Disney world and diets

Francl27

Don't forget, most of the food at Disney is mediocre-to-terrible. There are come exceptions at Epcot and at some of the real restaurants (Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge is *amazing*) but passing on nasty hot dogs and burgers should be pretty easy, even when the alternative is iceberg lettuce topped with rubbery chicken.

(Went to one of those "lunch with the princesses" meals with my neice - good lord, was that incredibly overpriced, terrible food.)

Totally this. But the hot dogs at Epcot (the Germany Showcase) are delicious, lol.

laurahamm96

We are staying at all star music, no fitness room from what I understand. Total got free dining.

fatsnacker

you will be on holiday, enjoy yourself.

I had a great time at Disneyworld last year - the only disappointment was the choices of food at our accommodation. Why can't Disney employ a chef from the cruise ships - their food is always excellent.

aakers01

I am heading to Disney in November on Free Dining and just hoping the walking balances out the food . I'll still skip soda though - I'm afraid if I start drinking it again I wouldn't quit when I got home, but we have reservations at some great restaurants so I am going to indulge.

ninerbuff

We are heading to Disney World (16 days, woot!!!) and im wondering how I should go about counting my calories and my calories burned while there. I know from last time we went I will walk about 8 miles per day, but at the same time there are food I will be eating that I dont normally eat (creme brule mmmm)

Part of me just wants to say screw it and enjoy myself and it will all work out in the end.

Personally I think that many people over estimate how much walking they do at Disney World. I tracked it on my Bodybugg when I was using it and it didn't indicate more than an extra 500 calories total per day of extra walking. An average snack at Disney World is that much.
How did I not gain a bunch of extra weight? I was up at 6:00 every morning hitting the hotel gym for 45 min. Why? Because even on vacation, exercise is in my lifestyle.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

angelwings0110

I am know this is an old thread, but I went to Disney this past Saturday. I ate the kids meal which came with grapes and carrots. We stayed with my mother-in-law who does not know how to cook in small quanities.. And her food is awesome. So I ate a lot. But with all the walking at Disney, I was able to only gain 1 lb which I lost after getting back home and back on routine. So it can be done if you pay attention to what you eat. Hope you had a great trip.

jencuts15

I went back and February and did not log at all. I was mindful of my food choices but did not deprive myself. For example, I still chose egg white omlets with lots of veggies, milk instead of cream, and lots of water. I had salads with chicken and nice dinners. I was absolutely over my calorie goal the entire week but I was ok with it. I didnt stuff myself just because I knew I didnt have to log it. If I was hungry, I ate!

NadirToZenith

I agree with everyone! It is a vacation and you should enjoy yourself. You'll be walking more than normal etc but I'd recommend keeping a level head at the same time. It might be a vacation from a strict diet but if you go overboard with your trigger foods it might be hard to reel it all in when you get home. I look at sugar and 'junk' as an addiction and indulging for a couple of days brings me back to weeks of craving that crap again...

jaskthotmail

We came back from Disney and I gained only 2 pounds and I ate a lot. We were there from open to close and walked the entire day. I still ran a few days in the morning too. I guess I didn't go crazy and eat all of the time but I didn't track anything and I only ate when I was hungry. I ate a medium sized breakfast, had a snacky lunch and went downtown Disney for a huge supper. I would guess I ate about 1,000 calories more than usual per day BUT we were walking briskly the entire day or standing in lines (standing is underrated-you really burn way more calories per day standing!) I say enjoy it as there are foods there you may not be able to indulge in at home. I got right back on track when I came home and within a week the lbs were off.

kirkor

Just to add to the general discussion re: vacations, theme parks, etc in general ---- just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you have to take a vacation from your eating plan.
I think that potentially sets up a poor psychology ... "oh my normal life eating plan is so restrictive and punishing, I need to take a vacation from how I eat and go on vacation where I'm 'allowed' to eat bigger quantities, more calorically-dense items etc etc" ...
With all the walking (the effect of which can potentially be overstated, as another poster mentioned) what about making a goal to come back from vacay weighing *less* than when you left?

Think of it how people view the holidays:
Often people think weight gain over the holidays is "inevitable" ... family gatherings, office potlucks, etc. ... but you could also turn that whole paradigm on its head and resolve to hit NYE weighing less and being healthier than you were on Nov. 27th.

eapple87

We're leaving this weekend. Does anyone have anything to add to this? Any tips or tricks?

SwankyTomato

If I were in your shoes, I would limit dessert to one a day.
Stay away from sauces, gravies, mayo, butter, donuts, etc.. You know, food choices that adds calories that sneak up on you that really add no taste or value to you meal.

And limit the booze drinks.

Have Fun!!!