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Whether you're on vacation, a business trip, or out of town for a special event like a wedding, it can be nerve-wracking getting out of your routine when you're chugging along on your weight loss journey. Trust me, this is something I struggled with (and how this blog was born!) - when you're making good progress, you don't want to find yourself feeling defeated because the number on the scale went up after your vacation time.
While it's sometimes near impossible to be 100% in control, there are a few steps you can take to help you get pretty close. I've gathered the steps I take - and have helped me lose weight when spending long weekends at Disney or work trips - so that way, you have a guide to help you if you're feeling overwhelmed. Specifically, here are five tips for how you can eat healthy in your hotel room. This post contains some affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Read more here! 
Research the hotel in advance to see what tools you have, and go from there.
Even if it’s a business trip where your boss books the room for you, you’ll still likely know where you’re going before you pack your bags. So if you have the ability, be sure to look up where you’re staying and the in-room amenities before traveling. If you’re the one booking the room, try to see if you can book a place where there’s more you can use. For example, a place like Candlewood Suites has a mini-kitchen in it with more appliances (including a refrigerator) than a standard hotel room, and most places - even the most basic of them all - have a microwave and, sometimes, a mini-fridge. These things should be listed on their website, and if not, available in photographs of the room or something you could call the front desk about. If you know you have a refrigerator in your hotel room, then that makes it all the easier to meal prep.
Stick to basics.
Nonperishables are your friend! You can keep it pretty basic and still stay healthy. Just be on the lookout for high sodium counts with nonperishable food items, but there are plenty of ways you can keep the SmartPoints or calories to a minimum. Look for things like 100 calorie packs of nuts, canned (or pouched) chicken and tuna, fruit (especially apples, clementines, and other fruits that don’t need refrigeration), low-calorie breads with PB2 (and, if you have a refrigerator, sugar-free or reduced-sugar jelly), cold cuts if you have a fridge, and your favorite healthy snacks.
Plan at least your breakfasts in advance.
Whether you’re on vacation or a business trip, chances are there are going to be a few mornings where you have breakfast in the room or on the go. If you can pre-plan with healthy breakfasts or even a protein bar - Built Bars are my favorite at only 3 SmartPoints, and make for a great snack if you have breakfast reservations - then that’s one way to not worry about at least one of your meals. When I went on a business trip to Virginia, I bought a box of protein bars before I left to have for breakfast since I knew that lunch and dinner would be eaten at restaurants every day, and I still managed to lose weight when I stepped on the scale upon my return home!
With Built Bars, you can get 10% off if you use the coupon code magicallyfit at checkout! 
Research what restaurants are nearby.
This is helpful to know if you’re on the go so you don’t have to succumb to what you feel is the only option if you’re on the go. This way, you know exactly what your options are and what the healthier ones are. This way, you can confidently say you’re trying your best, which goes a long way when you’re stuck eating out.
Pack some essential tools.
You can base what tools you pack based on what is available in your hotel room (especially after you researched like point 1!). Get some tools that you can have in your hotel room or your purse so that way you can be prepared, even on the go. Some of my favorite tools for this are…
With these tips, you can feel less overwhelmed and nervous about your upcoming trip and feel more in control. People will often ask me, "Jess, why even bother? Calories don't count at Disney!" or, "Why don't you just relax on vacation?" Well, for me - and I know for many others - it just takes one moment of discouragement to throw your groove out of whack, and the last thing you want to do is feel like you are out of control when it comes to that happening.
Just remember that, no matter what happens on your vacation or when you step on your scale, to be kind to yourself. My Weight Watchers leader once said that in every set back, there's a learning opportunity, and you wouldn't slash the remaining three tires on your car if one of them went flat. Have any questions? No matter how specific, feel free to email me, DM me on social media, or leave them in the comments!
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*Disclaimer: There are affiliate links throughout this blog post where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog!
Did you know there are plenty of places to go for a run or walk at the Walt Disney World resorts?
Whether you want to get in a long walk or go for a short run, there are tons of options! Let's explore them!
Boardwalk Resort area
Running around the Boardwalk is my favorite for longer distances. It's beautiful, especially in the early morning when there isn't really anyone out and about except for people who want a super early morning cup of coffee or other runners, and you get to (sort of) experience two of the parks along the way - Epcot and Hollywood Studios!
I recommend starting at the Boardwalk Resort area and then you have two choices: left or right. I'd recommend making this decision based on the time of day; for example, if I know the sun will be rising around the time I'm heading to Epcot, I enjoy watching it so I'll plan accordingly. For article's sake, let's say you go right first!
