Eating Paleo in Disneyland

[MrsPinup]

I have been eating Paleo for 3 weeks now (and have never felt better!) and will be heading back to DL for a week in June. I have a copy of the gluten-free options at DL, but even much of that is not paleo friendly.

What have you other paleo eaters done for food at DL? Obviously, I will be packing in fresh fruits, veggies, and water. I know the Tomorrowland Terrace has a delicious chicken and avocado burger I can order bunless. Are the turkey legs and meat skewers paleo or are the sauces off-limits?

PS. for those who do not know, Paleo means no dairy, no legumes (including peanuts), no wheat, bread, or grains and no sugar. I am down 6 pounds, my pants are fitting looser and I want to keep it going

 

[disneegrl4eva]

I have been eating Paleo for 3 weeks now (and have never felt better!) and will be heading back to DL for a week in June. I have a copy of the gluten-free options at DL, but even much of that is not paleo friendly.

What have you other paleo eaters done for food at DL? Obviously, I will be packing in fresh fruits, veggies, and water. I know the Tomorrowland Terrace has a delicious chicken and avocado burger I can order bunless. Are the turkey legs and meat skewers paleo or are the sauces off-limits?

PS. for those who do not know, Paleo means no dairy, no legumes (including peanuts), no wheat, bread, or grains and no sugar. I am down 6 pounds, my pants are fitting looser and I want to keep it going

oh hon...good luck in finding stuff like that...i think you will be able to find the no dairy, legumes, wheat, bread and grain...but the sugar is where you are going to run into problems...Im on the HCG diet and we cant have sugar or starches of any kind and I have found that even the minimal seasonings they put on things like turkey legs, and burgers have sugar in them...and honestly I dont know how much they know about the sugar content in the ingredients...i guess you can try asking them not to put seasoning on your burger when they cook it unless of course they are already precooked and as long as they dont put seasoning inside the meat mixture...anyway best of luck with it and congrats on the loss

 

[celticfury]

sorry, at first glance I thought it said paella ... LOL !!

 

[kylie71]

I thought you we're saying Pareo which is a Sarong......

Lori

 

[BELLEDOZER]

As one Paleo to another, the turkey legs are ok, but ask for the skewers without the sauces or seasonings. You can always get a burger and ask them to put the bun on the side. Or ask for it bunless. While they may give you some strange looks, they are willing to work around different dietary needs. Basically go by the 80/20 rule, you can't avoid the sugar entirely, but you can minimize it to a certain degree. Congrat's on going Paleo!! I've recently found that it's the only way of eating that I can feel healthy on due to my various allergies. You can bake some gluten free goodies and take them with you is a good idea too. You also can ask for a salad and add an unbreaded chicken breast to it to give you some needed protein.

 

[Corpsebride]

I am very curious. What is Paleo? I stopped eating refined sugar of any kind about 3 years ago, as it was making me sick. Like stabbing in my stomach , instant sweats, going to pass out sick. It is hard to go to DL and not have the treats, but Ive gotten used to it. Unrefined sugar does not have the same effect on me.but I rarely eat even that now, because everything sweetened tastes too sweet, lol! but when I tell people that I do not eat refined sugar, and can only have unrefined, they look at me like Im crazy or a P.I.T.A. , such a drag. till I tell them it makes me sick and everyone in my family is diabetic , and most are insulin diabetic. then they say " Oooooh..." I wish Disney would be more willing to switch to unrefined sugar. Its not like they couldnt afford it....

 

[BELLEDOZER]

The best explanation for the Paleo or also known as the Primal lifestyle is no sugar of any kind, no grains (including rice and corn), and no legumes (beans). Keep foods simple, without alot of seasonings, sauces etc. Nothing processed, such as sandwich meats, hot dogs etc. Herbs are Ok, and some Paleo also avoid dairy as well. Personally I do use dairy, just not alot of it. The premise is that Fat is really good for you, and as you switch from a sugar burner to a fat burner, you lose weight, so long as you avoid potato's, and fruit, if weight loss is one of your goals. If you are interested in learning more, check out Marks daily apple. Mark Sisson is one of the pioneers of the Primal movement, and his website has alot of really good info on it. Just keeping it fresh and simple. Works for me.

