Dieting to Disney

[callie]

So... I've been planning eagerly for the last week and last night it hit me... I'm going to be MISERABLE if I don't loose some weight before this trip. I'm blogging to keep myself accountable and thought I would share in case anyone else is in the same boat. I'd love to have someone else who is working towards a similar goal to chat with!

http://dietingtodisney.blogspot.com/

 

[Figgy1]

So... I've been planning eagerly for the last week and last night it hit me... I'm going to be MISERABLE if I don't loose some weight before this trip. I'm blogging to keep myself accountable and thought I would share in case anyone else is in the same boat. I'd love to have someone else who is working towards a similar goal to chat with!

http://dietingtodisney.blogspot.com/

How good shape are you in and be honest!!!!! You will need to be able to walk 6-10 miles a day!!! You can do it if you are willing to work! A good starting point is one of Leslie Sansone's 3 mile Walk At Home videos. Good luck with the weight! But your cardiovascular endurance is actually more important. IMO

 

[Figgy1]

You will also need good and comfortable footwear for this trip! I like Crocs Vezzy's but I'm a flip flop girl who goes in June! What ever you choose make sure they are well broken in, I also wear new Disney footwear in the store until I get really funny looks want to make sure they'll be comfortable. If mamas not happy .....! have a great trip!

 

[Figgy1]

So... I've been planning eagerly for the last week and last night it hit me... I'm going to be MISERABLE if I don't loose some weight before this trip. I'm blogging to keep myself accountable and thought I would share in case anyone else is in the same boat. I'd love to have someone else who is working towards a similar goal to chat with!

http://dietingtodisney.blogspot.com/

Amost forgot welcome to the sight and I know you'll reach your goal! Keep moving foward!

 

[Disneykidder]

I read your blog and understand. Although desitin helps with the chaffing, is it worth it? I think a lot of us struggle to lose weight. The best thing is to keep moving, drink lots of H2o and get sleep at night. However, that's not easy to do with small children, huh?
While in Disney, we walk a lottt. Even though we eat at a lot of great places, we pretty much walk it off.As someone said, great footwear is a must in WDW but also stay hydrated.

Welcome to an amazing site filled with sooo much information. Enjoy reading threads and getting some great tips.

 

[journ116]

I, too, just read your blog. Here are some important things to remember when traveling to WDW:

1. Take your time. You could spend a month there and still not see or do everything. Peruse these boards, hop onto Disney's site and have a map made of what attractions at which park you really want to do, or pick up a travel book.

2. Don't underestimate an empty bench and a bottle of water. Even the fittest of people take breaks (especially at EPCOT...one day we logged 5 mi. alone there).

3. If you're in pain at all, sit in on a show (all the parks have 'em). And if you forget some pain meds, stop in at the First Aid station, which are located next to the Baby Care Centers.

4. Start walking now...if you can get your whole family involved (sometimes), even better! Park farther away from whatever store you're going to; if you have stairs in your home: instant stairmaster! Every little step puts you closer to your goal!

5. Shoes, Shoes, SHOES! Find a good pair (whether it be sneakers or sandals, or both), and start breaking them in! Typically, in trips past, all I would wear were sneakers (something with a firmer heel, yet light), and flip-flops at night (which typically has a slower tempo with my family). This past trip, I invested in some Crocs Kadee Ballet Flats, because I wanted to dress a bit nicer (I wore capri tights the entire time with my dresses, which I was much more comfortable in):
http://www.amazon.com/Crocs-Womens-...ie=UTF8&qid=1358781549&sr=8-12&keywords=crocs
I love these shoes!! Of course, with all the openings, my feet were a bit dirtier at the end of the day, but that only gave me an incentive to soak my feet in the tub! My feet did not feel tired and I did not get any heel blisters (which I was afraid of with ballet-type shoes).

