Healthy choices at WDW Tips & Ideas thread

[disneygirlinnj]

I remember seeing the cart when we went in May but it wasn't open at the time. But I believe when we were in that area it was mid morning so it could have opened later on in the day.

 

[Raya]

Disneygirlinnj -- where did you get that Cap'n Jack photo in your sig? That's a great shot!

 

[disneygirlinnj]

Disneygirlinnj -- where did you get that Cap'n Jack photo in your sig? That's a great shot!

Thank you! Last may we went to the pirate & princess party (that they no longer have ) at the magic kingdom. there was a jack sparrow meet n greet all night to meet him. my friend and I dressed up and had a great time! hopefully they bring it back!

 

[ROEDISNEY]

Oh that does sound good!

It is. It is. Can't wait to go and get some in 2 weeks.

 

[kisobel]

i find myself needed to not overeat for health reasons and also because of the heat. filling up when its so hot out makes me feel like ick. i hit the fruit vendors. however i have to give into the popcorn a couple times a trip. i swear they put crack on it. sooo goood. ok other then the fruit- sometimes i order soup and an appetizer as my meal. i try really hard not to eat dessert. we have breakfast in the room- oatmeal bars or cereal and fruit. good thread topic.

also why wont disney publish calorie information on their foods? would really be helpful.

kate

 

[cyndisun]

also why wont disney publish calorie information on their foods? would really be helpful.

It might require an overhaul of many of their offerings. The current nutritional info might be . But it would be well worth the effort.

 

[Beka]

Awesome thread! I have to watch what I eat b/c I've had weight loss surgery (boo - pineapple hurts my tummy - those look so good!). I have to avoid stuff like tuna salad, b/c ppl rarely use lite or FF mayo. I'll be glad to report what I find when I get home!

BTW - avoiding a heavy meal is ALWAYS a good idea in the heat. We have a lot of ppl coming into our ERs from eating a heavy meal, which puts a huge strain on your cardiovascular system, so stick to small frequent meals. (Think about it, your tummy is full, and needs to work hard to digest that, so a blood goes to your digestive system to help out... you can kind of see where this goes.)

Here's to losing a pound or two at WDW!

 

[chipndales]

Great thread. I recently lost 30 lbs and love the lifestyle change I've made. Going to Disney is definitely a challenge, but one that can be successful.

Water, water, water! It really does/will fill you up and not make you as hungry.

Plan! Check out those menus before you go and know where you'll want to spend those calories!

Limit alcohol consumption. Those extra calories add up. I do splurge on a glowtini when I'm there, and a Margarita from Mexico. I mean, I am on vacation! I stop there, though.

Portion control. Very important. Have a younger one? Try splitting an app/meal/dessert with them. Of course DDP messes with that a bit, but that's where you have to pick your battles.

I might be in the minority, but I try to work out a little each morning when it's still cool and quiet. Then when I do bite into that dessert or have a churro, I don't feel as bad since I burned while I worked out. I bring my small 2 lb weights and do a series of lifts/pull/stretches. Swimming laps. Fast walk around the resort ect. I know it doesn't work for everyone, but it really keeps my spirits up, my guilt level down, and my energy cranked.

Most important tip. Don't beat yourself up when you do indulge. It IS vacation and you ARE allowed to splurge. Pick a day to be completely off the weight clock and enjoy yourself. Hop back on the wagon the next day.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Great thread!! I think too many people look at the (or don't look) weight side of splurging at Disney and not at the internal effects of eating most of the junk at Disney. My Dad had a heart attack a few days ago (he just turned 60) and since then I have been amazed at how much sodium is in EVERYTHING! I was looking at restaurant menu's online over the weekend and was amazed at how almost every dish at most chain food restaurants have half or more of a daily serving a person is supposed to get of sodium. I leave for WDW tomorrow (thankfully my Dad is ok or I'd be cancelling) and I'm really going to be concious of how much sodium and saturated fat I'm consuming (both heart killers). And while I may not know how much their food have of each I can stay away from the fried, bready, cheesy, glazed, icing, etc.

That being said I order food without cheese or sauces/dressings on the side. I also intend on splitting meals and any desserts. I bought a product called Nu-Salt (no sodium salt) to take with me. I know it's vacation but I want to live long enough (and be healthy enough) to take many vacations to WDW.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I might be in the minority, but I try to work out a little each morning when it's still cool and quiet

I LOVE working out in the morning on vacation!!! Any vacation, even WDW! I feel so good the rest of the day, the fitness room is usually empty no matter where I go on vacation, and I don't feel as bad if I do splurge

 

[magik]

Note: when I think "healthier" I am thinking in terms of higher nutritional value (ie. lots of veggies (or lots relatively speaking compared to other options at Disney), fairly balanced in terms of food groups, etc.), not necessarily low-calorie or low-fat or anything like that.