​
When you head right and follow the path along the lake and over the little bridge, you'll end up at the International Gateway entrance to Epcot, so rather than entering the park you'll want to head back to the Boardwalk. You can pass the Yacht and Beach Club and the Swan and Dolphin; each of these resorts also has their own running paths if you'd like to tack those on for extra mileage, or you can keep heading past the Swan and Dolphin and take the path that leads you to Hollywood Studios.
When you reach Hollywood Studios, again, you'll want to turn around to head back rather than enter the park (unless you bring your Magic Band or ticket and the park is open)! This part of the path gives you a really cool view of the Swan and Dolphin resorts and Tower of Terror. I like starting and stopping at the Boardwalk because once I'm back, I like to treat myself to a nice, fresh cup of coffee from the Boardwalk Bakery afterwords!
Parking options: If you're staying at any of these resorts, you have plenty of parking options given the loops are all connected around the lake. If you're not staying at this resort, I'd recommend parking at Hollywood Studios and having that be your start point (since I get free parking with my Annual Pass, this is what I do).
Polynesian Resort and the Grand Floridian Resort
This route is on the short side - a mile each way - but it is one of my absolute favorites due to the breathtaking sights and sounds. It's best enjoyed at sunrise, in my opinion; I think that's how Walt intended for us to admire the look of the Polynesian Resort since running this trail! However, at night sometimes you get great views of the electrical parade that they do on the Seven Seas Lagoon.
​ If you're starting at the Polynesian Resort: Start at the Moorea building and go to the right of it. When you turn the corner, you'll see the ferry boats that take you to Magic Kingdom and the bungalows with a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon. You can see Cinderella Castle, the train station, Space Mountain, and Astro Orbiter as you run by the bungalows, and I recommend leaving your headphones behind for this route so you can enjoy the sounds of the Walt Disney World Railroad (yes, you can hear the train whistle!), the ferry boats, and the monorail. 
When you reach the pool and boat dock, you're gonna head around the dock and then, once you're on the other side of the pond, take a left to go by the resort and follow the path to the Grand Floridian; if you see the Wedding Pavilion in the near distance, you're in the right spot because you're going to pass it. You'll then head like you're going into the Grand Floridian and going around the back of it so you're back by the Seven Seas Lagoon. You'll pass the pool at the Grand Floridian and then after going up the steps, you'll find your way in the resort near a fountain. If you want, you can turn around here, or you can keep going towards your right to head down to the boat dock for a nice view of Magic Kingdom and the monorail and then turn and go back the way you came.
If you're starting at Grand Floridian: It's basically just reverse from above. Start from the resort, head down towards the pools and once you hit the beach, just follow the path to the Polynesian, passing the Wedding Pavilion on the way. You'll head to the Polynesian's boat dock and go around the pool and then make your way by the bungalows. Head all the way down to the Moorea building and then turn and head back!
Parking options: If you're staying at Grand Floridian or Polynesian, you can stay there. If you aren't, park at Transportation and Ticket Center (TTC) and take the walkway to the Polynesian Resort. I like parking at the TTC and counting my walk from my car to the Polynesian walkway as my warm up.
Saratoga Springs
This route gives you a beautiful view of Disney Springs and actually takes you there! There are many ways you can take to tack on mileage so if you want something shorter or longer, you have your pick!
There's a path that's just shy of a mile long that takes you through The Springs and The Paddock areas that is mostly along the water (and beautiful!). This is where you're going to get stellar views of Disney Springs! You can also loop through the different sections of the resort and find new paths. Most roads eventually lead back to Disney Springs if you get lost!
And if you ever do get lost, there are tons of signs around the resort area with a map so you can eventually find your way back!
Parking options: If you aren't staying at Saratoga Springs, you can access the path from Disney Springs. The path near the golf course is tucked behind House of Blues and Cirque du Soleil, closest to the orange garage, but be careful of golfers! The other part (where I recommend starting) is tucked away behind Disney's Days of Christmas. The path there starts near where the "Happy Holidays" statue is behind the store. This side is closest to the lime garage.
​ Bonus: Every Thursday morning, there's the Derby Dash 5k at Saratoga Springs! Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and the fun run starts at 8 a.m. in front of Community Hall. Registration is only $15 - just inquire with the front desk! You don't have to be staying here to participate. There is also a free walking league through the resort area - no registration required - on Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m., meeting in front of City Hall and walking for about 1.75 miles through the resort. Read more about events like this here. Contemporary Resort
This trail is a 0.9 mile loop around Bay Lake Tower and the South Garden Wing. You can add on some distance if you go by the tennis courts. You could also go from the Contemporary, head towards the Magic Kingdom, and run past the boat launches and monorails down a brick road. This brick road - which you may have seen from above while waiting for a monorail - leads to nowhere so it's a good turn around point, but this is a super busy area between foot and road traffic, so exercise caution (and maybe save it for early mornings).
