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Staying Fit & Healthy at Disney World

by Ashley Metz on September 2, 2014 1 Orlando

I've been on this health kick since around February. I'm counting calories, eating better and exercising loads. That said, I am not forbidding myself from indulging every once in a while. After all, a lifestyle change is what I'm doing ... not just a diet. That's why I'm reframing the way I "do" Disney World. I plan on doing this by indulging occasionally, making smart choices when I can and finding time to burn some calories. Today I am sharing with you my plan for staying fit at Disney World! Let's GO!!!!

Staying Fit at Disney World: Making Smart Choices

Staying fit at Disney World - food choices

Even at Disney World, there are smart choices and substitutions that you can make without missing out on too much. One of the easiest things to substitute is french fries. A wide variety of delicious side options are available with just a simple request. Go for some fresh veggies or fruit instead of the fried option. You can find a huge selection of fresh fruit and healthy eating kiosks throughout the parks as well. Now that's not to say that you don't need to get "a piece of ice cream" (that's a family saying I had to send a nudge my Uncle Paul's way). When you can go for grilled or roasted not deep fried, snack on healthy options rather than sugary options.

Another smart choice that will save you money and calories is to DRINK WATER! You should hydrate all day anyway, but you can cut empty calories by avoiding sugary soft drinks (I'm not a diet soda fan either). Anyway, water is free so that will pad your wallet for what we're about to talk about next!

Staying Fit at Disney World: It's All About Balance

Finding fit at Disney World - Mickey Bar

I don't know about you, but I simply cannot resist some foods! Especially when those foods are the types of items I can't get on a daily basis. When it comes to food unique to Disney, I say indulge! Mickey Bars are a great example for me. Now, I'm not going to eat more than one (OK, maybe two) a day, but I am going to enjoy my fair share of this park-exclusive treat! I'm not going to feel guilty, I'm not going to beat myself up, I'm going to indulge in something that I typically wouldn't get. As I mentioned above, there are going to be times where I'll choose a smart side or skip out on a typical, find-it-just-about-anywhere-in-the-world treat. For all others, I say why not! Indulging once in a while is a healthy way to make sure that you don't have binge days.

Staying Fit at Disney World: Choosing to Be Active

Finding fit at Disney World - walking

I'm all about getting in a good workout, but I'll have to say that I am probably not going to be able to get in a good workout on vacation. That's because since the time I was a little girl, I've not wanted to miss a moment. That means that time spent in the amazing gym facilities offered on Disney property and resorts is highly unlikely for me. That doesn't have to be the case for you! You can get in a workout with the finest of facilities at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Disney's Boardwalk Villas, Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Contemporary, Disney's Grand Floridian, The Villa's at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Disney's Yacht Club Resort, and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas. These fitness centers offer a wide range of cardiovascular machines and free weights.

Finding fit at Disney World - Port Orleans Riverside trail

If you're not staying where you'll have access to fitness centers, you can find your workout in the pool! A good swim is sure to provide some cardio. Also, the Disney World resorts make for BEAUTIFUL runs/walks/jogs. And if you're like me and all about being in the park from opening to closing, then you can get your fit on in the parks! Walking at a brisk pace is an excellent way to burn off some calories. I conducted a little research for this post and found that the average person walks between 10-15 miles a DAY at Disney World. Use that walk to your advantage. Keep a brisk pace, use a pedometer or heart rate monitor watch, and log those calories you're burning! You'd be surprised at how much of a workout you get from walking around the parks!

These are just a few of my tips for staying fit at Disney World. Now it's your turn. What kind of smart food choices do you make when you're on vacation? How do you find balance and stay active?

Until next time, keep it magical!

Ashley is the author of Disney: Done Right Blog and a writer for Chip and Co. You can find her on Facebook and Twitter!

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Sep 2, 2014 at 3:11 p.m. Jordan Says...

Rest post! Most Disney blogs will mention gluten-free options a least once, by non talk about staying fit! Thanks for the tips!

...10-15 miles a day?! Wow! I believe it though!

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