.

Drink lots and lots of water! This will also help take the edge off of your appetite.

Don't beat yourself up if you indulge some while on vacation! A WDW vacation can be very, very active, so.... if you take in a few more calories than you expected, it won't be the end of the world. Remember, 3500 calories eaquals one pound, and that's a lot of food to eat. If you make some reasonalbe choices with more fruits and veggies, you should be OK.

Stay away from french fries and other deep-fried foods as much as possible. I've found that the buffets always have some healthier items that I can eat first to fill my hunger, while indulging a little into some of the other items that I just would like to try.

There's lots of chicken and fish options available everywhere...less red meat/less calories.

Good Luck!...and have fun!

- from one whose lost 110 in 18mo, while visiting four times.

 

[Lorraine]

You will be able to do your own breakfast so this should not be a problem.

I always allow myself one treat a day and then eat sensibly for lunch and dinner. With the excercise you are doing in the morning and then all the walking about, you may well be able to break even. It is a holiday and I always found my daily treat something to look forward. That being said if you were to put on 1-2 lbs it would come off very quickly when you come back, and I could easily put on 7lbs in a week without trying before so 1-2lbs isn't the end of the world.

Enjoy!

 

[sunan]

You've gotten some great advice here.

I echo the notion that this is where having a kitchen really comes in handy. I'd do a quick grocery stop and pick up plenty of appropriate breakfast/lunch/snack foods to keep on hand. Then just be careful about what you order. WDW has come a long way in offering healthy but delicious options over the years... the only vegetarian alternative used to be salad!

Check out Deb's web site for dining suggestions and menus: http://allearsnet.com/din/special.htm You'll find some practical ideas and great places to eat while keeping yourself healthy.

Have a great trip!

 

[beachbunny]

I just got back from WDW and this is the first time I was actually watching what I ate there (I need to fit into a skinny bridesmaids dress in two weeks). I found most places (even counter service restaurants) had nice salads (ask for dressing on the side as they tend to go overboard). And staying out of the candy stores and bakeries helped. At dinner (sit-down restaurants), my husband ordered dessert and I had one or two bites which was quite satisfying and I didn't feel at all deprived. Good luck!

 

[Nlihte]

I guess I know that the choices are mine. It's just the temptation is so great. I am determined. Thanks for the insight and advice.

 

[catherine]

In Dec. we went to WDW for 16 days. Before we left for the trip I decided that I was going to eat like I will eat once I'm at my goal weight. I made good food choices, but I still ate an awful lot of what I would ordinarily consider to be 'cheat' foods. I went to several character breakfasts, and several of the nicer restauarants, I ate fish and chips, chocoalate cake etc. but I also stopped before I became full and bloated. When I got back from the trip I had gained 1lb, which was due to water retention because of the long flights. The following week I lost 5lbs! We stayed at OKW so like you we had full kitchen facilities, so unless we had a character breakfast I would eat a sensible breakfast, before we set of to the parks, and a couple of times I had a low calorie dinner back at the villa. One thing I never did was eat between my meals, so I never had any snack foods. I think that it really just comes down to making good choices, but also allowing yourself to still have some foods that you wouldn't normally eat. Good luck! Hope that you have a wonderful vacation!

 

[thotfulspot]

Great advice from everyone! I don't have much to add, except that I was there in January in my third week on Atkins, and lost weight while there. I was determined to stay on plan, and did, while enjoying things I had never eaten before. They have sensational salads at the Columbia Harbor House in the Magic Kingdom, for example. I read through the menus online before we left (the link to Deb's website is above) and chose several likely restaurants for each park, so I wouldn't be caught short and hungry anywhere. I drank tons of water, walked all over the place, and looked forward to all the good meals. I never felt deprived, although there was a stand in Adventureland that sold roasted nuts that was just mean.

There is such a wide range of choices at Disney World now! Just do a bit of research first, and you'll be fine!

 

[LittleMissMickey]

One thing I found to be helpful down there, as I was trying to stay on a low COST plan, and it helped me stay low CAL, was to pack some snacks. I overeat if I wait until I'm ravenous to eat, so I just packed a few little snacks. I tried to cover a variety of things so I could satisfy any cravings. Here is what I had...
Granola bars
Trail Mix
Raisins and Craisins
Hard candies
Gum in a variety of flavors
Pretzels
Cereal
These things helped me a lot, and my friend was not at all upset at skipping some of the food stands! We were able to snack while waiting in line for attractions, on the bus, walking around, anywhere! I always bring my water bottle, too. We each had a 32 oz bottle, which saves money, time and helps control the need for sodas, etc. I didn't take all of the snacks every day, usually just something salty and something sweet. I am going to do this again!
Good luck!
Ashley

 

[karebear1]

You can get sugar free desserts from the restaurants there if you call the day before and ask them to have something ready for your visit the next day. They are morme then willing to do this- and it will give you the special treats you might otherwise miss. Also- if you're unsure what to eat when you get into the restaurant- ask for advice from the kitchen. Staying at BWV will be a wonderful perk for you as far as eating is concerned. It's so easy to go back and forth from resort to park. Come back at lunch time for lunch and a swim and then go to the parks for dinner. Plan a low cal night snack if you'll be out late at night and drink lots of water.
Waht are you limits for foods , cals etc?

 

[Hollyann]

Wow! You all have such wonderful advice! I can't wait to give WDW it's food test when I go!

I've heard (not tried yet) that if you are going to any of the finer restaurants, call at least 24 hours in advance with your dietary restrictions (diabetic, very low carb, etc.) and they will work with you. I've also read that Kosher meals require a credit card deposit, so they may require it for other restrictive diets. I'm pre-diabetic, so that's my plan!

Kudos to you for sticking to your plan while you're in WDW, but I agree, a little special treat shouldn't hurt with all the walking! Can't wait to hear how the trip was!

 

[Nlihte]

You have all inspired me that it is possible to maintain.
One thing I thought would be a good idea is to stay away from buffet's. That seems to me more of a challange to not pile large quantities of food on ones plate. Now that I think of it, BUFFET"S SHOULD BE OUTLAWED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks again for your inspiration. Dennis