While you're dreaming of your next Disney trip, nothing helps get you more excited than bringing some Disney into your home. Here are some of my favorite kitchen gadgets that I use and have a Disney twist to them so your home can be even more magical.

​There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, 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 a variety of Mickey waffle makers on Amazon. The round red one with Mickey on it is the one I have, and while the waffles are more like a pancake, it still makes a fantastic Mickey shape! There are others though that do make actual waffles, some in a more round Mickey shape and some just like the ones at the theme parks!

This one cup coffee maker is a great way to add a little Disney magic to your day, whether its for your morning cup or an afternoon pick me up! It even comes with a matching mug.

If you already have a coffee maker but want to keep your mug warm, you can get a mug warmer that comes with a 10 ounce Mickey Mouse ceramic mug. It works on soups and hot drinks, and makes for the perfect way to treat yourself or a great gift idea for someone who loves their coffee at home or in the office.

Need something for your coffee to stay warm while on-the-go? Healthy Human provides sustainable stainless steel products like steins for keeping your water cold and coffee tumblers so it stays nice and hot.

​Get 15% off when you shop through this link or use the coupon JessicaS15!

My slow cooker and InstantPot have been ultimate lifesavers on my weight loss journey, and even if you aren't watching your weight, they make it so much easier to have dinner ready on a busy day. Nothing beats being able to throw the ingredients in before I leave for work and having dinner totally done when I get home. There are a bunch of super cute slow cookers now that allow you to show off your love for Disney, Star Wars, Pixar, and Marvel!

Whether its to bring a smile to your own face with a classic Mickey on your bread or to encourage your kids to eat their breakfast, toasters with imprints are such a fun and easy way to add a little fun to your kitchen! You can get them inspired by Spider-Man, Captain Marvel, Star Wars and Disney. I've personally tried this red Mickey Mouse one and always enjoyed seeing the Mickey face on my bread when it'd pop up.

I used these Mickey Mouse cookie cutters to make my two-ingredient dough beignets! These also work great for cookies or even to make fun shapes out of things like cheese or deli meats for a charcuterie board. Amazon sells different sets depending on how many sizes you want.
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There are so many more fun options, too, like popcorn makers, oven mitts, dishes, and serving sets that you can get to add a touch of Disney magic to your home! How do you like to bring the magic into your home? Let me know in the comments below!
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There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, 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!

When I saw this French toast recipe from the PCH Grill in Disneyland as part of the #DisneyMagicMoments series, I knew I had to try to recreate it but in a WW-friendly way for a decadent weekend breakfast. Looking at the ingredients, it may seem hard to do since it's very sugary, but I have my secrets that I'm going to share! The original recipe was 24 SmartPoints for a serving, but I got it down to just 8 SmartPoints per serving. Win!

Beyond the lower sugar swaps and omitting the powdered sugar and chocolate drizzle that it called for (which, honestly, it didn't need since it has so much flavor!), the biggest trick to lowering the SmartPoints count here is increasing the serving size. The original recipe said it made 4 servings in a 9x13 pan... which is huge! Especially when you consider this recipe uses Challah specifically. For those of you unfamiliar, Challah is a Jewish bread that is baked with honey and yeast, and typically braided... and thus is super thick. I split mine into 8 servings and an eighth of the pan was more than plenty for breakfast, especially with some fruit on the side!

If you do decide you want to top with some powdered sugar, to keep things low in SmartPoints, remember that a little goes a long way - start with a measured out teaspoon per serving. Also, with chocolate syrup, Hershey's makes lite and sugar-free versions that you can try out.

You'll notice in my photos that this doesn't have any banana - that's because, like I mentioned in my Dole Whip article, my husband and I aren't really into bananas. It's fine when blended with other fruits to make sorbets and Dole Whip since you can't even taste it, but we definitely didn't want it on our French toast. I'll include the bananas in the nutritional information and ingredients list, however, and keep their place in Disney's instructions.

Challah can be tricky to make if you've never made it or another kind of bread from scratch before. Take it from me - I've been playing with Jewish recipes since discovering my Ashkenazi ancestry in 2018, and the first time I tried to make Challah, it was an epic fail. But luckily, you can order it on Amazon! Different bakeries have it available there, and you can also get it from Whole Foods delivered to you via Amazon Prime (click here for a 30-day free trial!). This saved me a ton of time and helped keep it tasting delicious. If your Challah that you order online doesn't have nutritional information, check Publix's website - sometimes, their bakery offers it so the nutritional values are all there.

