Pls Help Me Retain My 160 LBS Weight Loss at WDW

[The Pluto People]

Hi folks! I'm hoping to get some good info on eating light at WDW in order to maintain my weight loss. This trip is a celebration of my return to health and mobility. It has been 6 years since my last trip and I'm hoping WDW now has lots of healthier eating options. The only reservation we have is at Rose and Crown. We are staying at the Dolphin. Any and all suggestions would be so helpful! Thanks in advance!

 

[MsHershey]

Congratulations Pluto on your weight loss and healthier lifestyle!!! I don't have any tips for you but will sub to this thread as I have made a goal for myself to lose 150 lbs. My reward is my 1st trip since 1985 to DW with my 24yo dd. She has recently lost 95 pounds and I think we deserve this reward. My goal is to visit DW the week of Dec 25 - Dec 31, 2012.

I hope you get a lot of good tips.

 

[keith-atl]

Hi folks! I'm hoping to get some good info on eating light at WDW in order to maintain my weight loss. This trip is a celebration of my return to health and mobility. It has been 6 years since my last trip and I'm hoping WDW now has lots of healthier eating options. The only reservation we have is at Rose and Crown. We are staying at the Dolphin. Any and all suggestions would be so helpful! Thanks in advance!

Well congrats on the weight loss. Don't really have any advice really. The only thing I can suggest is to walk as much as possible (which isn't hard to do at Disney) and just to watch your portions, stay away from Burgers and Fries every day. Which in itself can be hard to do at Disney.

Good luck, Im sure you will be fine and even if you gain a couple of pounds you are on vacation just go back to your routine when you get home. Dont stress it too much you are on vacation.

 

[TDC Nala]

Check the unofficial menus, and go to the restaurants that appear to serve "healthier" offerings. Ask for sauces and/or salad dressings on the side. Go for grilled or baked proteins (chicken or fish) instead of fried. These are not that difficult to find. Since you're at the Dolphin you can't get the dining plan, and don't have to be concerned with dessert at every meal, but you can ask for some fruit for dessert and see if the restaurant can provide any. Go easy on the snacks, or choose fruit / healthier snacks.

 

[stayhomemom77]

Well, there are a few options you have for eating better at Disney.

First off, if you are not getting the DDP you have the option of ordering kid's meals for yourself at some of the quick service places. They come with a choice of 2 sides (carrot sticks, grapes, applesauce usually) and the portion sizes are just right for dieters. The problem with this is that the options for the main course are pretty limited (burgers, chicken nuggets, pb&j etc). A few places have different options though, you just have to do a bit of research on the menu listings on AllEars.

If that doesn't appeal, you can try sharing counter service meals with someone else. I find that DH and I can easily share an adult entree at most of the quick service places and I am NEVER hungry for having eaten only half. If he gets hungry later he gets a snack to tide him over to the next meal.

Also, many of the counter service places offer apple slices as a substitution for fries so that saves some calories and fat right there, even if you only do that.

It is possible to find healthier options (such as wraps and salads) but you sometimes have to hunt for them. Again, check out AllEars for update menus.

In terms of table service meals, I think buffets are a good idea because you can load up your plate with fruit and veggies and then take small amounts of carb and protein offerings. Of course, the "all you care to eat" option sometimes makes it difficult for people to resist going up for seconds and thirds (which defeats the purpose of going there in the first place) so only you can decide if this is a good idea for you.

And lastly, in the non buffet table service places, if you skip dessert most of the time (or just steal a bite or two from your DH like I do!!) and only eat half of your entree, you should do okay! You can also request sauces and things on the side to cut down on some of the fat and calories during your table service meals.

Make sure you drink plenty of water and you should be golden!!

HTH!!

 

[CathieArms]

Hi folks! I'm hoping to get some good info on eating light at WDW in order to maintain my weight loss. This trip is a celebration of my return to health and mobility. It has been 6 years since my last trip and I'm hoping WDW now has lots of healthier eating options. The only reservation we have is at Rose and Crown. We are staying at the Dolphin. Any and all suggestions would be so helpful! Thanks in advance!

Congratulations to you!! I absolutely know how hard that weight was for you to take off, as I'd lost 152 pounds a few years ago... In my case I didn't do so great of a job at staying committed to KEEPING it off. ::sigh::

But, I did keep it off for a very long time, so I do know HOW to keep it off...

Listen to you body. Pay close attention to your body's cues and stop eating when you're not hungry any more. If you feel that you just HAVE TO HAVE something, don't deprive yourself, but remember that the first 1-2 bites taste way better than the last 1-2 bites. In other words, if you must have something, then take 1-2 bites and put your fork down.

