Video:Tips for Eating Healthy at Disney

Transcript:Tips for Eating Healthy at Disney

Do you think it's a challenge to stick to a sensible diet amid pirates, princesses, and roller coasters? You're on vacation; temptations like Mickey Ice Cream Bars abound, and the focus is on fun. Hi, I'm Arthur Levine, the Theme Parks Guide at About.com, and today we’re going to take a look at some of the ways you can eat healthy at Disney World. Joining me is the doyenne of Disney dining, Pam Brandon.

Buy Nutritious Snacks to Eat Healthy at Disney

Pam: Hi Arthur. Arthur: Hi Pam, how are you doing? Pam: Great. Arthur: Now it's tough to resist a Mickey ice cream bar and other treats, but there are some alternatives. What are some healthier things that guests can purchase here at Disney World? Pam: In all four of the parks now we have healthy snacks. We have food carts that have bananas, apples, oranges, dired fruit, yogurt. All sorts of wonderful things that'll keep you satisfied until it's time for that indulgent meal.

Bring Your Own Snacks to Eat Healthy at Disney

Arthur: Guests might want to think about bringing their own health treats such as granola bars, crackers, and dried fruits and nuts. And another way to avoid eating unhealthy things might be to make sure that people eat three balanced meals every day.

Eat Healthy at Disney World Restaurants

And I know that here at the Disney World restaurants there are some healthy options that guests can purchase. Pam: It's really easy even in quick service. You need to take the time and have a reservation and spend a long time. The dishes we have here today are from Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion. The beautiful vegetables behind us, some of them are served in that restaurant.

We've got a hummus dish. Beautiful grilled salmon with roasted potatoes. Roasted chicken with black beans and rice. Beet salad with goat cheese. I mean a variety way beyond hot dogs and hamburgers. Our guests now are so sophisticated and really savvy about traveling and they're looking for something else.

Choose Healthy Drinks at Disney

Arthur: You know in the Florida heat and humidity it's important to stay hydrated and I think a lot of people might naturally want to grab a sugary soft drink, but there are other alternatives. Pam: Well I think water is the best alternative in Florida because it really gets hot. So I would suggest probably bringing your own water bottle or you can pick up these in the parks or the resorts, fill it up in the morning with water, and then throughout the day replenish your water supply, because you're really going to need it.

Smoothies Are a Healthy Option at Disney

Arthur: Now what about things like smoothies? They can be healthy too right? Pam: They are. You know now in our table service restaurants, smoothies used to be made with ice cream and whipped cream and all sorts of good things. Now our smoothies are made with non-fat yogurt with fresh fruit purees. They used to be 420 calories and now they're 120 calories.

Treat Yourself While Eating Healthy at Disney

Arthur: No trip to Disney World would be complete without at least one decadent treat. I think the trick is that you want to limit yourself. You don't want to over do it. But when you do want to grab a treat, what's one of your favorites here at Disney World Pam? Pam: Well that's a hard one but I probably would say, wandering around World Showcase, love the bakery in Germany, the Wurther's Bakery.

Great Indulgences at Disney

But my-all time favorite is the rice cream in Norway. It's this delicious combination of cream and rice and strawberry puree that you just can't find anywhere else. Arthur: I think I'm kind of partial to the hot fudge sundae's at Ghirardelli in Downtown Disney. Pam: Let's go get one. Arthur: Let's go.

To learn more about dining at Disney World, visit us online at About.com.