How to stay on track while at WDW?

[IlliniMouse]

We'll will be leaving for WDW in about a month and am trying to figure out how to stay on track while there. Last year I was totally focused on eating healthy and exercising, and when I went to DL it all fell apart.

I know for a fact there is no way I am will be eating healthy the whole time we're there, although I know I'll be putting in plenty of walking.

I know there's a fitness room at AKL, so I can use that (if I find the time for it). My biggest concern is the eating. That frightens me.

What works for you?

 

[simba20]

This is something I have started to think about as well.

Sounds like we'll be staying there around the same time. I'll be over at AKV.

I have already told my husband that I will be taking time on our trip to use the fitness room when we come back to our resort in the afternoons.

I'm not so much worried about gaining weight while I am there, but it probably will be a week when I won't lose anything, I figure all of that walking/running/swimming/sweating will balance out whatever I eat.

I am also working on getting it in my head, that it is perfectly okay to leave food on my plate.

But same as you, I am trying to find a balance.

 

[dis-happy]

The first week of the Biggest Loser WISH challenge began for me at WDW. All the walking certianly helped! I also tried to order the healthiest thing I could from the menus (ie. the salmon and veggies at Sunshine Seaons). When it came to the yummy things (like desserts) I just ate a spoonful or two from what my dh or the others were eating. Other times I went ahead and simply enjoyed a snack, like the popcorn.

All in all I didn't sweat it too much---still had fun and enjoyed the trip---but it did jumpstart my weightloss. I just figure it's a victory not to gain at WDW. GL!!!

 

[IlliniMouse]

I think I'm going to have to forego the buses and walk to each park/resort I need to be at. I am so in trouble when it comes to picking out the healthy options at WDW. WDW is my happy place. For me, it's all about the feel of the place, the smells, the rides, the shows, and yes..the food. It's the whole package.

This time around I have to try zebra domes, and a Dole Whip. Ghiardelli is on the list. Gotta have school bread, a margarita from Mexico, Tonga toast, the chocolate peanut butter cake from Sci Fi, and I cannot leave the property without a Mickey bar. Just this stuff alone is like what? 40,000 calories?

And when I *really* think about all of this, I'm not worried about what I'll be doing at WDW...it's what I'll be doing when I get home. Part of it is the let down of coming home. It's hard to be happy when you've left your happy place!

 

[canes876]

check this out, http://allears.net/btp/running.htm

 

[kolohe_lady]

It will be easier to stay on track if you keep a regular meal schedule. Try to eat roughly the same time every day. It's harder to resist grabbing too many treats if your stomach is growling 'cuz its been 4 hours since you ate last.

 

[pjlla]

I think I'm going to have to forego the buses and walk to each park/resort I need to be at. I am so in trouble when it comes to picking out the healthy options at WDW. WDW is my happy place. For me, it's all about the feel of the place, the smells, the rides, the shows, and yes..the food. It's the whole package.

This time around I have to try zebra domes, and a Dole Whip. Ghiardelli is on the list. Gotta have school bread, a margarita from Mexico, Tonga toast, the chocolate peanut butter cake from Sci Fi, and I cannot leave the property without a Mickey bar. Just this stuff alone is like what? 40,000 calories?

And when I *really* think about all of this, I'm not worried about what I'll be doing at WDW...it's what I'll be doing when I get home. Part of it is the let down of coming home. It's hard to be happy when you've left your happy place!

Maybe you need to change your list a bit. If you are really serious about staying healthy at Disney, maybe a few of these "must haves" could change to "can live without".

I've learned to enjoy the things at Disney that I absolutely CANNOT get elsewhere.... but to leave everything else alone. Fries and burgers.... I can get those anywhere.... they aren't super special at Disney. Margarita?? Not any more special there than anywhere else. But Mickey bar.... definitely a MUST in my book.... but I'm willing to have a small salad and maybe a piece of fruit for lunch that day, to try to "save" some calories.

I've never had Tonga toast or a Zebra dome (although I've certainly heard about them), so I guess maybe I don't know what I'm missing.

Ghiradelli isn't that special.... is it??

My suggestion would be to look carefully at your list and maybe eliminate one or two items..... or at least just get an order to share with someone at your table, rather than a full serving for yourself. Sometimes a taste of something is all you need.

And about the returning home...... you need to set a specific date and time when you will be BACK ON TRACK.... back to normal healthy eating, back to exercise. I usually set that time for the morning after our return. That first breakfast home is right back on track.... food journal is out, exercise is planned. No excuses for "just one more day" of vacation-style eating. That has been a HUGE key in my weight loss success.