 

[MrsPinup]

As one Paleo to another, the turkey legs are ok, but ask for the skewers without the sauces or seasonings. You can always get a burger and ask them to put the bun on the side. Or ask for it bunless. While they may give you some strange looks, they are willing to work around different dietary needs. Basically go by the 80/20 rule, you can't avoid the sugar entirely, but you can minimize it to a certain degree. Congrat's on going Paleo!! I've recently found that it's the only way of eating that I can feel healthy on due to my various allergies. You can bake some gluten free goodies and take them with you is a good idea too. You also can ask for a salad and add an unbreaded chicken breast to it to give you some needed protein.

Thanks! I was planning on baking some banana/vegan chocolate chip cookies that I found a recipe for online - they are delicious! While we rarely have treats, I know being around all of the DL sweets will make me crave something sweet.

The best explanation for the Paleo or also known as the Primal lifestyle is no sugar of any kind, no grains (including rice and corn), and no legumes (beans). Keep foods simple, without alot of seasonings, sauces etc. Nothing processed, such as sandwich meats, hot dogs etc. Herbs are Ok, and some Paleo also avoid dairy as well. Personally I do use dairy, just not alot of it. The premise is that Fat is really good for you, and as you switch from a sugar burner to a fat burner, you lose weight, so long as you avoid potato's, and fruit, if weight loss is one of your goals. If you are interested in learning more, check out Marks daily apple. Mark Sisson is one of the pioneers of the Primal movement, and his website has alot of really good info on it. Just keeping it fresh and simple. Works for me.

Good explanation! I also like Everyday Paleo - she has a cookbook and a blog. We have made her Cumin rubbed pulled pork a few times and it is great. I started out with just clean eating, but realized I needed even more cut out - the grains have so much hidden sugar. I can get my carbs from fruits and veggies!

Honestly, it will be so crowded in late June from Carsland opening that food lines will be massively long as well. Maybe bringing in my healthy options will save us time! (and the heat will help me sweat off calories - ie. fat)

 

[williamson_ja]

I was glad to see this post! I am also recently Paleo and am loving it! Disney sounds pretty hard to do without sugar! Hopefully, I can get some meats without stuff all over them and maybe I can have some salads if I bring my own dressing. My daughter is doing it with me and she has to do it for health reasons (she doesn't need to lose weight at all... it's about fixing her auto-immune issues). She has to be more strict than most people. Hopefully we'll be able to find some things. I was counting on having the turkey legs!

 

[mmlover74]

Can you send me the gluten free option list? TIA!!

 

[DharmaLou]

Would it be possible to eat clean during your time in DLR rather than Paleo (incorporating dairy and whole grains)?

Also, check out PaleOMG - one of my favorite Paleo recipe blogs!

 

[MrsPinup]

Can you send me the gluten free option list? TIA!!

I only have a printed version I picked up at DL on my last trip. There are a ton of options though, here are some:
Turkey legs, skewers from Bengal BBQ, Chicken and avo burger (request GF bun) at Tomorrowland Terrace and Taste Pilot Grill, most buffets have many fruits and veggies you can get. I believe the gumbo is GF (just don't eat the bread bowl!) You can request GF pancakes at the character breakfasts - and they are good!

On your next trip to DL, just pop into the customer service office and ask for the GF list.

Would it be possible to eat clean during your time in DLR rather than Paleo (incorporating dairy and whole grains)?

Also, check out PaleOMG - one of my favorite Paleo recipe blogs!

Thanks for the blog recommendation! I don't want to go back to eating clean after having cleaned all of those grains and dairy out of my system

I am planning on bringing my crock pot so I can throw some easy dishes together in the morning and it will be ready when we come back for dinner. Our hotel room has a mini kitchen in it so that will help

 

[LisainCalifornia]

If you are trying to lose weight, I wouldn't recommend the turkey leg! It is one of the most calorie dense things you can get at Disneyland--it has over 1,000 calories and 50 grams of fat!

I lost 30 pounds 4 years ago and have kept it off by eating healthfully (I switched over to whole grains, closely watch my portions, and save dessert for once a week rather than nightly like in the old days!) and do feel much better for it. I know it can be a struggle! After years of yo-yo dieting, I finally figured it out and now maintain my weight within 2-3 pounds.

