[Cynsayshi]

Hey all -

I saw the weight watchers thread, but it was too long for me to scan through (2 small boys creating havoc in the household, and no time to read long threads ).

DH and I are both on Jenny Craig, as we both need to lose some serious weight. We've been very successful so far, and don't want to totally derail ourselves while we're at WDW for 4 days in May.

We'll be staying at Pop, and taking ME, so we won't have a car. We plan to bring JC breakfasts, and pick up yogurt and milk at the food court. We will have a fridge in the room. DH has a selection of the shelf-stable items he can eat, but I'm allergic to tomatoes and so can't eat most of them. We are assuming that Pop's food court has microwaves, since they were available at ASMo in December.

We plan to spend 1 full day at MK, possibly 1 free/DTD day, and 1 day at AK/DHS (not sure of the new acronym).

Does anyone have recommendations for places to eat, either at the hotel or in the parks, that would not completely sabotage our plans? What has worked for you, if you've done this? Counter service works best for us, since we aren't on the DDP, and the 5-year old prefers hot dogs and pizza. I LOVE the chicken soup at Cosmic Ray's, so I'm planning on that with a salad.

We've allowed for 1 splurge - breakfast at O'Hana's on Saturday, but otherwise would like to stay within guidelines for the rest of our stay.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

[dixie]

Congratulations on your JC success so far. I dont know anything about JC or Pop really but I am a 'try to be careful and healthy' eater whilst we are at WDW, as we have a long stay and eating 'fast ' or unhealthy foods for a long time would not be good for me or anyone else I guess ( even though I love my food)-anyway we have always found lots of healthy choices, plenty of 'undressed' salads in the food courts, delicious fruit cups and nice low fat yoghurts and fresh fruit. I also find many places are willing to remove dressings/sauces on menu items if asked.
I am sure POP would have a microwave for you to use.
And good for you having the breakfast splurge, if you have been 'good' the rest of the time you deserve the treat. Enjoy!

[Dana]

First off congrats to you both for choosing a new healthy lifestyle. You won't be sorry. Like dixie said, it's not that hard to find healthy food choices at WDw...it's not like the old days where fatty fast food was the only option. All counter services and tables have healthy choices....it's the dicipline to choose the healthy things that is hard..lol You should stick to low fat, low carb choices...any kind of wraps, soups, salad and grilled meats should be ok. Stay away from anything fried or covered in fatty sauces.... Turkey legs, if you like them, aren't a bad choice for a lunch...not a well-balanced meal, but better than the burger and fries routine. Lunches could be salads and fruit...very good for you... Also drink water over soda...stay away from the bad foods...just like any other diet...eat right and walk!

[Live life]

Congratulations on your weight loss and continued effort. I too am trying to lose a few and keep it off. I'm not doing Jenny Craig but can totally empathize with your concern of not totally blowing it while at WDW.

Be sure to make healthy choices instead of the fatty, fried foods that are soooo tempting. You have absolutely made the right choice in a one time splurge with breakfast as you must reward yourself with a treat every once in a while or you'll totally get off track.

I would check out the menu options for the counter service via Deb's All Ears website or buy a guide book that may have menu's in it as well.

Best of luck and keep us informed on your progress!

[Cynsayshi]

Will do - and you too, Live Life!

So far, DH and I have lost 61 lbs., combined. So we're definitely movitated to continue.

[tiggerlover1971]

hi I am not on JC I am on WW but find it very easy to eat at WDW ... you can get egg white omelettes , they have fruit stands all over now ... they also have rotissorie chicken at Cosmic rays ... Also Sunshine seasons fair has sushi , and also has salmon and rotissore chicken ... All buffets usually have lots of veggies baked chicken and peel and eat shrimp ....

[dixie]

Wow Cynsayshi what a terrific achievement its no wonder you dont want to spoil it- well done to you both you must feel really pleased!

[MissDisney]

Wow, I am so impressed by how responsible you are! Way to go!

[mickeysgirlz]

First of all WAY TO GO!!!

Secondly, believe it or not my DDs would both pick salad or fruit over any kind of chip or french fry . . . so when I was buying a Hot Dog Combo meal I asked . . . can we have something instead of fries? I was told that at anytime you can ask for a healthy alternative . . . such as apple slices, carrot sticks, celery etc. I was told most CS are able to do this . . . you just have to ask!

You might want to check out this too: Dining at Walt Disney World

It lists all the dining options . . . planning ahead is your best defense!

(PS. we ate at Ohana's this weekend and the food while delicious was so SALTY, so you might want to make a recommendation at check in to have them cut the salt . . . they ask if you have any dietary needs)

[Cynsayshi]

Thanks, everyone, for your support! It means a great deal to both of us. He's the one who asked me to post here for suggestions.