Have a SUPER trip (no matter what you eat!)..................P

 

[fashionista311]

Well having access to a gym is definitely helpful - go first thing in the morning if you can, so it's DONE with for the day. I actually enjoy working out on vacation because I don't feel like i have to be rushing to work - it's just relaxing, me time. If I'm late for something, big deal it's just vacation. Of course it's easier to say this since I'm a 20-something gal without kids, I'm sure the story changes a bit when the kiddies enter the picture But still, if you wait until the afternoon, you'll feel sluggish from running around the parks all day and eating the vacation food...and you won't want to go.

And like others say...everything in moderation. Try to get in fresh fruits and veggies as much as you can without feeling like you are totally depriving yourself. Split desserts. Aim for wine/light beer instead of sugary, high-calorie mixed drinks. I try to ask myself if the calories are "worth" it. Example - soggy greasy french fries at a quick service counter? So not worth it. Now crisp truffle fries from a fabulous restaurant? So worth it, everytime

If you are used to eating well and having a healthy lifestyle, by the time you come home you will be so ready to get back on track - your body will be craving your normal foods!

 

[simba20]

Maybe you need to change your list a bit. If you are really serious about staying healthy at Disney, maybe a few of these "must haves" could change to "can live without".

I've learned to enjoy the things at Disney that I absolutely CANNOT get elsewhere.... but to leave everything else alone. Fries and burgers.... I can get those anywhere.... they aren't super special at Disney. Margarita?? Not any more special there than anywhere else. But Mickey bar.... definitely a MUST in my book.... but I'm willing to have a small salad and maybe a piece of fruit for lunch that day, to try to "save" some calories.

I've never had Tonga toast or a Zebra dome (although I've certainly heard about them), so I guess maybe I don't know what I'm missing.

Ghiradelli isn't that special.... is it??

My suggestion would be to look carefully at your list and maybe eliminate one or two items..... or at least just get an order to share with someone at your table, rather than a full serving for yourself. Sometimes a taste of something is all you need.

And about the returning home...... you need to set a specific date and time when you will be BACK ON TRACK.... back to normal healthy eating, back to exercise. I usually set that time for the morning after our return. That first breakfast home is right back on track.... food journal is out, exercise is planned. No excuses for "just one more day" of vacation-style eating. That has been a HUGE key in my weight loss success.

Have a SUPER trip (no matter what you eat!)..................P

Well having access to a gym is definitely helpful - go first thing in the morning if you can, so it's DONE with for the day. I actually enjoy working out on vacation because I don't feel like i have to be rushing to work - it's just relaxing, me time. If I'm late for something, big deal it's just vacation. Of course it's easier to say this since I'm a 20-something gal without kids, I'm sure the story changes a bit when the kiddies enter the picture But still, if you wait until the afternoon, you'll feel sluggish from running around the parks all day and eating the vacation food...and you won't want to go.

And like others say...everything in moderation. Try to get in fresh fruits and veggies as much as you can without feeling like you are totally depriving yourself. Split desserts. Aim for wine/light beer instead of sugary, high-calorie mixed drinks. I try to ask myself if the calories are "worth" it. Example - soggy greasy french fries at a quick service counter? So not worth it. Now crisp truffle fries from a fabulous restaurant? So worth it, everytime

If you are used to eating well and having a healthy lifestyle, by the time you come home you will be so ready to get back on track - your body will be craving your normal foods!

I just love what the both of you have to say and strongly agree.

My secret weapon is my three year old who I split treats and desserts with. I feel that she does not need to have a lot of sugar, nor certainly do I, so I buy treats with the intention of sharing them with her. Last July, I bought her a package of those Goofy Candy Company unicorn lollipops (poly lops she calls 'em) and back in January my hsuband and I cleaned out our pantry and I found the bag from last July when she had only eaten one on the ride home from DW -- that's how little she gets sweets.

I also agree with treating myself/yourself to only the "must-have" or special things. I totally love the pita bread and hummus (BLACK OLIVE!!!) at Boma. The bite sized desserts, not so much. So guess who will be enjoying some soft warm pita bread and hummus that she can't find anywhere else.

 

[IlliniMouse]

You all have great points. There are certain things that can be had outside of WDW, so you've probably saved me a ton of calories in desserts alone.

