Ask Fitz! Your Fitness Questions Answered -- Vacation Weight Management

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answer. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hello! I came across your trip reports from your Disney World vacation in June while searching the web for some advice on healthy eating at Disney. Very helpful posts -- thank you! Our family was there last summer and we are going back next week. However, since January I have lost around 55 lbs (with a few more pounds still to go). I wasn't that concerned about eating healthy last summer, but I am worried this summer that I will gain weight during vacation instead of maintaining or losing weight, as I am still trying to do. I know that Disney World is tons of walking (it's me, my husband, and our two boys, ages 7 and 5), but there is no nutrition/calorie information for any of the food from Disney's table or counter-service restaurants. The main way that I have lost weight is by counting calories and exercising. So I feel a little "lost" when it comes to what I will eat on vacation. Also, my husband and kids are fairly picky eaters and so we pretty much only eat at places that offer the standard "hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, pizza", etc. Thanks for your trip report -- sounds like you and your family had a wonderful time at Disney World!!! Melody from Delaware

A. Hi Melody. Lucky you! I wish I were going back to Disney next week! Hopefully my answer will prove to be the simple reassurance you need to relax and enjoy the magic of Disney. Sweetie ... you've lost 55 pounds; you already know what you are doing! All I want you to do is to continue pursuing the same fabulous food you choose at home in Delaware. Disney has totally cleaned up its act in the healthy food department. I literally found healthier menu items at Disney's Magic Kingdom than I have ever found in my own home town!

Ask Fitz! Healthy Choices at Disney(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Even without the caloric content being listed on the menus, I have faith you'll be able to decide which foods are right for you and when to ditch the bun. Feel free to enjoy a small dessert each day if you must. My husband and I were quite satisfied sharing a Mickey Mouse pop (which does list its nutritional information.) We also shared a more elaborate/indulgent dessert at Disney's California Grill amongst all four of us.

As far as the kids go ... be their mother! Don't allow them the crap food that put you in a position in which you needed to lose 55 pounds. I imagine you wish your parents would have taught you healthier eating habits as a child, so you never would have had to deal with being overweight. Give that gift to your children. They don't need all the garbage you listed above. Allow them grilled meat, produce, lean dairy, and small amounts of good fat. Disney offers first class children's meals and I suggest you insist upon them. Have a great vacation! Let me know how things go!

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