How to eat healthy at Disney

[Disneydreamer23]

Hey every one I am on a DIET due to health issues, not weight but some thing passed down through my family the ultimatum is 60 pounds less with in the yr. I am going to Disney In august I am doing sit down dining. I know I cant cut down on the sit down meals but quick serve does any one have any thing filling with less calories? I cant eat like an apple or something because Ill get hungry from the walking, any help would be great for restaurants at parks or resorts, thank you!

 

[riess424]

Hey every one I am on a DIET due to health issues, not weight but some thing passed down through my family the ultimatum is 60 pounds less with in the yr. I am going to Disney In august I am doing sit down dining. I know I cant cut down on the sit down meals but quick serve does any one have any thing filling with less calories? I cant eat like an apple or something because Ill get hungry from the walking, any help would be great for restaurants at parks or resorts, thank you!

I would say you need to take now until August to learn how to eat healthy. I could probably throw items at you to eat but unless you do your homework over the next 6 months it won't do any good. The good thing about Disney is that you do plenty of walking = calories burned. You should eat more smaller meals, so between your HEALTHY sit down meals, have fruit, veggies, or whole grain bar. Avoid sodas, deserts, and the deep fried foods. I honestly wouldn't say "I cant eat like an apple or something because Ill get hungry from the walking" because you are already making it tough on yourself and in turn you will want to eat more calories

hope that helps

 

[crispy]

I have taken two trips to WDW since starting Weight Watchers (and have lost 85 pounds), and these are things that have helped me.

- Check the menus and choose places that have healthy options. For example, Columbia Harbor House now has steamed broccoli as a side item which is much healthier and filling than french fries. I ate salmon, couscous, and broccoli there and it was a fantastic meal.

- You can usually substitute apples for things like fries so even if you are craving a burger you can pair it with something healthier

- Most counter service places serve salads which can be pretty healthy as long as it's topped with a lean protein and a lower fat dressing.

- Dole Whips are low in fat and calories!

- I would avoid buffets if at all possible because it's way too easy to overeat.

- Don't clean your plate unless you are actually hungry. When I ate at Kona Cafe, I had to get the teriyaki NY strip because it's my favorite. I only ate half of it and found that I was full.

-Share a meal or dessert with someone else instead of eating the whole thing. Instead of eating a cupcake at Starring Rolls by myself, I split it three ways with my two daughters. The portions on many of the CS meals are huge so sharing makes sense.

- I ate a lot of seafood (not fried) because it's a good, lean protein.

- At table service meals, don't be afraid to ask for things like sauce on the side or that veggies be steamed, etc. They are usually accommodating.

- Stay hydrated

- Bring some healthy snacks with you if you worry that you won't find something healthy in the park.

- At CS restaurants, order a kid's meal. At Peco's Bill, the kids hamburger is actually the right portion size for an adult. This doesn't always work because sometimes the kids meals only consist of peanut butter and jelly and chicken nuggets, but sometimes it's just a smaller portion of the adult meals.

 

[unkadug]

I have taken two trips to WDW since starting Weight Watchers (and have lost 85 pounds), and these are things that have helped me.

- Check the menus and choose places that have healthy options. For example, Columbia Harbor House now has steamed broccoli as a side item which is much healthier and filling than french fries. I ate salmon, couscous, and broccoli there and it was a fantastic meal.

- You can usually substitute apples for things like fries so even if you are craving a burger you can pair it with something healthier

- Most counter service places serve salads which can be pretty healthy as long as it's topped with a lean protein and a lower fat dressing.

- Dole Whips are low in fat and calories!

- I would avoid buffets if at all possible because it's way too easy to overeat.

- Don't clean your plate unless you are actually hungry. When I ate at Kona Cafe, I had to get the teriyaki NY strip because it's my favorite. I only ate half of it and found that I was full.

-Share a meal or dessert with someone else instead of eating the whole thing. Instead of eating a cupcake at Starring Rolls by myself, I split it three ways with my two daughters. The portions on many of the CS meals are huge so sharing makes sense.

- I ate a lot of seafood (not fried) because it's a good, lean protein.

- At table service meals, don't be afraid to ask for things like sauce on the side or that veggies be steamed, etc. They are usually accommodating.

- Stay hydrated

- Bring some healthy snacks with you if you worry that you won't find something healthy in the park.

