Disney dieters???

[nic100308]

Hey are there any dieters out there? If so I'd like to know your favorite places/things to eat in order to keep the calories down and some tips and strategies for not falling off the wagon completely. I always treat myself to some goodies when I'm on vacation, and most definitely when I'm in Disney, but I also like to be realistic. I'm not the type of gal who can just eat whatever she wants (sadly ) I know the walking helps a ton!! But in between the walking, the ice cream treat, and Chef Mickey's how do you kind of balance it out for yourself? Hope no one thinks I'm crazy, just thought it would be an interesting question to throw out there.

 

[WriteDisney]

Hey are there any dieters out there? If so I'd like to know your favorite places/things to eat in order to keep the calories down and some tips and strategies for not falling off the wagon completely. I always treat myself to some goodies when I'm on vacation, and most definitely when I'm in Disney, but I also like to be realistic. I'm not the type of gal who can just eat whatever she wants (sadly ) I know the walking helps a ton!! But in between the walking, the ice cream treat, and Chef Mickey's how do you kind of balance it out for yourself? Hope no one thinks I'm crazy, just thought it would be an interesting question to throw out there.

Hi! I lost weight last year before heading to WDW in September.. I checked out some of the menu's of places we were planning to eat at, decided to opt for the apples option instead of fries at quick service, and also I ran a few times while there...

Just a word of advice.. you do walk ALOT and I don't think I took that into account during my planning.. I ended up feeling really run down half way through the trip and I blame not eating enough while I was there.. So that's when I added the fries and extra stuff.. I wore a pedometer and we ended up walking 8-12 miles a day so I could get away with alot more then when I'm at home

Have a great trip!

 

[Disney Princess Jenn]

When my family went on our last trip, I tried to eat somewhat healthy by choosing some sort of fruit or vegetable with every meal and limited my Mickey Bar intake (not easy!). After getting home a week later, I had lost 10 lbs.!! I attribute it to all the walking because we ate pizza at 11pm one night and had doughnuts for breakfast at least 3x.

 

[NanaV]

It's not hard to eat fairly healthfully at WDW. Sunshine Seasons has some healthy options for CS meals. Most TS restaurants have some healthy choices, and you can always ask to substitute a side or dessert for a healthier one, like fruit. It's also ok to leave some food on your plate. Since we're on the DDP, and it comes with dessert for every meal, I usually limit myself to a few bites of each dessert, then I don't feel like I've been deprived. Of course, if it's a really good dessert, then I go ahead & splurge!

 

[luckytobeme88]

I was on the "south beach" for a month before heading to Disney this June/July. Maybe you all think I am crazy, but I lost 12 pounds just so I can eat for 8 days without having to watch how much carb and sugar I was eating. After 8 days with the Deluxe plan, I only gained 2 pounds It has been more than 5 weeks since coming back from that trip. I have kept all the weight off without dieting.

 

[trekker93]

From the resort cafeterias to the dining restaurants, I have not had a hard time finding healthy meal choices. Also, because we walk around so much and are active about 10 hours a day, we typically don't put on weight down there - just the opposite - I tend to lose it at WDW.

 

[serendipity]

Eat sushi, fish, etc instead of big fattening dishes (pasta, steaks, etc). Eat your most unhealthy meals at breakfast (so you have time to burn them off). Try to opt for fruit bars instead of ice cream. Stay away from a boat load of deserts.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the W.I.S.H (We're Inspired To Stay Healthy) board.

 

[wild4dis]

My biggest complaint(not really too upset about it though !!) about the DDP last visit was dessert with each meal. I dont really eat dessert when we go out, but since its included...well you know !!
I usually eat pretty healthy, try to stay away from the unnecessary carbs, lots of fruit and eggs at the breakfast buffets (limit those great Mickey pancakes !!) and almost all WDW eateries offer something healthy, even salads at the CS locations.
I think if you watch what you eat just a little, the combination of lots of walking should keep you pretty good.

As always, be prepared to hit the gym hard when you get home and no ice cream or pastries for a month !!

 

[FireDancer]

I am pretty good (some would use the term anal) about making sure to eat the same at WDW as I do at home and if you put a little effort in it is actually easier than you think. Yes, you are walking a lot and I do make sure to add some desserts to compensate (justify much?) but more often I just eat a little more at the buffets. Even dishes that aren't necessarily healthy by default can be made so by getting them without heavy sauces or asking them to be prepared without butter. Getting less fat salad dressings is another easy way to make a salad better for you.

If you are looking for the restaurants that offer the best or most healthy dishes I would recommend:

Kona for Lunch (Asian Noodle Bowl)
The Wave (Lots of good options, I recommend the Tuna if it is still there)
Boma and Tusker House (Buffets full of very good and often healthy food)
Restaurant Marrakesh
Sunshine Seasons
Crystal Palace (Probably the best character meal buffet health wise)

There is nothing wrong with indulging but since it is a healthy lifestyle and not a diet it is good not to wander too far off the reservation, it makes it harder to transition back once you are back to reality.

 

[nic100308]

These are all great guys! Someone mentioned that the DDP always comes with dessert, which is a terrible temptation. DH and I will have free dining for the first time ever this Dec. I almost wish there was a way to sub a nice salad for an app instead of taking the dessert, but alas it will take some self control. We are pretty healthy eaters to begin with and I did tell DH that just because dining was free there was no need to feel like we have to get the most out of it (aka eating every meal that is giving to us). We have no children so when we travel we essentially eat one big meal a day and fill the in between with some healthy snacks we bring from home.

Keep 'em coming, everyone!!!