On vacations (including Disneyland) I try to stick to my regular diet, but do allow myself a few extra splurges (couldn't live without Gibson Girl ice cream!).

It really is all about moderation and sticking within common sense guidelines for health.

 

[mmlover74]

Thank you for some of the GF options...it is my son I am concerned about.

 

[lisachrystine]

This is the last gluten free list I received. It may have changed since then, but gives you a good starting point
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=43809578#post43809578

 

[DSNY4ever]

If you are trying to lose weight, I wouldn't recommend the turkey leg! It is one of the most calorie dense things you can get at Disneyland--it has over 1,000 calories and 50 grams of fat!

I was just thinking the same thing, no beans or whole grains which are very good for you, but a Turkey Leg is ok? (I don't mean to make fun of your diet, I am glad you have found something that you enjoy that works for you, that just struck me as funny).

 

[williamson_ja]

I was just thinking the same thing, no beans or whole grains which are very good for you, but a Turkey Leg is ok? (I don't mean to make fun of your diet, I am glad you have found something that you enjoy that works for you, that just struck me as funny).

For my daughter, the grains and beans make holes in her gut which cause all kinds of problems. You would be surprised at what systems in your body are affected by your gut! Really, what you are supposed to be eating on the Paleo diet is mostly good organic vegetables, fruit, and lean grass fed meat. When you are at Disneyland, we all know you are going to have to make some compromises. You are not going to be able to get grass fed meat.... You are not going to get organic fruits and veg. You have to stick to things as much as you can. For these kinds of people, yes the turkey leg is a better option than something whole wheat. Many people have problems with wheat and that's why they start losing weight on this diet. I have wheat and milk intolerances (not to the point that my daughter does) and I have done really well on this diet. I feel great and have lost quite a bit of weight. Anyhow, I hope that makes a little more sense.

 

[DSNY4ever]

For my daughter, the grains and beans make holes in her gut which cause all kinds of problems. You would be surprised at what systems in your body are affected by your gut! Really, what you are supposed to be eating on the Paleo diet is mostly good organic vegetables, fruit, and lean grass fed meat. When you are at Disneyland, we all know you are going to have to make some compromises. You are not going to be able to get grass fed meat.... You are not going to get organic fruits and veg. You have to stick to things as much as you can. For these kinds of people, yes the turkey leg is a better option than something whole wheat. Many people have problems with wheat and that's why they start losing weight on this diet. I have wheat and milk intolerances (not to the point that my daughter does) and I have done really well on this diet. I feel great and have lost quite a bit of weight. Anyhow, I hope that makes a little more sense.

Oh no I get it, people have so many different allergies/food needs I am glad she has found something that works for her and helps. It just sounded funny to think about. I know how difficult it is to find organic foods/grass fed meats in Disney (or any vacation really). We eat organic at home and we try to eat as little meat as possible (the times we do eat meat we buy from small local ranches). On vacation we often have to make many exceptions because it is just too hard.

 

[lizabu]

I was just thinking the same thing, no beans or whole grains which are very good for you, but a Turkey Leg is ok? (I don't mean to make fun of your diet, I am glad you have found something that you enjoy that works for you, that just struck me as funny).

Just from reading this thread it sounds kind of simular to Atkins. Basically how it works is wheat and other carbs are know to turn into sugar once you eat them. By avoiding these types of foods your body goes into ketosis and burns fat. A turkey leg would be a "safe" food for someone on a low carb diet too.

 

[LisainCalifornia]

Just from reading this thread it sounds kind of simular to Atkins. Basically how it works is wheat and other carbs are know to turn into sugar once you eat them. By avoiding these types of foods your body goes into ketosis and burns fat. A turkey leg would be a "safe" food for someone on a low carb diet too.

I do agree that usually a turkey leg would be a good choice for a high protein snack--but the turkey leg at Disneyland is a whole different thing. I just wanted to make sure that the OP understood this. I could make a totally healthy turkey leg and serve it to someone as the perfect diet food--but the turkey leg at DL is beyond compare as far as fat, calories and most of all---sodium. It is the opposite of a healthy food option. Now, most people go into DL throwing their diet to the wind, but some people may not know just how calorie/fat/sodium dense the turkey leg at DL is. It is the only turkey leg in the history of the world that tastes more like ham than turkey!