The key to the healthy swaps here is actually three things: Lily's baking chips over regular chocolate chips, whipped creamy peanut butter instead of regular or reduced fat (fun fact: normal and reduced fat peanut butters are the same points! Whipped is less points, however.), and using almond milk with unsweetened cocoa instead of chocolate milk. I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk and put it in the blender with a little Stevia and 2 tsp of unsweetened cocoa powder. I blended that first, and then added the rest to the blender per the recipe, and it worked out perfectly. Also, if you're watching your calories or on myWW Green, I recommend using 1.5 cup of liquid egg substitute instead of real eggs. My nutritional info will base it off of the substitute, but as eggs aren't any points on myWW Purple and Blue, that won't really affect the points value either way.

• 16 oz Challah bread, cut into thick slices then cubed
• 2 bananas
• 1/4 cupLily's baking chips
• 1/2 cup whipped creamy peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cup liquid egg substitute 
• 3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 2 packets Stevia
• 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt 
• Optional (not included in nutritional info or SP): powdered sugar to top
• Optional (not included in nutritional info or SP): Light or sugar-free chocolate syrup

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
2. Take the cubed Challah and place into a large bowl. Slice bananas into 1/2 inch slices and add to bowl. Stir in chocolate chips.
3. In a blender, combine the almond milk, Stevia, and cocoa powder. Blend until it makes chocolate milk, then add the peanut butter, egg substitute, cinnamon, and salt and process until smooth.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the bread mixture and stir gently until the bread cubes have absorbed the egg mixture.
5. Add mixture to the baking pan, and bake for 40 minutes or until top is golden brown.
6. Optional: before serving, drizzle with chocolate syrup and dust with powdered sugar.

8 SP on all myWW plans
Calories: 329
Fat: 14.6 g
Saturated fat: 3 g
Trans fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 49.7 mg
Sodium: 409.4 ,g
Carbohydrates: 38.2 g
Fiber: 3.7 g
Sugar: 14.1 g
Protein: 11.7 g

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know on social media or comment below!

There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, 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!

When Disney shared their Grey Stuff recipe as part of the #DisneyMagicMoments series on Saturday, my mom told me it would be awesome if she could have it for Mother's Day. The catch: both my parents and myself are all on Weight Watchers. I took a quick peek at the recipe and sighed in relief when I saw how easy this one would be to modify. So I added the ingredients to Instacart and got ready for curbside pickup Mother's Day morning.

The beauty (pun not intended... get it? Beauty and the Beast?) of this healthy swap is that it's just fat free or lighter versions of the same ingredients that Disney provided. So the flavor is really identical, and the Grey Stuff still maintains its creaminess. Their recipe called for a cookie and has you serve it like they do at Disneyland, but being a Walt Disney World local with a mother who loves cupcakes, I figured I'd make this like how we enjoy it at Be Our Guest: on top of a chocolate cupcake.

This Disney-inspired recipe is only a grand total of 5 SmartPoints: 2 for the Grey Stuff and 3 for the cupcakes (this holds true for all myWW plans). After delivering the cupcakes to my mom for Mother's Day, she and my dad both agreed that the Grey Stuff tasted identical to what we were served at Be Our Guest. The beauty of it, too, is that this recipe makes a lot of Grey Stuff, so you can be pretty liberal in applying the frosting to your cupcakes. I didn't have a piping bag, but I bet you could really make a mountain with it if you did!

To make the cupcakes, the secret here isn't the Weight Watchers soda cake recipe that's been passed around for years - nope, the key to making your cake moist is actually Greek yogurt! I like to use Dannon Light & Fit Greek yogurt for this one, and pair the flavor accordingly. Since the Grey Stuff is essentially a cookies-and-cream pudding, I used a vanilla yogurt in a chocolate cake mix. The chocolate overpowered, and Boston Cream Pie flavor also pairs really well with chocolate cake mixes. If you're using a white or yellow cake mix, try the Strawberry Cheesecake flavor for a mild strawberry cake flavor. Since I only had the single serve cups, I measured out exactly how much was in it and then added some plain nonfat Greek yogurt as well to round it out to the 8 ounces needed for the recipe. I originally saw this making the rounds on WW Connect, and have been hooked to it ever since.

Similarly to the soda cake recipe, you bake this cake per the directions on the box. Super simple! I prefer the yogurt swap over the soda because it gives the cake a little protein and is a little more moist, and thus more filling. I can fly through a bunch of those soda cupcakes, but after just one or two of these, I'm perfectly satisfied. This recipe calls for 24 cupcakes, which works out perfectly because that lowers the SmartPoints of the original Grey Stuff recipe even more (it called for 12 servings).