At buffets, focus on foods that are good for you. Don't be afraid to try the other foods you're interested in, but a small spoon for taste goes a long way. Focus on the fruits and veggies, lean meats, etc., first and then taste those things that you just feel like you'd like to taste.

Disney can serve really really huge portions. Many of us feel like we're wasting money if we don't eat what we're served. Don't fall into that trap! Decide how much of the food is reasonable for you to eat based upon the way you've been eating to lose that weight, and then just kinda divide it off of your plate. Some people ask for to go boxes right away. I've never done that, but I do try to divide it up a bit on my plate. And, in my case, I frequently offer some to my 6 year old so that he can taste something different than his standard mac and cheese.

Probably the biggest thing is not to fall into that toddler temper tantrum mode. I know you know what I'm talking about...it's when you want something and you feel deprived if you don't have it and you want to stomp your feet and pout. Instead, change your mindset. You wouldn't give your child every single thing his heart desires because it wouldn't be good for him. Why, then, do we as adults think that's okay for us? Decide what you feel is reasonable and stick to it. Don't deprive yourself, but remember "all things in moderation."

You really can do this!!!!! Remember, you've done an outstanding job of losing weight and you want to come home and continue on your journey!

 

[DSLRuser]

Put the fork down.

 

[smiths02]

I am hoping that your diet plan has included how to eat out (not just pre-packaged meals or only food from home)...

Just continue all the tips you learned whenever you eat out:
1) Exercise
2) Drink water (unless you really want something else, if you really want something else...think about it, don't let the waiter keep refilling that coke...order a glass of wine and not a giant umbrella drink)
3) Eat less...ask for a box, divide the plate in half, order a kids meal, share food with whomever is there, order an appetizer as your meal, skip dessert
4) Include something healthy in every meal...make sure you are eating enough fiber (fruits and veggies)
5) Eat only what you love...don't eat something that is just "okay"
6) Avoid unnecessary carbs-that school bread from Norway you have been craving for years-have it; that bun on the counter service burger-toss it
7) Ask for things not to be fried...ask that they not put butter/margarine on things...get sauces/mayo on the side and put what you want

 

[DVC Grammy]

Walk, walk, walk! That's one of the perks of being in the Epcot/DHS area: both parks are accessible by foot.
I have found that, for me, the easiest way to watch my weight when in WDW is NOT to eat in too many TS restaurants. I have much more control over portions and ingredients at places such as Seasons in Epcot, or any of the CS places in the other parks. There are salads offered almost everywhere, and many of the places also offer healthy soups or even sandwiches (Columbia House, Backstage, etc.).
If you do put on a couple of pounds, don't let GUILT do its nasty work on your head; shrug it off and realize that once you get back home and onto your regular routine, they'll come off.
Relax and have a wonderful time celebrating your amazing achievement!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Congrats and clearly you know what to do to do as well as you have. As many have already stated, chefs will prepare most dishes without fats and or seasonings if you request it. I've found over the years that quite a few CS do offer better choices as an alternatice to the the fried, fries, burger, pizza fare. Sunshine Seasons, Columbia Harbor House, Tangerine Cafe are a few of my favorites. It's hard to be good all of the time, allow yourself a few reasonable treats but there is no reason you can't eat healthy at Disney!

We walk so much that I find most of the time we burn off every bit of what we eat.

P.S. I did the dining plan once and only once, for me it's simply too much food. I don't like to see food go to waste, I seldom eat dessert and I found that the DDP pushed me to eat more than I normally would. I can walk around and ride if I'm full up to the gills! Also I stick to water as much as possible, you can bring those pocket flavorings if you want some variety!

Good luck to you and your continued weight loss!

 

[crabbygal902]

I just read that Disney is now offering minimum of one healthy entrée, one healthy side and one reduced-fat or low- or no-sugar-added dessert at each quick-service and sit-down restaurant. This was announced at the recent "Disney Magic of Healthy Living" event.

Congratulations on the weight loss; that is an impressive accomplishment.

 

[bluejasmine]

Congrats! I lost 92 pounds back in 2005 so I know how hard it is!!! I think that WDW has plenty of healthy options, there are salads, sandwhiches on wheat, fruits and more, I do think you should reward yourself a few times with whatever your heart desires on this trip! Just walk and swim and I think you'll be fine..

CHH in MK has a hummus or tuna sandwhich on wheat bread and salads

Torga Tavern ( or whatever) has a veggie dish as do most places in WDW

PB has a HUGE chicken wrap I like and salad

Sushi at several places

Sci Fi has fresh fruit as a dessert option..

Alot of places have a no sugar dessert option

Much Much more!

YOu can always let your server know you need help and they will get the chef to help and sometimes even make you something special! Have fun!