6. Pack blister band-aids and travel-size foot powder.

I have used our trips to WDW as incentives...in fact, I'm doing it again for our June 2013 trip because we're planning on taking our DD's to one of the water parks! However, don't starve yourself to get there: if you're eating a salad, eat a BIG salad (with all the right fixin's of course). And like I said before, every little step counts! Even when you do get there, there may be days that you don't even realize how far you've actually walked, because you'll be too busy to notice! Immerse yourself in the magic and enjoy the visit thru your daughters' eyes!

YOU CAN DO IT!

 

[StarWarsGirl]

So... I've been planning eagerly for the last week and last night it hit me... I'm going to be MISERABLE if I don't loose some weight before this trip. I'm blogging to keep myself accountable and thought I would share in case anyone else is in the same boat. I'd love to have someone else who is working towards a similar goal to chat with!

http://dietingtodisney.blogspot.com/

I think you've got some great forethought in thinking about this now. It will be miserable if you cannot walk. We had a friend who went with us and was always lagging behind. It was miserable for him and for us. My family jokes that we get into "Disney Walking Shape" while on vacation, and it's true. I do not worry about heading to the gym while in Disney.

Also, I'm in really good shape (I workout almost every day, do Pilates, etc.) but my thighs are extremely muscular, so I still chafe around my shorts, especially in the summer when I'm sweating like a pig (although pigs don't sweat. Moving on...) and around my underwear. If this describes you, and if you can, get some longer shorts and alternate when you wear them verses shorter shorts. I will wear shorter shorts on the first day, then longer ones the next, until my body gets used to all of the walking. It really helps. Also, plan on keeping some aloe or another soothing cream on you just in case.

Also, while you're on vacation, don't worry about skipping desserts. You can eat healthily, but feel free to have some fries or a dessert while there. Payback for all the walking you'll be doing!

 

[StarWarsGirl]

I, too, just read your blog. Here are some important things to remember when traveling to WDW:

1. Take your time. You could spend a month there and still not see or do everything. Peruse these boards, hop onto Disney's site and have a map made of what attractions at which park you really want to do, or pick up a travel book.

2. Don't underestimate an empty bench and a bottle of water. Even the fittest of people take breaks (especially at EPCOT...one day we logged 5 mi. alone there).

3. If you're in pain at all, sit in on a show (all the parks have 'em). And if you forget some pain meds, stop in at the First Aid station, which are located next to the Baby Care Centers.

4. Start walking now...if you can get your whole family involved (sometimes), even better! Park farther away from whatever store you're going to; if you have stairs in your home: instant stairmaster! Every little step puts you closer to your goal!

5. Shoes, Shoes, SHOES! Find a good pair (whether it be sneakers or sandals, or both), and start breaking them in! Typically, in trips past, all I would wear were sneakers (something with a firmer heel, yet light), and flip-flops at night (which typically has a slower tempo with my family). This past trip, I invested in some Crocs Kadee Ballet Flats, because I wanted to dress a bit nicer (I wore capri tights the entire time with my dresses, which I was much more comfortable in):
http://www.amazon.com/Crocs-Womens-...ie=UTF8&qid=1358781549&sr=8-12&keywords=crocs
I love these shoes!! Of course, with all the openings, my feet were a bit dirtier at the end of the day, but that only gave me an incentive to soak my feet in the tub! My feet did not feel tired and I did not get any heel blisters (which I was afraid of with ballet-type shoes).

6. Pack blister band-aids and travel-size foot powder.

I have used our trips to WDW as incentives...in fact, I'm doing it again for our June 2013 trip because we're planning on taking our DD's to one of the water parks! However, don't starve yourself to get there: if you're eating a salad, eat a BIG salad (with all the right fixin's of course). And like I said before, every little step counts! Even when you do get there, there may be days that you don't even realize how far you've actually walked, because you'll be too busy to notice! Immerse yourself in the magic and enjoy the visit thru your daughters' eyes!

YOU CAN DO IT!

You're right about the shoes and the travel book. I bring about 3 pairs of shoes with me so if one set gives me blisters, I can switch so it's not rubbing in the exact same spot the next day. And about not seeing everything. I spend 2 weeks there in August and do not see everything. When I went to Disneyland, a guidebook was invaluable. I like this one.