Parking options: Contemporary Resort if you're staying there, or park at TTC and take a monorail over. Pop Century and Art of Animation
Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter
Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter have a loop about 1 mile long that connects the two resort grounds! It takes you around a majority of the resort buildings, so no matter where you're staying, you likely have access if you're at one of the Port Orleans hotels. This run has a really pretty view, as it goes around some lakes, and the buildings for this resort are a very pretty, southern style.
​ Bonus: Every Sunday morning for $15, you can participate in the 1.5 mile Beignet Dash! Registration is at 7:30 a.m. at French Quarter with the fun run beginning at 8 a.m. You get beads, some other freebies, and a coupon for three free beignets. Read more about this here! Wilderness Lodge & ​FORT WILDERNESS CAMPGROUNDS
This is a great trail for nature lovers! There are signs posted throughout that let you know where the bike and jogging trail are, but it weaves through Fort Wilderness and takes you eventually to the Lodge. You can weave different ways depending on the mileage you want to get, and parts of the path are either paved or just nicely packed dirt. And because of the location, you've got a good amount of shade here!
You can start near Tri Circle D Ranch at Fort Wilderness, near the main lobby at Wilderness Lodge (where you'll see some signage), and a path near the bike rental building at the Villas. If you get lost, there are some New Balance maps around!
Old Key West Resort
This designated running path is just shy of a mile and a half long, and it starts over near some of the other sporty resort amenities. You can take a few different routes: Peninsular Road, South Point Road, and/or Old Turtle And Road. If you'd like to scope it out before you run, it's marked on the map for Old Key West as the New Balance Running Trail.
Caribbean Beach Resort & Riviera Resort
Caribbean Beach Resort is a pretty big property, so I highly recommend going here if you want a longer run! This property is gorgeous and covers a lot of ground, and it also connects to smaller-sized Riviera Resort. This also connects to the Skyliner, so if you want to hop on and run elsewhere, the main hub is at Caribbean Beach.
Coronado Springs
You can cover at least 1.7 miles at Coronado Springs - where they also have their own fun run - whether you're jogging or biking. This path takes you around the lake, but you can also add a little more distance by following some other paths around the resort.
All Star Resorts
Similarly to the Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts, this is another fun spot to go for a jog because of all the fun little photo opportunities tied in to the resort's theme and different sections of the resort. There's a course that takes you through Sports, Movies, and Music, and you can even take part in the All Stars and Icons fun run! It's about 1.2 miles long.
*Disclaimer: There are affiliate links throughout this blog post where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog!
Coming off the heels of the Festival of the Holidays at Epcot is the International Festival of the Arts! From January 17 through February 24, Epcot will turn into a giant artist showcase - and, because it's Disney, they'll have some seasonal food options around the world.
Festival of the Arts is my second favorite festival (only behind Flower and Garden!) for two reasons: it's colorful and highlights some amazing talents, but also because they don't go as heavy on the food offerings as some of the other festivals (while still having samplings all around the world), which is a relief for Weight Watchers wanting to sample without dipping into too many Weekly SmartPoints. Let's dive right in to the menu for this year's festival! Worth noting that I'll be sharing my Magically Fit recommendations of Disney's menu for just the food: I don't drink alcohol so it's not my expertise, and if you are looking to cut back on SmartPoints then I always recommend going for a non-alcoholic option as that will down on it quite a bit, 
The Deconstructed Dish
Food:
Magically Fit's recommendation: The Deconstructed BLT sounds like it packs a good amount of protein thanks to the pork and egg without sacrificing on flavor thanks to the tomato jam. The Deconstructed Reuben has a few extra things like the Jarlsberg Cake and dressing that are probably sneaky when it comes to calories, so the BLT is the champ here. ​
Cuisine Classique
Prepare to be amazed with these hearty braised bites and traditional Old World delights! Food:
The Artist’s Table
Satisfy hunger with these savory plates—all prepared using oven and stove-top techniques! Food:
Pop Eats!
Unearth the tasty treasures and tantalizing textures of modern art-inspired eats! Food:
Decadent Delights
Indulge in a gallery of divine delectables that transform dessert into a fine art! Food:
​The Masterpiece Kitchen
Raise your glass and celebrate this fabulous fusion of food and wine—cheers! Food:
And now, let's head to the World Showcase!