If you're worried about having Oreo Thins in the house, instead of getting the traditional sleeve, you can get single-serving packs on Amazon. You get 12 packs of 4, so you'll have plenty for the recipe and then if you do reach for Oreos, it's at least pre-portioned for you.

You'll see that the recipe is almost identical to Disney's, just with some fat-free swaps here and there. The instructions remain the same, so those are courtesy of the #DisneyMagicMoments recipe as well. I'll separate their ingredients, but since I made one while waiting on the other and recommend you do the same, I'll list the instructions together.

• 1 1/2 cups cold fat free milk 
• 1 (3.4 ounce) package sugar-free fat-free instant vanilla pudding mix 
• 15 Oreo Thins
• 1 (8 ounce) container fat-free whipped topping, thawed 
• 3 tablespoons sugar-free fat-free instant chocolate pudding mix  

• 8 ounces nonfat Greek yogurt
• ​8 ounces water
• 1 box cake mix (I use Betty Crocker's super moist chocolate fudge; you could lighten this recipe up even further with one of the Pillsbury Sugar Free mixes, but my mom can't have sugar alcohols so I passed on those!).
• Pam spray for your cupcake pans (I use the baking one, but a buttery one would work too)

1. In a large mixing bowl, add milk and vanilla pudding mix. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened, then place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours (I let mine set for 1 hour and it was perfect, but each fridge may vary)
2. Heat your oven to the temperature indicated on the cupcake mix. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, and Greek yogurt. Mix until thick and a little fluffy.
3. Use Pam spray for your cupcake tins and use a spoon to scoop cupcake batter across 24 tins (if you only have one cupcake tin, save half the batter for a second batch). Bake per the time listed on the cupcake box.
4. While your cupcakes cool, puree 15 Oreo Thins with a food processor. Set aside until the hour is up for the pudding mix.
5. Add the pureed Oreos into the pudding mix and mix thoroughly until well combined. Then, add the container of fat-free whipped topping and 3 tbsp of chocolate pudding mix, and mix again until everything is well combined. If your Grey Stuff has a brownish undertone, that's okay - it's from the chocolate pudding mix! 
6. Let the Grey Stuff mix cool in the fridge for another hour.
7. When Grey Stuff is complete, use a piping bag (or, if you're scrappy like me, a spoon) to evenly distribute Grey Stuff to tops of 24 cupcakes.

Serves 24
3 SP on all myWW plans
Calories: 85
Fat: 1.5 g
Cholesterol: 0.6 mg 
Sodium: 123.5 mg
Carbohydrates: 16.1 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 8.9 g
Protein: 1.3 g

Serves 24
2 SP on all myWW plans
Calories: 49
Fat: 0.8 g
Cholesterol: 0.3 mg 
Sodium: 146.5 mg
Carbohydrates: 8.8 g
Fiber: 0.2 g
Sugar: 3.2 g
Protein: 0.7 g

Try this recipe? Let me know in the comments or tag me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @magicallyfit! Or, you can save this recipe on Pinterest for later.

There are Amazon affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience. When you purchase through these, 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!

In my determination to keep trying these #DisneyMagicMoments desserts (ICYMI, I started off by making my own Zero SmartPoint Dole Whip), I decided that next up should be something I wasn't sure was possible - but with a little air-fryer magic, it certainly was! 

When Disney posted their recipe for Mickey Mouse beignets, I couldn't help but wonder - can I do this with the famous WW two-ingredient dough recipe to lighten these up and eliminate the need for frying and for yeast? I had everything in the house to make these, and I've never worked with yeast before, and wanted to see if it would work. The short answer: yes! They didn't rise as much as a typical beignet, but I also could have probably rolled my dough a bit thinner to help achieve that effect. It worked out though, since my husband prefers denser desserts over something more airy.

Here's how I did it, plus an optional and easy way to make your own lightened chocolate sauce for these. These are (without the chocolate sauce) only 4 SmartPoints for a quarter of the batch on all myWW plans!

Pro tip: if you're on the Purple or Blue myWW plan, Jordan's Skinny Syrups are great to give your plain, nonfat Greek yogurt some flavor while keeping it Zero Points. Snack win!