I know, looking at the menus is just making me hungry right now (it's dinner time and the fish and chips are in the oven). But we've found some tentative ideas so far.

Right now, we're thinking soup and yogurt for me, and a chicken caesar for DH at Cosmic Ray's, and then several possibilities at Columbia Harbour House for dinner at MK.

The split day is more difficult. At AK, it's probably going to have to be the mandarin chicken salad at Yak and Yeti counter or Restaurantosaurus. Hollywood Studios is the most difficult, but maybe the grilled chicken with rice and the Greek salad at the Flatbread Grill. I haven't really been through the DTD options yet.

Has anyone tried any of these? Reviews?

[mickeysgirlz]

I just saw this on the web:

Walt Disney World Menus Evolving With Healthful Choices

(Posted April 4, 2008) "Do you want apple slices or fries with that cheeseburger?"

It's all about healthful choices as Walt Disney World quick-service and fast-casual restaurants refine their menus. French fries aren't going away, but menus are being revised with well-balanced options -- at least one low-fat and one vegetarian entrée at all table service restaurants, and side options to include salads and fresh fruit.

In October 2006, Disney's Parks & Resorts changed its standard kids meals to feature healthy side dishes and beverages, and the overwhelming majority of guests opt for healthy options, said Ed Wronski, director of Product Development for Walt Disney World Food & Beverage.

Today a kid's meal automatically comes with fruit or vegetables on the side and juice, water or low-fat milk to drink. Fries and soda are available upon request, at no additional cost.

Guest research showed that more than three-quarters of parents selected fruit or vegetable side options when they were offered first -- rather than French fries. Recognizing that visits to Disney parks are vacations, parents can still request more indulgent meals and snacks from a wide variety of food offerings.

The number of fresh fruit carts at the parks is steadily increasing while other nutritious snacks like nuts and trail mix are also more readily available.

"The new healthful menus expand the options for our guests," said Wronski. "The reaction, both from the chefs and the guests, has been very, very positive."

Constantly looking for ways to improve the nutritional profiles and tastes of popular entrées, Disney changed to a guest-tested hamburger with fat content less than 20 percent and buns with 10 percent whole wheat. Quick-service pizzas now have whole-grain crusts and lower-fat cheese.

Even desserts get a makeover: anywhere they are served, guests will find options such as reduced fat, low sugar and fresh fruit.

Disney is working with manufacturers to reformulate recipes for candy, packaged food and bakery items sold in the parks, or identifying replacement products as the company continues to phase out added trans-fats. Portion-controlled snacks and treats and packaging to promote nutritious food are part of the changes.

Catering to Dietary Needs
Walt Disney World Resort gets more than 7,000 requests a month from guests with special dietary needs. Most requested are meals free of gluten, eggs and dairy, and peanuts and tree nuts.

With a call three days in advance, Walt Disney World full-service restaurants can accommodate special dietary needs such as allergies to gluten or wheat, shellfish, soy, lactose or milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish or eggs.

"We have a team of passionate chefs who get together and discuss guest needs and trends," said Wronski. "They love the challenge."

Lifestyle diets -- sugar free, low fat, low sodium, vegetarian or vegan -- are easily accommodated. When guests call 407/WDW-DINE, they can make the request and then talk with their server or the manager when they arrive at the restaurants.

Kosher meals are available at most full-service restaurants and need to be ordered at least 24 hours in advance by calling 407/WDW-DINE. Meals are Glatt Kosher, prepared in Miami and flown to Walt Disney World Resort.

If you don't order in advance, kosher meals are always available at the following quick-service locations: Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe in Magic Kingdom, World Premiere Food Court at Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, Intermission Food Court at Disney's All-Star Music Resort, End Zone Food Court at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, Everything Pop Shopping and Dining at Disney's Pop Century Resort, ABC Commissary at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney's Port Orleans Resort and Pizzafari at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

[Cynsayshi]

Great article! And I have noticed that the menus all seem to have at least a couple of things that look very healthy.

[Cynsayshi]

We're back! We won't find out the results of our choices until tomorrow night at weigh-in, but I'm feeling very optimistic about how we did. DH and I both were very good, even at our breakfast at Ohana's. DH did have a hamburger at the Sci-Fi Diner, and I did have one when we got home, but otherwise we chose very healthy alternatives. We would stop and get fruit or carrot and celery sticks for snacks, and we walked at least 7 miles each day (DH wore his pedometer).
I'll report back after weigh-in tomorrow night!

[dixie]

Welcome back Cyn! and congrats to you both for being so in control whilst at the 'World' you did really really well and it just shows that it can be done- I hope besides your 'weigh in' report we get a Trip Report too!!

[llama]

Welcome home and congrats on staying strong! Good luck at the weigh-in!