Magically Fit's recommendation: This is one of my favorite booths, both because the sushi donut is a great, colorful, and protein-packed choice, but the taiyaki is a fantastic option if you really want a sweet treat since it's small and, per My Fitness Pal, only roughly 210 calories or so. Plus it's something out of the norm from what you get at a grocery store, so you'll be treating yourself to something that is special if you're like me and try to avoid sweets.
El Arista Hambriento – Mexico Pavilion
Food:
Refreshment OutPost – Outpost
Food:
Refreshment Port – Showcase Plaza
Food:
The Painted Panda – China
Food:
L’Art du Cuisine Francaise – France
Food:
Mosaic Canteen – Morocco
Food:
L’Arte di Mangiare – Italy
Food:
And, of course, if you're worried about temptation sneaking up on you, then I always recommend brining a snack! I love having a Built Bar handy since I have such a sweet tooth, and most flavors are only 3 SmartPoints on Weight Watchers (but they max out at 4 SmartPoints, and that's really just for the peanut butter bar!). I like to keep them in the fridge, so if I pack it with me to the parks, it doesn't get super melted unless its a really hot day (as any product with real chocolate would). If you're worried about melting, you could even freeze it prior to leaving for the park! Get 10% off your order of Built Bar and their other products (like Built Boost, a flavor packet loaded with vitamins for your water) when you shop with the coupon code MAGICALLYFIT.
Another reason I love this festival is there are a ton of fun photo opportunities, so its another great way to distract yourself if you are worried about raking in the SmartPoints. Focus on enjoying the experiences and you'll find yourself pretty occupied between the art and the interactive ways you can become art (photos below from 2019's Festival of the Arts)!
Which Epcot festival is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
*Disclaimer: There are affiliate links throughout this blog post where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog!
As promised in myreview of Paddlefish for Christmas, it’s time to review its next door neighbor at Disney Springs: Terralina Crafted Italian! Italian food can be admittedly really difficult to eat out when you’re on any sort of meal plan. Pasta and cheese can be high in Weight Watchers SmartPoints no matter what plan you’re on (because, even if you’re on myWW Purple, it’s only the whole wheat variety that is Zero SmartPoints!); if you’re on a plan like the South Beach Diet or keto there are carbohydrates abound; and even if you’re just tracking your calories or macros on an app like MyFitnessPal, it’s very easy to go overboard at an Italian restaurant. 
But, there’s no need to fear at Terralina - there are a few options that you can make work, especially if you are mindful. However, I recommend just enjoying your night and using this restaurant as a “cheat meal.” Don’t forget, you’re likely getting a ton of walking in on your Disney vacation - even if you’re a local who visits often like me, it’s easy to rake in over 10,000 steps without trying at Disney in a relatively short period of time.
Related articles: Ways to get more steps at Walt Disney World! 
There aren’t a lot of options at Terralina that are Weight Watchers friendly, however you can get a salad and add a grilled protein (my recommendations are the chicken or shrimp). I’m trying to cut back on my refined carbohydrates and incorporate more healthy fats into my diet, so I switched to the myWW Green Plan for the 30 Daily Points and opted for the Terralina Crafted Italian Salad topped with grilled chicken. It was super delicious and filling! The fresh mozzarella made for a filling fat to replace any carbs, but there wasn’t so much of it that it was overkill. Also worth noting that this salad also normally includes salami and pepperoncini, but I’m not a fan of either, so I asked for them to be omitted (hence them not being in the photo). I tracked it as 10 SmartPoints using some generic foods I found in the WW app. I found that the salad was lightly dressed with red wine vinaigrette, but you could also try asking for it on the side and measuring it out with some tools you bring yourself if you wanted to get really specific with your tracking.
If you aren’t avoiding carbs, I also recommend trying one of their pizzas. My mom got their margherita pizza, which was very flavorful. It's a larger sized personal pizza with six slices, so if you’re concerned about portions, consider splitting it with your family or a friend! The crust was thin, too, so that knocks another SmartPoint off of it in your tracker! You could probably also ask for a grilled protein to be placed on top of the pizza; not sure if they do that, but it’s always worth asking! Plus if you are worried that you won’t have enough, you can get a side of broccoli for an additional $8 (a bit pricey for a side, in my opinion, but that’s Walt Disney World for you!).
What’s your go to Italian dish when you’re trying to stick to your plan as best as you can? Let’s discuss!
*Disclaimer: There are affiliate links throughout this blog post where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog!
For Christmas Day, since it’s just my fiancé, parents and I, we like to keep things pretty lowkey. We got a reservation at Paddlefish for lunch, which I was excited about since I’ve been here before for a company Christmas party and knew it would be good but also manageable for my SmartPoints budget.