 

[BigRedDad]

Its impossible to predict results. Results are going to be 100% on your determination. Dieting is an absolute waste of time though. You need to make a lifestyle change or it will do nothing. Depending on your fitness level, you have a lot of options. For 99.99% of the people, you need nothing more than gravity. In order to lose weight, it is a simple equation: burn more calories than you take in. It is as simple as that. Experts can give you the data on this. For me, I burn about 1800 calories a day naturally. However, I took in about 2500-3000 calories a day. The next thing is what are the right calories, proteins, carbs, and everything else. After that, is how much exercise are you going to put in.

Easy things:
1. Eating healthier
2. Brisk walk for 45 minutes per day
3. Light weight work out (muscles help burn more calories than fat). You would be surprised at how quickly muscles build doing the simplest of things. Muscles do not know different types of resistance. I recommend using bands because they build strength in very small stabilizer muscles at the same time. Do squats with no weights (proper squats). You'd be surprised at how much of a workout your legs get. Do lunge squats as well. You can do pushups too. Do them from your knees (I have to alot). As you gain strength, you can move your hands wider and closer to change the muscles worked.

There is so much that can be done, it all depends on you. If you get into a good fitness program, you can actually lost a lot of weight quickly if you are dedicated. I did a lighter form of P90X and lost 25Lbs in 2 months. Knee surgery stopped that though.

 

[callie]

I think you've got some great forethought in thinking about this now. It will be miserable if you cannot walk. We had a friend who went with us and was always lagging behind. It was miserable for him and for us. My family jokes that we get into "Disney Walking Shape" while on vacation, and it's true. I do not worry about heading to the gym while in Disney.

Also, I'm in really good shape (I workout almost every day, do Pilates, etc.) but my thighs are extremely muscular, so I still chafe around my shorts, especially in the summer when I'm sweating like a pig (although pigs don't sweat. Moving on...) and around my underwear. If this describes you, and if you can, get some longer shorts and alternate when you wear them verses shorter shorts. I will wear shorter shorts on the first day, then longer ones the next, until my body gets used to all of the walking. It really helps. Also, plan on keeping some aloe or another soothing cream on you just in case.

Also, while you're on vacation, don't worry about skipping desserts. You can eat healthily, but feel free to have some fries or a dessert while there. Payback for all the walking you'll be doing!

Yes! Even when I've been in great shape, and I really did used to be in incredible shape, my thighs have always been larger and chafing has been an issue. I have had luck in the past with wearing bike shorts under my other shorts or pants, and will probably end up doing that at least part of the time we are there. I've had the best luck with overnight healing when using the Desitin in the purple tube, so I will of course make sure I have that with me!

 

[callie]

Its impossible to predict results. Results are going to be 100% on your determination. Dieting is an absolute waste of time though. You need to make a lifestyle change or it will do nothing. Depending on your fitness level, you have a lot of options. For 99.99% of the people, you need nothing more than gravity. In order to lose weight, it is a simple equation: burn more calories than you take in. It is as simple as that. Experts can give you the data on this. For me, I burn about 1800 calories a day naturally. However, I took in about 2500-3000 calories a day. The next thing is what are the right calories, proteins, carbs, and everything else. After that, is how much exercise are you going to put in.

Easy things:
1. Eating healthier
2. Brisk walk for 45 minutes per day
3. Light weight work out (muscles help burn more calories than fat). You would be surprised at how quickly muscles build doing the simplest of things. Muscles do not know different types of resistance. I recommend using bands because they build strength in very small stabilizer muscles at the same time. Do squats with no weights (proper squats). You'd be surprised at how much of a workout your legs get. Do lunge squats as well. You can do pushups too. Do them from your knees (I have to alot). As you gain strength, you can move your hands wider and closer to change the muscles worked.

