PCOS and Disneyland

[Blackunicorn]

Okay, what I really mean is insulin resistance and Disneyland. I know there are women on this board somewhere with it. How do you handle it? Do you find it easy to find meals that stay within the low-carb range? How about drinks? I like water and salads, but I don't think it would be much of a vacation if I spend the whole time poking lettuce and wishing for *some* kind of flavor in my drinks. (I can't have caffeine--it's not medical, it's that I gave it up some time ago trying to manage symptoms that turned out to be PCOS and now I can't stand caffeinated beverages.)

I'm very worried, and I'd appreciate advice. I researched some diabetic WDW info, but I haven't found much in the way of Disneyland info. I'm on 30-50gram of carbs a day, and I get sick if I don't stay at least close to that range. This is the last Disney vacation for the foreseeable future and I want it to be a good one. Thank you!

 

[zukeeper]

Definitely check out the Bengal BBQ for some protein. Also check out the menus - I liked to make notes and carry them with me.
Check this site - http://www.allearsnet.com/dlr/din/menu/menus.htm#dl
and make your own notes specific to your diet or eating preferences.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Okay, what I really mean is insulin resistance and Disneyland. I know there are women on this board somewhere with it. How do you handle it? Do you find it easy to find meals that stay within the low-carb range? How about drinks? I like water and salads, but I don't think it would be much of a vacation if I spend the whole time poking lettuce and wishing for *some* kind of flavor in my drinks. (I can't have caffeine--it's not medical, it's that I gave it up some time ago trying to manage symptoms that turned out to be PCOS and now I can't stand caffeinated beverages.)

I'm very worried, and I'd appreciate advice. I researched some diabetic WDW info, but I haven't found much in the way of Disneyland info. I'm on 30-50gram of carbs a day, and I get sick if I don't stay at least close to that range. This is the last Disney vacation for the foreseeable future and I want it to be a good one. Thank you!

I just got some Crystal Light To Go packets. They sell them in bulk at Sam's club and probably have them at Wal Mart. They are small tubular packets so easy to carry, 5 calories each, no carbs and you put each one in a 20 oz bottle of water, shake it up and drink. It tastes good! There's a fruit punch flavor and a lemonade flavor. No caffiene. And no, I have a hard time staying on my low carb/low fat diet in DL. I ate at Bengal BBQ and bought the fried chicken, removed the skin and didn't eat fries. I requested apple slices instead at the take out places. That is okay, but not great for low fat/low carb. It's slim pickings in DL for low carb/low fat food choices.
Good luck!

 

[ballarinamom]

Turkey legs and Bengal BBQ would be good options. For larger meals, maybe Blue Bayou (kid's primerib with double veggies- $11) or Goofys Kitchen for dinner (they had sugar free desserts). Rancho del Zachalo has a roasted chicken and you can sub veggies for beans and rice. I agree with looking at allears.net menus to help make your choices. Good luck and enjoy!!!

 

[Queenbillabong]

Anywhere you can get meat and veggies, you should be okay - just might need to modify or substitute. Salads are good, but there are other options too. The grilled asparagus and bacon at Bengal BBQ, grilled veggies too. The sauces may be too much sugar, but maybe then can grill the beef or chicken without sauce.

I see sugar free desserts too - so enjoy yourself! It is doable, but you have to plan ahead a bit. It's good to research your options! And I second the Crystal Light. I like it better than carbonated drinks and it's a change from plain water (which I do like, but need to mix it up a bit!).

 

[Blackunicorn]

LOL Now I know that I'm in a panic...I *just bought* some of those packets, they're sitting in my kitchen staring me in the face. Thank you guys so much for reminding me!

And thank you for helping me with the menus. I feel so much better being able to plan where we're going to go. And I also feel better knowing that it's not going to be a problem to substitute veggies.

 

[Blackunicorn]

Definitely check out the Bengal BBQ for some protein. Also check out the menus - I liked to make notes and carry them with me.
Check this site - http://www.allearsnet.com/dlr/din/menu/menus.htm#dl
and make your own notes specific to your diet or eating preferences.

Bengal BBQ is open? I thought it became a part of the the River Belle Terrace expansion. That's great news for me!

 

[pixiewings71]

Bengal BBQ is open, I love the way it smells as we walk by. We still haven't eaten there though...need to fix that soon! lol

I wanted to suggest something else for your water, True Lemon or True Lime. They are little packets that you just add to your water and it makes it flavored without adding anything else. You can get a free sample at www.truelemon.com

 

[Blackunicorn]

Very cool! No carbs and no artificial sweeteners! Sounds perfect! I went right away and ordered my samples!

 

[ScooterL]

If you're going to be dining at any of the table service restaurants, then make priority seating in advance, and when you do, tell the reservation person that you have special dietary and needs and will need to speak with a chef before you order. They should note that on your reservation. Then, when you check in at the restaurant podium, again remind them that you need to speak with a chef. They should either be able to modify an existing menu item to meet your needs, or even come up with something that isn't on the menu using ingredients they have available. Don't be afraid to bring your own low-carb snacks, too.

You might also post this over on the DISabilities forum. It's more WDW-oriented, but there's some Disneyland knowledge there. And if you read the DISabilities FAQ sticky at the top there's some additional info on special diets.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

I have PCOS. They wanted to put me on Metforim, but they told me to eat a lot of veggies and fruit, and barely no carbs. They said it could really upset my stomach if it did. Well I have Crohn's Disease, so eating most veggies and fruits is a no no. Carbs actually are okay for my stomach, and I don't need anything that causes more stomach problems.

So my OB/GYN has me on birth control pills, that controls my cysts and pain. Which were my main problems. Kudos to those of you who can manage that diet. Very difficult, especially on vacation!

 

[DevilDuckie]

How low carb? Atkins "No carbs!" or just "No flour, sugar and starches"? If carbs like apples are okay it becomes a lot easier. Trying to do the parks on a rigid Atkins program can get frustrating.

I think I'd buy some plastic bottles of diet 7up and carry one with me. Table service will be easier to get accomodations made than counter service (they try but it's a more limited ability to find workarounds) so you might consider making a few PS.

 

[Blackunicorn]

Not quite as bad a as Atkins. "No flour, sugar, or starches" does really cover it fairly well. I'm basically trying to avoid the items with more carbs, so basically sweet-tasting fruit would be bad, but tart-tasting fruit is okay. I'm still relatively new to the diet, so I'm still learning to make adjustments when I'm eating out.