Let’s take a look at some of my recommendations for a delicious lunch you can enjoy even on myWW (Weight Watchers): the chicken breast, fish tacos, and blackened catfish sandwich. 
We got the shrimp cocktail for an appetizer, which is a good choice on really any diet plan. I didn't photograph it, but it came with about seven large pieces of shrimp, some cocktail sauce with horseradish, and a lemon for squeezing. If you're trying to either go low-carb or resist temptation, also note that our server did not bring bread to our table - I'm sure they would have if we asked, but we didn't, so that was nice to know that I wouldn't be loading up on just straight carbs before my meal.
I opted for something I knew to help me track it on Weight Watchers that I also knew was really good: the chicken breast. You get a large portion of chicken between some salad greens and a succotash, and it’s cooked in a Carolina mop sauce, which is flavorful yet light since it’s vinegar-based. The mop sauce from the chicken is also on the bacon succotash, which consists largely of edamame and corn with some real bacon bits thrown in the mix (not a lot of bacon in there to worry about it, and if you aren’t a fan it’s easy enough to pick out). This made for a lower in SmartPoints dish that was extremely filling and satisfying to my tastebuds. It’s also a great option if you’re carb-cycling and on a low carb day.
My mom enjoyed her fish tacos which included a red cabbage slaw, papaya-mango salsa, sweet chili aioli on top of whatever the catch of the day was. In her instance it looked like tilapia or flounder. The tortillas weren’t massive, so this is another dish I’d recommend if you’re trying to not overdo it but also not sacrifice on taste or being filled!
My dad ordered the blackened catfish sandwich - he said the bun wasn’t buttered, so that’s a plus! However he said for sides, the asparagus was delicious but, in his words, you’d be just as good off getting the French fries (unless you’re doing a high fat diet like keto) due to how much oil the asparagus was sitting in. This is definitely something worth noting! If you do opt for a veggie side, my fiancé got the green beans for his, which had significantly less oil but still some in the dish. But as for the sandwich itself, the fish was light and flavorful without being super oily. Definitely a good choice if you’re in the mood for a sandwich!
On top of everything else, the atmosphere and the view is awesome at Paddlefish. You have a gorgeous view of the water and Disney Springs while you dine, and is definitely one of Disney’s finer-dining locations without being super expensive. Prices here can get pricey for certain seafood dishes, but it’s really comparable to anywhere else at Disney Springs that isn’t a quick-service place.
Tips for Success
For New Year’s Eve I’ll be at Terralina, so look forward to that review next! But in the meantime, I want to hear from you: what’s your favorite restaurant at Disney Springs?
Christmas is almost here! Thank god for Amazon Prime, right? If you're needing a last minute gift for your support system or if you're looking to treat yourself, here are my favorite Weight Watchers gift ideas.
*Disclaimer: There are affiliate links throughout this blog post where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog! 
protein cake mix
You may have heard me talk about how much I love Lil Buff Proteinon my Facebook page before. This is a great product to help people enjoy sweets like cake and not feel deprived. The recipe calls for egg whites and unsweetened apple sauce (or pumpkin puree) so you're really cutting back on the fat and calories, and the protein count in this makes even half of a cake mix (they're single serving bags) super filling! There are other similar brands out there too like Andrea'sif you're wanting to also get mixes for other baked goods.
Instant Pot accessory kit
Instant Pots and slow cookers are my best friends in the kitchen because I love being able to come home to a healthy, low Smart Points dinner prepared and ready to eat (or only a few minutes away from being done)! There are a few different accessories you can get for it to make life easier, and this is a great way to try new recipes. Accessory kits for Instant Pots give you a bunch in one go!
Air Fryer ACCESSORY kit
Air fryers are the other hot ticket item that every Weight Watcher seems to have in their kitchen these days. While they're a great way to treat yourself if you haven't gotten one yet (and smaller ones aren't that expensive anymore!), one useful gift is - similarly to the Instant Pot - hooking someone up with the accessory kit. I've gotten one from my mom and am so excited about all the new ways I can play with my air fryer.
Cookbook
Ask any Weight Watcher and they'll probably tell you the same thing: you eventually get very bored of chicken and fish! That's why I think cookbooks, especially ones by Weight Watchers or bloggers like Skinnytaste, make for wonderful gifts. Even if every recipe isn't going to be a favorite, chances are it will still create a spark of inspiration to modify it so you can keep trying new things and not letting your taste buds get bored while staying on track.