Fashionista mentioned something that turned a lightbulb on for me. I'm NOT used to eating greasy, sugary, or fried food. I better watch what I'm eating for the sake of not turning myself inside out because I had to have *something*.

Anyone know what time the gym hours are at Kidani Village? I might be able to get my time in before the sleepyheads wake up.

 

[simba20]

You all have great points. There are certain things that can be had outside of WDW, so you've probably saved me a ton of calories in desserts alone.

Fashionista mentioned something that turned a lightbulb on for me. I'm NOT used to eating greasy, sugary, or fried food. I better watch what I'm eating for the sake of not turning myself inside out because I had to have *something*.

Anyone know what time the gym hours are at Kidani Village? I might be able to get my time in before the sleepyheads wake up.

24/7 I believe. I remember looking for the hours for Beach Club amenities last year and remember it was from 12 a.m to 11:59 p.m.

 

[vickiemariko]

I have a list of "must haves" when I go to WDW, but I always share with my hubby and daughter. So when the Dole float is calling my name I make sure to get 3 spoons (we aren't germaphobes ). That way I feel satisfied without having to eat a whole treat by myself. I even have a little swiss army knife on my keys to cut up items like fudge and cupcakes .

 

[crewmatt]

The gym is 24/7. there's also plenty of room to run/walk (although not as nice as boardwalk area).

 

[goodeats]

I just got back from a vacation (not WDW though) and did OK eating wise. I tried to keep in mind it wasn't a free for all. If I had cookies and chips at lunch then I skipped dessert at dinner. If I had beer in the afternoon than I skipped the cookie. Also the food was a lot heavier than I usually eat so I could eat less and still be satisfied. A few bites of lasagna is enough when followed by a big leafy salad.

Also, there's some things that aren't worth it to me calorie-wise. Churros, bread basket, breakfast pastries would fit that list. But ice cream or a margarita are definitely worth it. Just not both everyday KWIM.

A few days eating more won't derail you too much, it's coming home and staying off plan that's the problem.

 

[dumbo_buddy]

Maybe you need to change your list a bit. If you are really serious about staying healthy at Disney, maybe a few of these "must haves" could change to "can live without".

I've learned to enjoy the things at Disney that I absolutely CANNOT get elsewhere.... but to leave everything else alone. Fries and burgers.... I can get those anywhere.... they aren't super special at Disney. Margarita?? Not any more special there than anywhere else. But Mickey bar.... definitely a MUST in my book.... but I'm willing to have a small salad and maybe a piece of fruit for lunch that day, to try to "save" some calories.

I've never had Tonga toast or a Zebra dome (although I've certainly heard about them), so I guess maybe I don't know what I'm missing.

Ghiradelli isn't that special.... is it??

My suggestion would be to look carefully at your list and maybe eliminate one or two items..... or at least just get an order to share with someone at your table, rather than a full serving for yourself. Sometimes a taste of something is all you need.

And about the returning home...... you need to set a specific date and time when you will be BACK ON TRACK.... back to normal healthy eating, back to exercise. I usually set that time for the morning after our return. That first breakfast home is right back on track.... food journal is out, exercise is planned. No excuses for "just one more day" of vacation-style eating. That has been a HUGE key in my weight loss success.

Have a SUPER trip (no matter what you eat!)..................P

i really like this reply, thank you. you're totally right. i go to WDW often and find myself eating everything in sight thinking i just HAVE to it all. but really, i live in NYC, land of delicious food. it's not like i can't get so many of these things here at home. i can get fries and burgers anywhere at anytime. no need to get them on vacation.

making better decisions while on vacation means that the frozen margaritas (which, to me, are a sign of vacation) won't kill the diet.

great advice!!

A few days eating more won't derail you too much, it's coming home and staying off plan that's the problem.

totally! getting back on the wagon afterward is always the hardest part!

*******************

this is a really good topic. it would be nice if there was a thread somewhere that listed the "eat this, not that" of disney! sure, i'm still going to have the margaritas but perhaps if i eat an apple instead of a school bread it'll make up for it

 

[Michele325]

I've been thinking alot about this as well. I am going to pack my own snacks so I don't get tempted by anything too bad for me (I am doing South Beach). I have looked at menus to figure out the best places to eat meals. I am much more nervous about Disney than our cruise. I think it takes a lot of planning (pick a few of those treats you want to have and know you will have them to skip the others). For me, we do plenty of walking at Disney (follow a touring plan that criss crosses the parks) so I am not that worried about exercise, even though at home I am up to running 10 miles a week. Have a fun trip!!