The Wave at the Contemporary looks like it has a lot of healthier choices - lots of veggies and fresh fish. I don't eat fish, but my boyfriend thought the sustainable fish there was excellent, and I thought the vegetarian sandwich on their lunch menu was quite good as well (grilled tofu, zucchini, eggplant, roasted red pepper and herb goat cheese served on grain bread).

I second the person who mentioned Sunshine Seasons food court at Epcot. I really want to try that beet salad. I wish I had known they had something like that when I was there in June, because I would have made the effort to eat there!

The vegetarian chili and Lighthouse sandwich (broccoli slaw, hummus, tomato) at Columbia Harbour House in MK. I think some of the other options are not too bad so long as you aren't getting the greasy fried fish.

 

[ThumperandLitenin]

I think if most people focused on quantity, they'd be okay. Of course that is a function of what you normally eat. I have to admit to sometimes being amazed as to the amount of food people consume.

Our usual dining fare at WDW for a five night stay usually involves 2 signature restaurant dinners, a nice breakfast, usually a CS meal everyday (split with DW), and the occasional snack. Throw in a few nights of drinks and appetizers at a few of the nice lounges instead of dinner.

There is no way we could to the usual TS, CS, snack everyday.

Staying at a DVC villa also allows us to bring our own snacks/appetizers.

 

[Colleen27]

also why wont disney publish calorie information on their foods? would really be helpful.

It might require an overhaul of many of their offerings. The current nutritional info might be . But it would be well worth the effort.

It would be a no-win situation for Disney, I think. On one hand, you'd have the people screaming over learning that the No Way Jose has a whole day's worth of calories and the mushroom filet has a whole day's sodium, and on the other you'd have the people screaming when their favorite, look-forward-to-it-all-year Disney treats disappeared to be replaced with more healthful options.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

I'm a fruit lover, and have been wondering if the CS/snack fruit at WDW is any good. (You know, not like the mushy, bland $.60 applies you can pick up by the cashier at a college cafeteria.) If I'm paying $1.00 per apple, I expect it to be at least half-way good, you know? I have heard the fresh pineapple spears at Aloha Isle are usually good.. I may get one with my fave Dole Whip for dunking. But what about the apples, oranges, and grapes? (Bad bananas are rare, fortunately!)

My DD7 is a fruit junkie. She LOVES the little stand right outside the safari in AK...we always get some fresh grapes, or a sliced green apple with a little container of caramel for dipping. There is also a stand in Toontown in MK and a place before the Haunted Mansion (also serves the baked potatoes as a pp mentioned) that we hit for her 'fruit fix'. Epcot: Sunshine Seasons and in DHS: don't remember the exact name but it is on the street, to the left, heading towards TOT and RnR. We have also found the Food Courts at the resorts to have very yummy fresh fruit choices.
HTH!

 

[SnwflkCts]

Wow ... I missed this thread the first time it went around! Great ideas!

This last trip, DH and I also tried to eat healthier. I had lost 46 pounds thru WW and became a lifetime member in May 2008 so I didn't want to backslide too badly. It really is very difficult to get back on track if you SUPER indulge on a vacation.

Our big change this time - NO DDP - I don't need the desserts - I ate too much when we were on it. It is not a savings or good deal if you endanger your health is it?

Since we weren't on DDP, we made lunch our TS for the day. Less costly and less food usually. I did indulge some. I did have a beer one night, sangria one day and one fancy drink our last night at WDW. I ate a burger. We normally had salads for appetizer w/dressing on the side for me!

We ate fruit (even the cut up fruit in Epcot was delicious) and other veggies for our snacks. No Mickey Ice Cream

We ate breakfast in the room. Cereal and low fat milk.

We did not do buffets -- sorry -- I have learned some will power but not enough to resist all the wonderful (not as healthy) things at buffets - if you can resist the less healthy options -- they also have healthy stuff at buffets -- but a weakness for me!

We shared items at counter service and some snacks like Dole Whip ... nuts ... popcorn. A little went a long way.

WALKED WALKED WALKED -- ha ha! DH and I returned from WDW with NO WEIGHT GAIN. I will tell you that was AMAZING to me!

Thanks for all the great ideas of places to eat -- and hope I don't sound too preachy! GOOD LUCK!

 

[cyndisun]

I had lost 46 pounds thru WW and became a lifetime member in May 2008 so I didn't want to backslide too badly. DH and I returned from WDW with NO WEIGHT GAIN. I will tell you that was AMAZING to me!