Charm Bracelet
I know what you might be thinking: "Jess, how on earth is this relevant to Weight Watchers?" Well, you need somewhere to store all your charms, right? Lots of members like to go beyond the traditional key chain to display their achievement charms (given for seasonal events or for hitting certain weight loss and fitness milestones) by putting them on a charm bracelet (Pandora style) or by putting them on a necklace chain. Getting them one of these with a note explaining it's for them to show off their accomplishments is really thoughtful if you ask me!
Built Bars
While not through Amazon Prime, Built Bars are another great gift idea for two reasons. If they're new to Built, you can get them a sample box to try a bunch of different flavors, or you can help them stock up on one of their favorites or a seasonal item with an 18 count box. There are also Built Bites, a tub of mini bars that makes for a great gift, and Built Boost to make getting in your water much more flavorful. If you want 10% off this order (while supporting the blog at no additional cost to you!), you can shop their products by clicking this link or using the coupon code MAGICALLYFIT at checkout!
Wine Glass with Smart POints marked
What are you hoping Santa leaves under the tree? Let me know in the comments!
*Disclaimer: There are affiliate links throughout this blog post where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog!
It's the most wonderful time of the year... unless you're dreading having to go to countless holiday parties between work and families and you know that holiday deserts threaten your healthy lifestyle and weight loss goals. Just when you think Epcot is safe territory because the Food and Wine Festival is over, in rolls the International Festival of the Holidays, which used to showcase just different cultures' wintertime traditions... but now is just as loaded with food and drink as Food and Wine is.
Have no fear - the menu is out so we can peruse in advance! As I always say with the Epcot festivals, what's great about these seasonal events is that most of the options are in a smaller, sample-sized portion - that means you shouldn't worry too much about food guilt if you do indulge. I've snagged the menu right from Disney so that way you can see what's what and I'm also highlighting some of my recommendations if you're still trying to count your calories or Weight Watchers SmartPoints. GF = Gluten/wheat friendly | KA = kid-approved 
Photos in this graphic are from DisneyParksBlog!
Feast of the Three Kings (Near the Mexico Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: Despite the queso, I'd actually reach for the Arepa with Shrimp - you've got a little protein from the shrimp, and it's a leaner protein than the beef option. Holiday Sweets & Treats (Promenade Refreshments):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: This is a tricky one because it's all sweets - definitely know your food triggers before hitting up this food stand! If you're worried about calories, the sugar cookie is probably the lesser of two evils here. And while I'm not saying not to have any alcoholic beverages, option for the hot cocoa without any booze will help cut back on some calories too. Want something sweet but don't want to set off any food triggers! I always like to bring a 3 SmartPoint Built Bar! Flavors range from 110-130 calories (except for the 4 SmartPoint, 170 calorie peanut butter flavor) and they're coated in real chocolate. It's a great way to curb your sweet tooth but since it's a protein bar, it'll be much more filling! Plus the coupon magicallyfit gets you 10% off. Pro tip: I like 'em refrigerated! 
L’Chaim! Holiday Kitchen (Between Morocco and France):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendations: Latkes - especially sample-sized ones - probably won't be too much of a heavy hitter, so I'd reach for one of those to feel more festive. Shoutout to the smoked salmon one for packing some extra protein and a healthier fat than the sour cream! Refreshment Port (Near the Canada Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendations: Not really many options here - just your eggnog, really, and the turkey poutine which I'd personally stay away from. If you really want these things, it would be much more satisfying to just have a Thanksgiving-style meal instead of a copycat version of it on French fries!
Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada Pavilion)
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendations: I'd go for the Canadian Wild Rice and just be cautious of the size of the pretzel roll due to everything that comes on the salmon! Plus there are other healthier salmon options at different stands. Canada Popcorn Cart (Canada Pavilion):
UK Beer Cart (United Kingdom Pavilion):
UK Tea Caddy (United Kingdom Pavilion):
Le Marché de Noël Holiday Kitchen (France Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: I'd go for the Turkey and Mushrooms - even though it's in a cream sauce, you can push some of that out of the puff pastry if you've got a lot of it that you're worried about. L’Artisan des Glaces (France Pavilion):
Boulangerie Patisserie Les Halles (France Pavilion):
Sapphire Holiday Kitchen (Morocco Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: This is another good pavilion to visit if you're set on sampling around the world showcase! Your Lamb Kebab is grilled, and the Chicken Drum comes with mostly-healthyish (for a theme park, anyway) options. I'd probably lean towards the lamb, though - less sugar! Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen (Japan Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: Japan always offers up some of my favorites, and for the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, it's no exception! Buckwheat soba noodles are Zero SmartPoints on the MyWW Purple Plan, so even though there's some vegetable tempura going on, it makes for a good option. The sushi Christmas tree is also adorable and a great option! However, don't be fooled by the matcha creme brulee - even though matcha is packed full of health benefits, this is a sugar-loaded dessert! However, if you're looking for something sweet that won't necessarily trigger a chocolate craving and don't want to bring your own dessert or aforementioned Built Bar, then this may be a good choice of indulgence. American Holiday Table (The American Adventure):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendations: Either of your options here probably are comparable, so you're looking at two options with decent protein! The cranberry sauce with the turkey and the sweet potato casserole are probably a trade-off as far as a sugary side dish goes. However, if you are worried about having more sides, I'd go for the ham. If you're here for something sweet, the gingerbread cookie will probably pack some similar flavors to the tart without as many calories from the whipped cream and sauce!