After rolling the dough as thin as you possibly can (I recommend using a rolling pin that you've dusted with a little flour), use a Mickey Mouse cookie cutter to cut out the shakes of your Mickey Mouse beignets. To make as many as you possibly can, take the excess dough and roll it out and keep repeating until you have no choice but to make a few small squares. If you don't want to make your beignets Mickey Mouse shaped, you could just cut your dough into squares and make them that way. I got my Mickey Mouse cookie cutter on Amazon in a 2 pack, but they have a variety of types that you can choose from to bring some magic into your kitchen.

I then air fried them, taking it only five minutes at a time. It may vary from air fryer to air fryer, but these didn't take long at all. I waited until the edges began to look a little golden, but not too golden as to not have them be overdone. I'd also recommend flipping them at least once so the bottoms can rise as much as the tops.

No air fryer? No problem! Try baking them at 350, again just taking it only a few minutes at a time. When making bagels with the dough, it typically takes 25 minutes for them to bake - but these are much smaller. It'll depend on the size of your beignets, too. If baking, spritz with a little buttery spray.

I then took all of the beignets - this batch made about 30 - and put them in a plastic container. Since I didn't use any oil, the powdered sugar didn't stick super well, but was good to take from the bottom of the container and sprinkle on top as needed before serving, so that way none of it went to waste and I didn't need to spend extra SmartPoints.

In case you wanted a little extra sweetness (or have a chocoholic like my husband in your family), you can easily whip up some chocolate sauce by melting chocolate chips. I like to use Lily's brand since they're sweetened with stevia instead of sugar (but do have sugar alcohol in them, so go easy on it if you're sensitive to that!) and that makes them lower in SmartPoints. I used 1 SmartPoints worth of chips for my beignets, which went a very long way, so that brought my total up to 5 SmartPoints - given I used to spend that on one Fiber One cookie when they used to make those, I'll take it given my batch of 30 meant I got about 7 mini beignets! Just heat the desired amount of chips in the microwave 15 seconds at a time, stirring between rounds to make sure it melts without burning.

We brought the other two servings to my parents, who agreed that while it may not have been as fluffy and airy as a traditional beignet, it's definitely a fantastic Weight Watchers-friendly alternative that curbs the craving due to it's very similar flavors and close-enough textures (especially if you roll your dough thinner, ha!). My husband (who is not on WW) said he couldn't tell the difference between this and a typical beignet, and prefers the density that these had since, as aforementioned, that's how he likes his pastries. So I'll call it a success!

Serves 4

Instructions

• Mix together Greek yogurt, 1 cup flour, and syrup/extract until well combined. Dough's texture will likely be a little sticky!
• On a pastry board or similar surface, sprinkle your extra flour so the dough doesn't stick. Use a rolling pin to get your dough as thin as you possibly can.
• Cut out your beignets with a knife into squares, or using a Mickey Mouse cookie cutter​
• Repeat steps 2-3 as necessary with excess dough.
• Optional: spray a bit of buttery spray to your beignets.
• Air fry or bake your beignets at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Every air fryer may be a bit different, so whether air frying or baking, take it 5 minutes at a time to make sure they don't burn since they're so small. Flip at least once during this process.
  • They'll be done when the edges are starting to look a bit golden.
• Put beignets in a container with 2 tbsp powdered sugar. Shake until beignets are coated.
  • If powdered sugar goes to the bottom of the container, use excess to sprinkle on top before serving your beignets.
• To make the sauce: microwave chocolate chips in 15 second increments, stirring each time to make sure they melt evenly without burning.
• Divide amount of beignets into quarters. Each quarter is one serving.

4 SmartPoints on all myWW plans
Calories: 145
Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 3.3 mg
Sodium: 423.5 mg
Carbohydrates: 28.7 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 5.7 g
Protein: 9 g

There are affiliate links throughout this blog post for your convenience, 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!

With Walt Disney World closed due to COVID-19, I've been missing the parks like crazy. I'm looking forward to the day the parks are able to safely reopen (but I'll still tread with caution!), but in the meantime, I wanted to be able to bring some of the magic into my home - more specifically, my kitchen.

I saw Disney Parks Blog sharing their #DisneyMagicMoments, which have been amazing and includes a "Cooking Up the Magic At Home" selection of Disney recipes. I've been drooling over a lot of them, but upon seeing the points values in the Weight Watchers app, I was shocked and knew there had to be a way to take these recipes and modify them so I could still enjoy the flavors of my favorite place without giving my food tracker the kiss of death.

