The typical theme park experience is full of hamburgers, French fries, funnel cakes, and ice cream. Walt Disney World definitely has these options (although with much higher taste and quality than the average park), but they have many healthy options as well. A trip to Walt Disney World does not have to break the calorie bank! It is truly a destination in which you will be able to find something for your taste whether you want to fill up on typical theme park food or you want to watch what you’re eating a little more. At Walt Disney World you come first. The chefs and servers at each restaurant make it a priority to make sure you are happy with your meal. Read on for some (tried and true) tips to eat healthy at Disney World!
Bring your own snacks
Walt Disney World Theme Parks allow you to bring in your own food which is a win-win for you! Bringing your own snacks will not only save you calories, but it will save you some money! Instead of stopping for a spring roll in the afternoon, you could chow down on an apple or Lara Bar instead. This will also limit your time waiting in snack lines and help you maximize ride time!
Pack water bottles to refill
Walt Disney World is slowly, but surely incorporating no-touch water refill stations throughout the parks. If you can’t find one though you have two great options! There are water fountains all of the parks or you can go to a snack cart or kiosk and ask for a cup of water (for free!) to help fill your bottle. Carrying this water bottle around will keep you hydrated and away from those sugary drinks for purchase.
Choose One Fun Treat a Day
In my personal opinion, it’s totally okay to allow yourself a treat or two (or seven, no judgment!) while at Walt Disney World. Honestly, this is not your average theme park and they are well known for their amazing food! Something I’ve learned to be very helpful in allowing treats, but not going too crazy is too pick something every day that I know I REALLY want. If I know that I am going to be allowed something fun at some point in the day it helps me to focus on eating healthy for the rest of the time. For example, if you know that you are going to Hoop-De-Doo Musical Revue at night and will be filling up on fried chicken, cornbread, and strawberry shortcake I would recommend trying to focus on salads, fish and vegetables, or other healthy options throughout the first portion of the day. This strategy will allow you to enjoy the many incredible options Walt Disney World has to offer (Dole Whip is highly recommended!) while still staying on track.
Salads and vegetarian options
Most restaurants in Walt Disney World will have a salad and/or vegetarian option. Both of these are a great way to get some extra veggies in! Salad dressings are often the most calorically dense part of a salad, so an added plus is to ask for the dressing on the side, so you can control how much of it you eat. Don’t worry thinking you’ll be missing out by ordering a salad or a vegetarian option, Walt Disney World does a fantastic job of making even the healthiest of meals incredibly fresh and tasty.
Go Bun-less
Stuck at a restaurant that mostly serves burgers and fries? Or maybe you’re tired of eating salads? You can always order a burger without the bun. At many quick-service locations, the toppings bar for the burgers can help you turn your bunless burger into a pretty awesome salad if you want some veggies to go with that burger. At some quick-service restaurants, you can also trade out carrot sticks or apple slices for fries!
Share a Meal
If you find yourself with a serious hankering for a big bowl of pasta or a juicy burger, try to see if anyone in your group would be willing to share with you! This way you can get a taste for what you are craving, while still making sure you’re watching what you eat. Bonus points if you order a side of veggies to split as well. Filling up on some veggies may help keep you from overdoing it on the main dish.
Substitute Fruit or Veggies
Want a burger but no fries? Don’t want the mac and cheese that comes with your steak? Make a substitution! Some of the Signature restaurants may not allow substitutions, but as for most restaurants on the property, they will be willing to work with you! Sub those heavier sides for a lighter option such as a side of fruit, veggies, or a side salad.
Ask for No Sauce or Sauce on the Side
Sometimes healthy dishes are brought down by heavy sauces, but this doesn’t need to stop you from ordering them! If you want salmon, but it comes with a heavy sauce ask for no sauce with your meal or for the sauce to come on the side, so you are in control of your own destiny!
Ask for Just the Entrée – No Side
Another great option for keeping your meals in check is to ask for the entrée without any sides. You can order a grilled chicken burger a la carte and tell the server there is no need to bring any sides. At some restaurants, this may also decrease the price of your meal.
Order Off the Kids Menu
Many restaurants in Walt Disney World (and Disneyland) will allow you to order off the kid’s menu! Many times, kids menus include a healthy option such as grilled chicken or fish and an option of veggie sticks or fruit as a side. This option will also be less expensive for you!
Check Restaurant Reputation
Some restaurants in Walt Disney World are better known for their healthy options than others. Make sure you get these on your radar before you go and make a plan to visit these locations. My next post in the Health and Fitness in Walt Disney World series will include a list of the best restaurants for eating healthy at each park as well as resorts, so make sure to check back next week!
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