There is so much that can be done, it all depends on you. If you get into a good fitness program, you can actually lost a lot of weight quickly if you are dedicated. I did a lighter form of P90X and lost 25Lbs in 2 months. Knee surgery stopped that though.

I totally agree that results are dependent on determination. "Dieting to Disney" was catchy, so I went with it. I do know that lifestyle changes are much better than diets in the long run, and I've actually been working on that for a while. With two little girls watching all that I do, I don't want them to end up with the same bad habits I have learned in life.

First big change for me is no soda. I used to have no problem not having it, but I have turned to it as a crutch since having my kids. I'm also cutting down BIG TIME on my carbs. I KNOW that carbs are my weakness. I would choose a delicious yeast roll over chocolate any day.

The exercise part of it is something I know well, and have simply fallen off the wagon... for a LOOOOONG time. I used to be a competitive athlete and know what to do, it's simply of making time in my day for it and making it a priority.

 

[callie]

How good shape are you in and be honest!!!!! You will need to be able to walk 6-10 miles a day!!! You can do it if you are willing to work! A good starting point is one of Leslie Sansone's 3 mile Walk At Home videos. Good luck with the weight! But your cardiovascular endurance is actually more important. IMO

I'm in decent walking shape. I chase two kiddos (ages 1 and 3) everyday and can walk 3 miles at a brisk pace while pushing the double stroller and still carry on a conversation and then continue the rest of the day chasing the kids It's not so much that I can't walk the amount needed for Disney, I just know that I will feel better and enjoy it a lot more if I can get rid of 30 or so pounds before we go and hopefully help to eliminate some of the gosh awful inner thigh chafing that came along with those extra lbs.

 

[Sumrdog]

I love your idea! I read your blog too and I commend you for making this all public.

One thing I did to motivate myself to lose the weight I gained during my second pregnancy was enter a running event. I got on the treadmill in January 2009 and realized that I was unable to run more than a half mile without becoming completely exhausted. So I decided that I would become a runner, which is something I had never been. And then I got all crazy and I entered a marathon. Once I paid my entry fee of over 100$, I felt compelled to train, especially when my BIL decided to join me. So we kept each other accountable and we had this huge thing we were working toward for almost an entire year. I was able to get myself in shape and in January of 2010 I ran a full marathon. And trust me you have one up on me, because I had never been athletic.

Now I am not saying you need to enter a full marathon at all, but maybe a 5K or a 10k. I am not sure where you live but there are all kinds of fun races out there; the "Color Me Rad" or the "Warrior Dash" series look really fun and you can jog/walk these shorter races. And then once you get comfortable with that you can work toward bigger distances and maybe even do one of the Disney races . I am doing the Princess Half Marathon in one month. I am really excited to mix my favorite things running and Disney World together!

As for chafing there is a product called body glide that is marketed toward runners that helps prevent that. I think the bike shorts are a good move too.

Good luck, I am so excited for you! I am going to bookmark your blog...

 

[s&k'smom]

I just wanted to say good luck. Getting into shape is hard but I totally get having a goal. In fact that's how I do especially with a trip less than a year away, I get my daughter to walk too. What's been helping me is really not buying any junk that I would eat cause if it's in the house I'll eat it. But I do allow for a treat once in a while and funny thing is when I don't eat it alot it tends to taste so much better when I have it. Have fun with it and thanks for sharing this with us.

 

[Sumrdog]

How's it going @callie? I went to check on your progress and no updates, I hope its all going well. You have total strangers cheering you on...

 

[tink33]

I love your blog. I too diet before Disney. Then I feel guilty about eating at WDW to the point I feel sick. This has to change. I would like to lose 20 lbs. before my next trip. I would love to chat and support you.

 

[tare]

You will also need good and comfortable footwear for this trip! I like Crocs Vezzy's but I'm a flip flop girl who goes in June! What ever you choose make sure they are well broken in, I also wear new Disney footwear in the store until I get really funny looks want to make sure they'll be comfortable. If mamas not happy .....! have a great trip!

I am always in flips!!!