And by all means - if you want to follow Disney's recipes to the T because the last thing you're worried about is food right now, then go for it! But for me, one of the things I can control is my eating. I hope you can enjoy my lightened up versions of these Disney recipes, too!

While I work on modifying some of the other recipes, I figured I'd start with something simple and tried-and-true: Dole Whip! My husband and I love to make this two-ingredient knock off of Dole Whip at home every summer, and it was perfect after a long bike ride this weekend. This Dole Whip is Zero SmartPoints on all myWW programs and contains just two things: frozen pineapple and frozen banana.

Now, Weight Watchers friends, I know what you're about to say: Jess, isn't blended fruit points because of how we eat it? Yes! However, things get a little different when making "nice cream" with bananas. When you look up different Weight Watchers ice cream recipes with banana, they all come to Zero Points (unless there's other stuff with points values added). Weight Watchers Canada explains it even further: research shows that when you have something in a smoothie that requires a straw, you're not chewing. The lack of chewing may impact the signals that go off between your stomach and the brain. When you're using a spoon, however, that means you're experiencing eating rather than drinking, so you're less likely to overindulge. 

The secret to how I get my homemade Dole Whip to have the perfect texture is a Yonanas machine. I love making "nice cream" with it! I received it as a wedding shower gift and my husband and I love experimenting with different fruit combinations to make, and Dole Whip remains our favorite. You use the nozzle to push the frozen fruit into, using a slightly overripe banana that's been frozen and slightly thawed (it comes with a book that gives you some pro tips and some recipes) and whatever other fruit you want to use.

Here's the beauty of this recipe, too: I absolutely hate bananas. Like, with a burning passion. But when you blend it with other fruit to make nice cream, I barely even taste it! With the Yonanas, I like to alternate the order in which the fruit goes in - a little banana, then a little pineapple, then a little banana, so on and so fort - so that way it blends nice and evenly. I can barely tell that it's in there - it's present, but the pineapple really overpowers it.

If you don't have a Yonanas machine but you do have a food processor or a blender, I imagine either of those options would do the trick. However, if you're using a blender, you may want to experiment with adding ice to see how the consistency comes out - it may take some trial and error, but would work nonetheless!
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So, with all that being said, now you're ready to make your own Polynesian Resort or Aloha Isle inspired dessert at home! This treat is low calorie, no SmartPoints on all myWW plans, and super refreshing as the weather gets hot - especially as we all miss Disney right now.

Serves: 4

Nutritional info per serving (per MyFitnessPal):
Calories: 113 
Fat: 0.2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 0.6 mg
Carbohydrates: 29.8 g
Fiber: 3.3 g
Sugar: 19 g
Added Sugar: 0 g
Protein: 1.5 g

0 SP on all myWW plans

P.S. If you really don't want to blend some fruit up for a pretty close copycat... you can buy a 4.4 pound bag of the dry Dole mix on Amazon in any flavor (depending on what's in stock). It makes 89 half cup servings, so I imagine it would last you a really long time or be best off in a commercial freezer, but these are weird times. Do what makes you happy. ? ​

I'd love to hear from you if you have! Leave a comment and let me know how it came out, or post a photo and tag me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram: @magicallyfit! 

My favorite EPCOT festival is upon us! The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is here March 4 - June 1, 2020, and I'm looking forward to all the topiaries and Garden Rocks series. But if you're no stranger to my blog, you know I come out with a Weight Watchers version of the Foodie Guides that Disney Parks Blog comes out with every year - that is, I take a look at the full menu of all the festival food offerings and break down what I think the best options are for people following plans like WW, My Fitness Pal calorie counting, South Beach, etc. That's not changing any time soon, so let's grab our flowers and take a look at the menu!

GF = Gluten Free; PB = Plant Based

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!

Let's talk first though about two things: dessert options and beverages. 

When it comes to desserts, I know that you're probably expecting me to say "avoid them entirely" since this is just as much a WW blog as it is a Disney one. But here's the thing: living your life avoiding a type of food is not realistic, and it's important to have a healthy relationship with food! Getting rid of language like "cheat," "bad," "naughty," etc. is important, and depriving yourself isn't healthy either! What I like to do when it comes to desserts, since I have a sweet tooth, is try something different that I can't just go home and easily make myself or pick up at the grocery store. This way, I'm not deprived but I also know I'm not going to set off a food craving. If you decide to try this, let me know how it works for you!