Funnel Cake (The American Adventure):
Fife & Drum (The American Adventure):
Food Items:
Block & Hans (The American Adventure):
Beverage Items:
Tuscany Holiday Kitchen (Italy Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: I'd go for the Bianca Neve flatbread; beef is protein, but it's white-wine braised and not the leanest of protein options. You're also getting to skip out on "caramelized" and "creamy" aka dressings that are high in SmartPoints even in tiny amounts. Bavaria Holiday Kitchen (Germany Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: I'd split the cheese fondue in the bread bowl with a friend and hog the baby vegetables! Prost! (Germany Pavilion):
Beverages:
Refreshment Outpost (African Outpost):
Food Items:
Shanghai Holiday Kitchen (China Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: I'd opt for the barbecue pork with steamed rice - easier to control your carb count than a bao bun! Norway- Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe (Norway Pavilion):
Magically Fit's notes: In case you aren't sure what this is, typically a Norweigen holiday rice cream is essentially a leftover rice porridge refresher with whipped cream, vanilla, and/or sugar added. It's usually topped with a red berry or fruit sauce. Similar to my Matcha Creme Brulee note on the Japan Pavilion's offerings, this might be a good dessert option for someone who doesn't want to bring their own sweets but would rather indulge in Disney's without triggering a chocolate craving, and would likely be a lighter sweets option than a Christmas Yule log cake or a pumpkin spice funnel cake. Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen (Mexico Pavilion):
Food Items:
Magically Fit's recommendation: Because it's a leaner protein, my vote goes to the Tamal de Pollo. However if you're watching your carb intake, the Tostada de Puerco might be easier since you can just opt to not eat the tostada it's served on. Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company:
Future World East: Choco-Latte: Latte with Chocolate Sauce and Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur
Canada: Ginger Chai Madness: Chai Latte with Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur and Gingerbread Syrup Showcase Plaza: Coconut Snowstorm: Latte with RumChata and Coconut Syrup The American Adventure: Toffee Coffee: Latte with Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur and Sea Salt Caramel Toffee Sauce
The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays starts on November 29th and runs through December 30th! What are you most looking forward to trying? Let me know in the comments, on Instagram or on Facebook!
Feb 2020 Update: What we thought we knew about myWW turned out to hold true! This plan is an exciting way for members to customize their experience. I personally have been swapping between Green and Purple depending on where life takes me (and avoiding Blue because it does not work for me personally, but I'm glad knowing it is there for those who love and need it!). This makes it something sustainable in the long term, and in research, WW (Weight Watchers Reimagined) was actually found to be the best long-term diet plan by Consumers Advocate! For more info on that research, you can check it out on their website.
On to the article!
There’s a new Weight Watchers plan coming around, and I’m so excited about it! As many of you know, I lost the bulk of my weight with Weight Watchers during their Beyond the Scale program that launched in 2015 and introduced SmartPoints. But I struggled immensely when they updated to Freestyle, and have switched to a third party knock-off WW app to continue using my 30 points per day program that actually worked for me. Many of us wished to Return to 30, but many did see success with Freestyle because one size does not fit all with weight loss programs.
This post contains some affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Read more here!
This is why I am so excited for the new WW program launching, myWW. MyWW launched in Australia already, so we have a sneak peek at what it will look like for those of us in other parts of the world, and it launches here in the United States on Monday, November 11.
myWW is being advertised as their most ground-breaking program ever because it’ll be, to a degree, customizable. Here’s what we know so far… 
There are three plans offered
Which one is right for me?
This is all so exciting because I’ve so desperately tried to make Freestyle work for me, but it hasn’t. I think giving users the option to try different things that all have similar cores is a great idea and will help people find success without feeling trapped!
Are you looking forward to myWW? Let's discuss!
*Disclaimer: There are affiliate links throughout this blog post where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog!