- At CS restaurants, order a kid's meal. At Peco's Bill, the kids hamburger is actually the right portion size for an adult. This doesn't always work because sometimes the kids meals only consist of peanut butter and jelly and chicken nuggets, but sometimes it's just a smaller portion of the adult meals.

I love that someone named "CRISPY" knows about eating healthy! :lol:

 

[crispy]

I love that someone named "CRISPY" knows about eating healthy! :lol:

Why do you think I needed to lose 85 pounds? :ROFLOL:

 

[MissMorrow]

I definitely think really learning to eat healthy first will make it easier for you to pick the right things. But since you'll be on vacation and vacations are times to indulge and enjoy yourself I say if you really want that cheeseburger, go for it but only eat half or split it with someone. Same goes for dessert and other indulgent snacks. Portion control will help keep the calories down, but still allow you to enjoy some of the not so good for you foods while on vacation.

As for snacks, you'll find what you like best be it fruit, nuts (not all nuts), lower calorie granola bars, etc.

 

[smw]

no sodas. no fried foods. no junk food. and not just for a week or a month, but always. its terrible and accounts for so much extra weight.

a huge thing is stopping not when youre stuffed or the food is gone, but when you're no longer actually hungry. eating slowly is something so easy and so helpful, too. when you eat fast, you get so much down before your stomach is able to get your brain to realize you don't need more food.

and drink more water. sometimes the feeling of hunger is a need for water. have a glass or bottle of water and you'll be surprised how often it satisfies you.

 

[smw]

i'll also add that, while i have no idea what your situation is, the problem with obesity now in general is not only the overeating and bad foods, but also the fact that so many people are sedentary. activity levels are disgustingly low.

increasing your activity will really boost the benefits you'll get from a healthier diet.

 

[Disneydreamer23]

thank you!

 

[J03Y]

healthy and Disney shouldn't be in same sentence. one does not simply go there to reduce caloric intake.

 

[DizneyPryncess]

When I went to Disney pregnant, my stomach couldn't handle a lot of foods. I was worried about what I was going to be able to eat while I was there. I found that packing my own foods & eating them in the park at a little table worked the best. I think for dieting, this would also be a great idea. Pre-make a healthy sandwich with snacks & a bottle of water. That way you know exactly what you're eating, and you're getting a good amount of food. Also it's a bonus that it saves you money & time waiting in lines.

 

[Victoria]

I've done a few trips on Weight Watchers. During my most recent trip in February I actually ended up losing 3.5 pounds that week. The thing that I changed the most from pre-WW trips was what I ate for breakfast. When I went to Disney I used to end up eating pastries, pancakes, waffles, etc every day. At home I normally have some sort of low-fat carb (bagel thins, cereal, etc) and fruit. I found it fairly easy to replicate this in the food court at Pop Century. I skipped the junk and headed for the grab and go section. Every day I had two slices of whole wheat toast, a cup of 0% fat greek yogurt, and some kind of fruit. It was filling, yummy, and relatively WW safe.

For lunch I would try to find a salad or a healthy looking sandwich wherever I ended up. I tried to substitute fruit for french fries as much as possible. Most of the restaurants have a decent salad option these days. If the dressing doesn't come on the side already, ask for a "dry" salad. That way you can better control the portion of dressing or choose something completely different to put on it.

I also tried to skip my usual afternoon Disney snack. I used to get a pastry or ice cream or something equally fatty most days. Not so much on this last trip. I opted for fruit or something I had brought from home if I really needed a snack.

At dinner time I basically threw all the rules out the window and had whatever I wanted. I just didn't go out of my way to clean my plate every time. I did so much walking and really watched what I ate the rest of the time I think that I sort of broke even.

 

[cbconglom]

fret not as recent studies have found genetics don't always play as big a role as we usually think.

in fact i just sat down with my yellow pages rep and she was happy to report even though the rest of her family was 300 pounds and she used to be 300 pounds she simply started eating better and now she is 160.

and for any of those people that try hard to count calories and excercise and still don't get results don't be discouraged it just means there is a key you haven't found.

for most people that i help that have tried everything to lose weight but are having no luck it's usually gluten that is the culprit. gluten really effects a lot of people's thyroid and liver which are the key organs for weight loss.

we may eat organic/vegan/raw but at the world we just do the best we can and we have found some wonderful healthy things that are quite good.

in fact the last time i was there a chef at sunshine season's in the land at epcot made up something for me right on the spot. it was a little rice with veggies, pineapple, and cashews.. quite good.

i do think it would help to study up a bit, but know there are good options

 

[tigsmom]

As another WW member (and somebody with an inherited medical problem that causes many others including weight gain) I can also attest to the fact that eating healthier in Disney is easy...and yes eating healthy & Disney CAN be used in the same sentence.

