Feel Fit andFabulous: Staying Healthy on your Disney Vacation
Disney World is the happiest place on Earth. However, if you are not careful, it can be the unhealthiest place on Earth, too. Around every corner, you will find temptation — ice cream, funnel cakes, chocolate, alcohol, you name it! The good news is you can have a magical vacation while in Disney without derailing all your hard work and effort to stay fit and healthy. Try these simple tips to keep you feeling fit and fabulous while enjoying quality time with your family and friends at the parks.
Packing theEssentials
If you are traveling with children, you already have a packing list complete with must have snacks and essentials from home. Be sure to do the same for yourself. Set yourself up for success, so when your day doesn’t go as planned or you’re feeling hungry while exploring the park you can reach for your favorite go-to protein bars and/or protein-rich snacks (i.e. Jerky or quest snacks) to help keep you on track.
Step To It
Be sure to pack your most comfortable walking shoes. There is no shortage of space to explore atDisney, so get those steps in every day. Whether you wear a fitness tracker or download a step tracker to your phone, be sure to get in at least 10,000 steps per day. Keep yourself accountable for getting movement in every, single day.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is super important while exploring the park. First and foremost, its Florida, so it’s hot! You’re going to be sweating, walking, standing – your body needs to stay hydrated to keep you functioning. Aim to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water, but preferably more in hotter conditions. Be mindful of your hunger cues – you may think you are hungry but what your body is truly craving is water. Not sure? Drink at least an 8oz glass of water and wait about10 minutes before deciding if you really need something to eat.
Fuel Up
A Disney vacation is jam packed with long, full days of fun. Enjoy every minute by starting your day off fueling your body right. Skip the heavy, sugar-laden breakfast options and choose high quality protein. Think eggs (or egg whites), turkey sausage, fresh fruit, oatmeal with fruit and nuts. Does your hotel or character breakfast have an omelet station? Choose egg whites and fill it up with veggies! Starting your day off with lots of quality protein will keep you feeling satiated longer and will afford you the opportunity to indulge a little later in the day.
Fresh Comes First
No matter where you are eating, always scan the offerings for fresh, unprocessed foods. Foods that arei n their most original state – think fresh fruit, salads (keeping the dressing on the side), hard boiled eggs, carrot sticks or apple slices. Disney has done a great job of making these simple, healthy snacks available throughout the various parks. Yay Disney!
Plan Ahead forSuccess
Like most things inDisney, reservations for your bigger meals are typically required. Thanks to the WDW website and others like allears.net, you can view the menu prior to your arrival. Scan the menus for lighter options – choose lean meats, seafood, fresh or steamed vegetables. Decide what you are having BEFORE you arrive to limit the temptation. There’s no shame in asking for sauces and dressings on the side, so you can control just how much you are using. There is also no shame in asking for a protein grilled instead of fried. These small changes can make a huge different in your overall fat/calorie intake for the day.
ENJOY!
Let’s not forget about the purpose of this trip – It’s VACATION! It’s time to kick back and relax, enjoy the company of family and friends, experience all the fun and magic thatDisney has to offer. Savor the moments… an afternoon Dole Whip or mickey icec ream with the kiddos, enjoy every bite, slow down and be mindful of all that’s going on. When you want to experience a fabulous French meal for dinner atEpcot, make smart, lighter choices throughout the day so you can enjoy that meal and order what you want without any guilt. As they say, all things in moderation. When it comes to Disney, there is no shortage of FUN, so embrace the fun and remember the Disney experience is much more than where and when we eat next.