Congrats on the weight loss and for maintaining that while at WDW. That is a huge accomplishment!

How long was your last trip?

I like your attitude that a little goes a long way. I often find if I have a bite or two of something I was craving, I find I don't need the whole thing.

 

[scojos]

hi, i just wanted to add that i am with you
MY weight loss journey started in 2004 with our 1st trip to WDW with 3 v small kids in tow!
i have lost nearly 140lbs and am just over 1/2 of my original body weight - this journey has not been without difficulty (other than avoiding chocolate) I collapsed 3 months ago, was rushed to hospital amd finally diagnosed with gall stones and had my gall bladder removed 2 weeks ago.
I have severe allergies to seafood and fish, which means im limited to veggie options, chicken and beef as i am now on a virtually fat free diet.
funnel cakes are now a massive no-no , we usually share one between 5, but i can still have my dole whip, which no one else in my family likes..
i am hoping to be fitter next year, water parks are my idea of hell, so fitter to swim with my kids!
i would be very intested in low fat options if you find any on your trips, unlike many of you, im ok with carbs, (for medical reasons, obviously for weight loss reasons i try and not eat too many!
I wish all of you with iminenet trips a magical holiday
tracy

 

[arielmomma]

There are so many great ideas on this thread!

For me, I admit that I eat more on vacation and I do like to enjoy dessert particularly at the TS restaurants, but for the most part, I am very conscious about the nutritional value and internal side effects of what I eat.

I primarily:

Stick with chicken, turkey, and fish. (Not fried!). Even the CS restaurants have roasted chicken and are at all of the theme parks. Just be sure to remove the skin and share it with someone else.

Avoid the breads - even the multigrain breads are primarily fiber deprived enriched flour.

As for sodium, it is in everything! Sodium, however, flushes from the body with adequate water consumption. I only drink water on vacation and plenty of it. Avoid the soda and juices!

Eat lots of fruits and veggies. They can be gotten as subsituted side items everywhere.

Fats are good for you. You just have to choose the right ones. Avoid anything fatty and fried.

I rarely get a sweet "snack". I generally eat it with a meal. Why? Because if you consume the sugar with a combination of protein and fiber and you are getting moving again right after the meal, you will burn off the simple carbohydrates quickly and the protein and fiber will keep you full until your next meal.

I also have a child under 3, so I have the ability to share my meals. This helps a ton with portion control.

Otherwise, I just enjoy my vacation! I do make sure that my children eat in this manner as well. I need to look out for thier precious little hearts too!

 

[BadgerBruce]

Rather than healthy selections, we try not to eat too much at WDW. We share nearly all of our meals, including CS locations. Rarely have desserts with a meal--we'd rather split an ice cream cookie sandwich, Dole Whip float, or piece of cake at the Boardwalk Bakery later as a snack. We never get the fries that come with CS sandwiches. We substitute the apple slices (yummy!) or order without, which saves about $1.80 off the combo price. I love fries, so if we get them it is later as a snack (Harry Ramsden's-ooh!). Rarely order soda anywhere--CS locations will give you ice water if requested. Other than one character meal per trip, we share our table service meals. I get to have my Beaches & Cream double cheeseburger, onion rings & chocolate malt--as long as we split it! A few healthier items we like:

Boardwalk Bakery has awesome, relatively healthy sandwiches.
Columbia Harvest House in the MK has a delicious veggie chili.
Baked Potato cart outside of CHH for baked potato & apple slices.
Chicken Caesar Wrap at Coronado Springs' Siesta pool bar.

 

[Thumperette]

I had a granny smith apple in tomorrowland at the little fruit kiosk outside of space mountain last year and I can honestly say it was an amazing apple. I usually don't get red apples because I find they can get mealy and grainy very quickly and it's hard to tell from feeling the outside. it was nice and cold since it was sitting in a basket on top of ice and crunchy! I even commented on it a few times. not sure if i loved it so much because my body was just craving healthy food but it was good!

Mmmm... yeah, a granny smith would be absolutely perfect for a hot and tiring day at MK. I'm glad they have them, in addition to red delicious!

My DD7 is a fruit junkie. She LOVES the little stand right outside the safari in AK...we always get some fresh grapes, or a sliced green apple with a little container of caramel for dipping. There is also a stand in Toontown in MK and a place before the Haunted Mansion (also serves the baked potatoes as a pp mentioned) that we hit for her 'fruit fix'. Epcot: Sunshine Seasons and in DHS: don't remember the exact name but it is on the street, to the left, heading towards TOT and RnR. We have also found the Food Courts at the resorts to have very yummy fresh fruit choices.
HTH!

Thanks!! This list will be *very* helpful.