The first thing is to know what you can eat & what the portions look like (approximate is good enough). Review the menus and pick out places that appeal to you and the rest of the group and then pick one or two things you feel comfortable with. The chefs are very willing to work with you so do not be afraid to speak up and ask for sauce on the side, no butter or oil...you know the drill. You can even email the restaurant and ask to speak to the chef about your concerns. You can get a salad (dressing on the side) and grilled meat just about everywhere and many places have great veggie dishes as well.
Carry a healthy snack or two with you so you are not at the mercy of the vendors ( I keep PB crackers, nuts, sliced apples with me), have plenty of water during the day and realize that all the walking will also help burn those calories (I've never gained weight on a WDW vacation ). Remember just because you have the meal plan it doesn't mean you have to eat everything they offer you. Relax and enjoy!

The key is planning ahead and sticking to the plan. I never had a DoleWhip because I figured they were full of fat and carbs and the lactose would kill me, well they are low fat, low calorie & low carb and non dairy and oh so yummy!

 

[timoteo]

When at Disney we eat 2 meals a day. breakfast and an early dinner. The early dinner is good because there are often more reservation slots open and then reverse to the mob give you time for rides at a time when most people are at dinner. We do have one snack a day that floats. If you sit down to two meals and avoid buffets and fast food you are doing pretty well already. If the snack is healthy all the better but not always possible. It could be ice cream and it is vacation. Dole Whip is good love them. Avoid the obvious stuff. Tonga Toast, french fries. At many of the hotels they wont tell you this at the restaurant, but if you ask, they will make you anything you want, even if its not on the menu. For example, you want an egg white omlete with spinich, side of fruit but you do not see that on the menu ask. They will make almost anything that is standard

 

[DrummerAlly]

I tend to be an extremely healthy eater and have no issue finding good, healthy food at WDW. Check out the vegetarian items at any location - they tend to be fairly low fat and low calorie. If you are at a location that seems to only offer fries as a side, ask if they have a substitute - they will usually offer apples or carrot sticks.

I have had no issue finding at least one healthy option at any quick service or table service.

 

[Texas84]

I'm totally off the diet when at Disney. Especially after a half-marathon. But once I was actually so sick of fries I noticed the apples and that was really a nice change. And I'm one of those lucky people that actually likes broccoli so I'll have to check that out.

Also, seems like there was a vegetarian place once. I remember because my vegetarian girlfriend at the time was real excited about it. I sat with her for her lunch then she got to watch me eat a nasty cheesburger.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

I don't diet while on vacation, but do lean towards eating healthy. (I figure all the excersize I get between walking, swimming, etc, I splurge a little!!) I normally allow myself one naughty meal every few days (fried fish, shrimp or fries) but eat alot of salads, dressing on the side. There are so many healthy options at Disney, but temptation gets me every time. Why not let the WDW-DINE rep know that you're on a diet, and have it noted on your ADRs? You can always have your server ask the Chef if he can make suggestions as well. Peruse the menus before your trip, pick out something that is within your dietary allowances, at each restaurant and have a great vacation! :sohappy:

 

[Disneydreamer23]

I don't diet while on vacation, but do lean towards eating healthy. (I figure all the excersize I get between walking, swimming, etc, I splurge a little!!) I normally allow myself one naughty meal every few days (fried fish, shrimp or fries) but eat alot of salads, dressing on the side. There are so many healthy options at Disney, but temptation gets me every time. Why not let the WDW-DINE rep know that you're on a diet, and have it noted on your ADRs? You can always have your server ask the Chef if he can make suggestions as well. Peruse the menus before your trip, pick out something that is within your dietary allowances, at each restaurant and have a great vacation! :sohappy:

thank you

 

[PeoplemoverTTA]

On my August trip, I did indulge in some delicious snacks, but overall I made better choices:

- I ate smaller meals more frequently to avoid that "I'm starving!!" feeling - much better to find healthy options when your stomach isnt't growling!

- I drank a ton of water. Your mind can sometimes confuse thirst with hunger, so make sure to stay hydrated. And don't worry about going overboard to buy bottled water - you can get a glass of filtered water for free at any CSR.

- You can order any CS without a side. This not only saves you calories, but you'll save around $2 each time as well.

Good luck!