 

[ML_LovesDisney]

When we stayed at BCV they had these delicious chicken salads with a white vinegar dressing and apples. I tried to eat those for lunch most days, I believe I got them at MK also? Not sure. I gained back my 5 lbs i lost FOR Disney at Disney, but it was worth it. I also went to the gym while I was there, but I ate terrible and way more than I would ever eat at home, so my advice would be skip dessert, don't get the dining plan so you don't feel "obligated" to eat a certain amount of food (we did the DxDDP hence my weight gain) and do treats every other day.

 

[diskids2]

Congratulations on your weight loss! In order to maintain or at least not over-do too much, I have the following suggestions:

Make a list (mental or not) of the "splurges" you want to afford yourself. Try to stick to those. Avoid eating empty calories when you don't need to.

Even though there is alot of walking, schedule time each day to do a "workout". I bet you are doing some sort of exercise now...I'd keep doing that in a version you can adjust to WDW.

Garden Grocer will deliver groceries to the Dolphin. We did it last year. This will help you. Since you are not on the Dining Plan, you can order breakfast foods that will keep you on your good health guidelines....fresh fruit, regular cereal, low fat milk, etc.

Make a list of the restaurants you want to eat at, TS or CS. Look at the menu's. This will help with your "splurge" list, but also will help you plan ahead of time what healthy foods you can eat.

Don't be afraid to substitue. Avoid fried foods and insert healthy choices. The kids meals have some healthy substitues.

And my last suggestion is don't punish yourself and start negative thinking if you do eat differently than you do at home. Instead keep positive thoughts and give yourself "congratulations" each time you make a healthy choice.

Have the best trip and again congratulations on your accomplishment!

 

[pigletto]

Everyone else has given you fabulous advice so I will just offer this experience. I went to WDW right after losing 35 pounds. I did come back 10 pounds heavier
However, all but 2 of it was gone within a week of being home. I am certain it was the sodium. I had been really low sodium before I left and didn't pay much attention while I was gone. So don't be frightened of a big jump in numbers when you get back, it is likely from the salt.

(ETA and even the 2 pound gain wasn't too suprising going from 1200 calories a day to.. well more. It was gone within the month as well.)

 

[Mouse's Shadow]

CONGRATULATIONS! You will be great. You will find many options. I like Sunshine Seasons at Epcot. They have some great grilled options and some nice salads. At Teppan Edo your food is cooked on a grill in front of you, so you can easily ask the chef to restrict any extra salt, fat or sauces. At AK, I like the Flametree BBQ, you can get 1/2 smoked chicken or a smoked turkey sandwich. Also at AK, the Harambe Fruit Market back in Africa has fresh fruits. There is a great sushi bar at the Poly. You can order directly from the sushi bar or from Kona's. At MK, the Liberty Square Market has some nice fresh fruit and veggie selections. Many of the snack carts now offer fresh fruit and veggies. The portions are pretty big throughout the World, so I advocate sharing if you can. Have a great time.

 

[momtoejanda]

Congratulations!!!

I always find that I lose weight at Disney. I usually come home about 5lbs less (week trip). No, I am not one of those people who dont need to lose any weight. My last trip I tried to follow weight watchers but that didnt really work.

We do a lot of buffets since we have small kids. Buffets are bad for weight control but I limit myself to one visit up to the bar, load up on veggies and fruit. I even try out a desert at dinner time. The amount of walking we do counteracts anything that I eat.

The biggest thing is just being aware of what/how much. Skip the fried foods, go with the healthy fish/veggies/fruit. Then allow yourself to try a little desert so you wont feel like you are missing anything.

 

[ZoZo]

A couple of strategies that worked on my last trip to eat more healthfully:

Breakfast in the room. Brought a box of healthy cereal from home, grabbed some fruit (bananas, grapes) from the food court, bought juice and milk in the hotel gift shop. Easy!

I also grabbed the little veggie snacks from the POR food court. They sell packs of carrot/celery sticks, plus apple slices. I had brought some of the little peanut butter "tubs" from home (Jif peanut butter), plus some raisins. Great way to have a healthy snack and increase my fruit/veggie intake.

Made some of my own trail mix and brought from home. Nuts, raisins, pretzels, a few M&Ms (for fun!). That and little juice makes a great snack.

 

[The Pluto People]

Thanks for all the helpful information! I am looking forward to this trip even more now that I know I can make healthy food choices! Thanks again!

 

[glasslipper]

Congrats on your weight loss and return to better health, that is quite an accomplishment!! I would reiterate what other posters mentioned about not getting the dining plan, too much temptation with desserts and snacks and the feeling obligated to eat to get your money's worth. I would try to eat like you normally do at home , with a few small splurges here and there. There are plenty of healthy choices at Disney, but a treat or two helps prevent you from overdoing it! Enjoy your trip, have fun and congrats again!