There are so many exciting changes coming to Epcot, and if you missed out on D23 Expo, there’s another, new chance to check out what was showcased at the convention - The Epcot Experience! This exhibit gives us a close up look at what’s coming to Epcot in the near future, including a 360 degree view. Let’s check it out!
Where is it?
The Epcot Experience is where the old Odyssey restaurant used to be (and the structure is still the same) - if that’s not ringing a bell, it’s because it hasn’t been used much over the last few years, most recently housing some Flower and Garden Festival merchandise earlier this year. The building has some new signage and a fresh coat of paint, and is located on your way to the World Showcase from either the main bridge or the area by Test Track -- it’s where the bathrooms and first aid are located on the water near the Mexico Pavilion.
What's inside?
There are a few little pieces on display, including Remy in a jar and Chef Gusteau’s book in one, and some Mary Poppins memorabilia in another. The main focus, though, is the 360 degree experience and the photo ops located throughout the building. There’s also a spot to grab a snack and a drink with some tables and chairs near the posters of all the old and new attractions coming to Epcot (if you saw the posters at D23 Expo, it’s those!). You can also buy some Epcot merchandise featuring the new logo! You can also see a huge mural of the concept of how the park will look once completed, especially the front by Spaceship Earth.
What’s the 360 experience?
There’s a film that’s from floor to ceiling, featuring projection mapping on a model of Epcot’s layout, that showcases what’s coming. Whereas D23 focused more on concept art, we have more actual footage this time. The whole cycle is only 12 minutes long and you can expect to see a teaser for the upcoming Moana attraction, the upcoming Mary Poppins attraction in the UK Pavilion, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Spaceship Earth, the new fireworks show HarmonioUS (coming 2020), the play pavilion, the Guardians of the Galaxy ride (called Cosmic Rewind), and more!
What photo ops are available?
We found Photopass photographers ready at four different photo ops that put you inside a difference aspect of Epcot; there were two on each side of the experience. One side features you in Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and also floating away on some balloons, and the other side puts you in the heart of Food and Wine Festival (featuring Remy and Emile!) and standing on Spaceship Earth looking to the stars.
All in all, this is a great way to see what’s coming to Epcot in its multi-year expansion that won’t take a ton of time out of your trip. What are you most looking forward to? There are so many things coming over the next few years, and I’m excited to see what the future holds!
*Disclaimer: There are affiliate links throughout this blog post where I can earn a small commission. I never support a product or brand I don't personally use and enjoy, but if you'd like to learn more, you can head to this page on my blog!
September 29 marked two fun dates — my anniversary with Anthony (soon to be celebrated in January!) and the opening of Disney’s new Skyliner! Anthony and I decided to make a fun little date day activity out of the new gondolas in the sky, park at Hollywood Studios, and do the full route to check it out and relax.
Overall, this was a really peaceful way to enjoy the parks and see it from a new angle, especially some of the resorts we haven’t explored yet (living so close, we don’t ever really stay on property, and when I was in Fort Myers we often stayed at the resorts closer to Disney Springs since you can get great deals on non-Disney resorts that are just as nice… but I digress!). 
Here are a few noteworthy things about my experience:
2. Even though it was opening day, we didn't have to wait very long to board. The cabins only seem to stop moving when you’re boarding a wheelchair accessible one, but those have a separate line. Looks like those cabins have their own separate part of the track they can go on for boarding before merging with the rest of the cabins when they take off.
3. The ride itself was super smooth, and it didn’t feel rocky or sway much except for when we got briefly stuck for two or three minutes. But even then, it was pretty steady, so I wouldn’t worry too much about it if you are prone to motion sickness. 4 The longest trip was from Caribbean Beach to Epcot, but that’s largely because there was a stop to the new Riviera Resort on the way, and their station isn’t open yet. I imagine this won’t feel as long of a ride when you have to reboard at Riviera.
5. That being said, it’s worth noting that you have to reboard at every station. That means that it’s not the quickest way to get to Hollywood Studios from Epcot (or vice versa), but definitely nice if you want to try something different and aren’t in a rush to get anywhere.
6. The entire route took us about 90 minutes (we started at Hollywood Studios and went to Epcot from Caribbean Beach, then back, to Art of Animation/Pop Century, back again and then Studios), including waiting in line after getting off and back on again at every stop. So, if you’re heading from a resort to Epcot or Hollywood Studios, it will only take you a few minutes!
Like I said, this was super peaceful and relaxing, and Anthony and I really enjoyed the ride! Not the fastest method, but definitely a great one, especially if you’re heading from a resort to a park.
Are you planning on trying out the new Skyliner? |
SearchAuthorJessica is a huge Disney and Star Wars nerd who channeled that love into motivation to lose 75 lbs. Categories
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