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9 Tips For Healthy Eating at Walt Disney World

There is food around almost every corner at Walt Disney World. You will find ice cream, cupcakes, pretzels, churros, and plenty of other yummy treats, just waiting for you to try them. Even though you will do a lot of walking on a Disney vacation, that does not mean that your healthy eating style can go by the wayside. The good news is that you can follow a healthy diet and still enjoy plenty of delicious food while on your Walt Disney world vacation. Here are some tips to help you out.

9. Remember That Calories Still Count

You will hear many people say that calories do not count while at Walt Disney World. If only that were true! Calories do count while you are on vacation. If you would not eat it at home, you probably should avoid it on your trip. If you overdo it, don’t beat yourself up. Consider adding a little extra exercise, such as walking to the park instead of taking the tram. That way, you will feel a little less guilty.

8. Read Menus

The menus for most Walt Disney World restaurants are available on the Walt Disney World website, and also on the My Disney Experience App. Read them ahead of time. That way you will know what you want to order, and since you will have already made up your mind you will not be tempted when your server mentions a particular dish.

7. Ask Questions

If you want to know about a certain dish, or if you need to know if something else might be available because you do not see any healthy options, ask. The Cast Members are usually more than willing to help you out. You can even ask to speak to a chef if you need to know specific information, such as how a dish is prepared. When you know what goes into a dish, you will be able to make healthier choices.

 

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6. Snacks, Part 1

There are two things that you need to remember when it comes to snacks. The first is that Disney does not care if you bring snacks into the parks. You can’t bring in glass jars or bottles, and you can’t bring in alcohol, but otherwise it is allowed. That means that you can be in control of your eating before you pass through the turnstile. Pack snacks that are healthy, and also that will not weigh too much in your backpack. Make sure as well that they will hold up under the Florida sun. You do not want to pull out your snack, only to discover that it has melted all over your bag.

5. Snacks, Part 2

If you don’t want to carry snacks around with you, remember that there are healthy snacks sold within the parks. You can purchase fresh fruit, which will hydrate you as well as satisfy your hunger. You can also pick up snacks like hummus or veggies and dip. A snack does not need to be bad for you, just look for healthier choices.

4. Watch the Fried Foods

Fried foods seem to be everywhere at Walt Disney World! That does not mean that you need to eat them. Most of the restaurants have an option that is not cooked in a fryer until the grease has soaked through. An occasional fried food will not ruin your healthy habits, just make sure that you do not have them every single meal.

3. Skip the Fries

Speaking of fried foods, French fries are served as a side for many dishes. Just because they are on the menu does not mean that you have to eat them. A lot of restaurants have a healthier side such as apple slices or green beans that you can have instead. If you do not like the alternative side, just order the entree. Not only will skipping the combo be a healthier option, you could also save a couple of dollars.

2. Share

There will be times that you will see something that is not really healthy that you will still want to try. Instead of ordering it and eating the whole thing, share. No one in your party needs an entire order of onion rings or a whole slice of cheesecake. If you share, you can all get a taste, but you will not have the guilt that you would get from eating the entire thing.

1. Splurge

Plan for one splurge on your Walt Disney World vacation. Have it on your last day. If you know that you will have something extra, you won’t feel deprived. You will also put more thought into the item that you will eventually order. Do a little bit of research on the snacks that you might be considering for that splurge. Mickey Ice Cream Bars and Sandwiches and Dole Whip are iconic snacks. They are also lower in fat and calories than you might think. A Mickey Bar could be a great way to end your last theme park day, and since you won’t have ruined your healthy habits elsewhere you will be able to really enjoy it.

About PaulaK

I grew up in Western Massachusetts. When I was nine my family went to Disneyland and I was hooked. I grew up, attended New England College in Henniker, NH and eventually moved to Virginia. I worked as a disc jockey, married and became a full time mom when our daughter was born. Fast forward several years. In 2010 we moved to Central Florida and my Disney obsession grew. I now work as a freelance writer and spend my spare time in the parks. Under the name Paula Brown I penned the novels Dream Wanderers and The Coffee Cruiser. I also am a co-author of Dining at Walt Disney World: The Definitive Guide. I'm obsessed with Star Wars, so this is a good time to live in Central Florida. I've been a vegetarian for well over a decade, a choice that my daughter eventually made as well. While my husband still hasn't joined us fully he has given up most meats except for seafood. I was relieved to find that vegetarian dining is not difficult at Walt Disney World.