Weightwatchers and the Disney Dining Plan

[calster21]

I know that its next to impossible to restrain yourself from the great food that you get from the DDP. We've had the DDP for the last two years and have come back with a few extra pounds around the waist.

Things are different now. We're on Weightwatchers and have got the DDP planned for our next trip as well.

Any strategies or meals from the menus that anyone can recommend?

Thanks much

 

[suffolkprincess]

I went to Disney on WW twice, and did not gain either time. I LOVE the points plan and lost 65 pounds on it (took 18 mo) which I have kept off for almost 2 years now

OK:

Drink a LOT of water, and don't drink any sodas, smoothies, coffee drinks, slushies, etc. Those things have just way too many empty calories! OTOH, if smoothies are just a favorite splurge, you'd need to have one sometimes during the trip, but remember that there is SO much yummy stuff to have there-- save your points for the really great, really unique to Disney items.

Have low points snacks with you in the room-- granola bars, cold cereal, apples, whatever.

Whenever you eat, it HAS to be balanced. By following this rule, I end up eating mini-meals more and snacking less. Which is good. So- try to get some carbs, some protein, and some fiber whenever you snack. I *know* this is hard, but it will slow you down on lame empty calorie snacks, too.

Normally, I do not necessarily have a salad with every meal cause I'm not a big salad girl. At WDW, at buffets, I would scope them out, including dessert and have a nice salad with little dressing (lemon, vinegar) or a low fat dressing that would seem most likely to be lower cal (study up before you go-- low fat raspberry vinaigrette can be very high cal b/c of sugar.) AFTER my salad and finishing a drink, I go for my food, and I am aware of portion sizes. Remember that the first two bites of ANYTHING are the most satisfying-- get two bites of everything that appeals to you. But JUST TWO BITES. Then, promise yourself you can either get seconds or have dessert.

I rarely had bread at WDW that was really worth the points. Watch out here.

If I have a danish for breakfast, I don't have any more sweets until at least 8- 12 hours later. This is just a personal Disney rule that I have seen to really help me.

Learn your portion sizes and STICK TO THEM.

That's my main strategy.... good luck!

 

[Pumbaa_]

Excellant advice! Congrats on your weight loss and maintaining it for two years, that is fantastic!

Good advice on the buffets, the two bite rule is very practical too!

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I lost 95 pounds on Jenny Craig and have 14 more to go. I went to WDW in October while on JC and realized that it wasn't worth the stress of counting things out, worrying about caloric intake, etc. You are on vacation. Do what feels right for you. When I was there, I thought about what food groups I was having, etc. and actually lost 3 pounds. I had french fries a few times and did not restrict what I ate. If your metabolism is high from losing and you don't go totally overboard, you shouldn't have to worry about it.

 

[Pirate's Princess]

I agree that you're on vacation. Don't worry yourself with all those points. I too lost weight on WW (40 lbs) and have kept it off for 2 years and when I went to Disney last year I tried to be good about fruits and veggies (I do love them so) and I even ended up losing 5 lbs. This time I'm going to eat what I want. If I lose, I lose, if I gain, I gain.

The important part is if you do go "off program", you don't use that as an excuse to fall (or stay) off the wagon when you get home. Go to a meeting when you get back ASAP and get back to it.

 

[A's Princess]

Remember that the first two bites of ANYTHING are the most satisfying-- get two bites of everything that appeals to you. But JUST TWO BITES. Then, promise yourself you can either get seconds or have dessert.

I rarely had bread at WDW that was really worth the points. Watch out here.

Great advice - I love the two bite rule - hope I can stick to it too!

I found that a daily mini-workout (30 mins) either power-walking w/ DD in the stroller or escaping to the gym during naptime helped me not gain any during our last trip.

Good luck!

 

[Jenniww]

I work for WW and lost 43 pounds five years ago!

I went to Disney and enjoyed myself~ when I say that I did have two rules!

#1 eat what I wanted~ (I even ate a few fried things)

#2 never leave the table filling stuffed, I watched my portions and ate dessert with lunch and dinner everyday!

7 days on dining plan and I gained 1.6 which I lost the following week!

I will be following those same rules this year~ I also started running this past year and want to wake up and go for a run before I get going for the day.

You can do it!

 

[2kids1dog]

Great advice, thanks!