For beverages... I don't drink, so I can't speak to which alcohols are going to be lower in SmartPoints. And honestly, it could depend on exactly how much they pour in that day - every ounce counts! However, if you are aiming for whatever the lowest SmartPoints options or lowest calories are, then I am always going to recommend non-alcoholic in the event that the options are different mixed drinks (which a lot of these are). However, I'm still going to include the full list here, including beverages, just so you can make the most informed decision you possibly can leading up to your trip to EPCOT's International Flower and Garden Festival!

• Grilled Baby Vegetables with Hummus Cream and Red Pepper Coulis (PB)
• Seared Verlasso Salmon with Farro Risotto and Micro-herbs
• Strawberry Mousse with Chocolate Crisp Pearls 

  Beverage:

• Blood Orange Agua Fresca (non alcoholic)
• Cookie Butter Worms and Dirt (non alcoholic)

Magically Fit's recommendations: I think the grilled vegetables or seared salmon are good choices here - you've got some good protein options with lighter sides, and besides, they're sample-sized rather than a full meal! 

Food:

• Roasted Cauliflower with Buckwheat Honey Carrot Puree, Wild Rice Pilaf, Asparagus, Honey-blistered Grapes, Sunflower Brittle, and Coriander Flowers  (GF)
• Honey Tandoori Chicken Flatbread with White Cheddar Cheese, Charred Vegetables, Clover Honey Sour Cream, and Micro Citrus Greens 
• Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream garnished with Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses

Beverage:

• Honey-Peach Freeze in a Souvenir Spike the Bee Sipper Cup (non-alcoholic)
  
  • Novelty Sipper Only Available While Supplies Last
• B. Nektar New Wave Lemonade Mead, Ferndale MI
• Florida Orange Groves Winery Orange Blossom Honey Wine, St. Petersburg, FL 
• Honey-Peach Freeze with Blueberry Vodka

​Magically Fit's recommendations: I'd go for the cauliflower option - I see a lot of zero to low SmartPoints options, and is a little lighter on the fats than the chicken flatbread.

Food:

• Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Plantain Chips
• Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cake
• DOLE Whip (PB)

Beverage:

• Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (Non-Alcoholic) 
• DOLE Whip with Fanta (Non-Alcoholic)
• Collective Arts Brewing Piña Colada Sour, Hamilton, Ontario
• Maui Brewing Co. Pineapple Mana Wheat, Kihei, HI
• SweetWater Brewing Company Goin’ Coastal IPA with Pineapple, Atlanta, GA 
• Playalinda Brewing Company Violet Lemonade Ale, Titusville, FL 
• Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine, St. Petersburg, FL 
• DOLE Whip  with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum 
• Pineapple Beer Flight 

Food:

• Lobster Tail with Meyer Lemon Emulsion and Grilled Lemon (GF)
• Tuna Tataki Bowl with Spicy Yuzu Glaze, Mango, Avocado, and Pappadam Crisp 
• Crispy Citrus Chicken with Orange Aioli and Baby Greens (GF)
• Citrus Shortcake: Orange Chiffon Cake, Lemon Curd, Mandarins, Whipped Cream, and Citrus Crumble

Beverage:

• Orange Cream Shake in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup (Non-Alcoholic)
  • Novelty Sipper Only Available While Supplies Last
• Islamorada Beer Company Coconut Key Lime Ale, Fort Pierce, FL 
• First Magnitude Brewing Lemon Hefeweizen, Gainesville, FL 
• Heavy Seas Brewery TropiCannon Citrus IPA, Halethorpe, MD
• Orange Sunshine Wine Slushy 
• Beer Flight

Magically Fit's recommendations: For those of you unfamiliar with some of these flavors: tuna tataki is a Japanese style seared, raw tuna, and yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit. Pappadam is a thin, crisp, Indian style wafer and are kind of nutty flavored. If you want something filled with healthy fats and unique flavor, the tuna tataki bowl sounds delicious - so long as you're comfortable with raw fish (insert disclaimer here about risks of consuming raw seafood and increasing your risk of illness). If not, the lobster tail wins out over the crispy chicken - anything crispy gets a no from me if you're keeping WW or any diet plan in mind. 

Food Items: 

• Fried Green Tomatoes with Blue Crab-Fennel Salad, Remoulade, and Smoked Paprika Oil 
• Popsicle Trio: Honeydew, Raspberry-Mint, and Coconut-Lime (KA)

Beverage Items: 

• Short’s Brewing Company Starcut Ciders Squishy Hard Cider, Bellaire, MI

Magically Fit's recommendations: Neither of these options thrill me as far as being healthy-ish goes, but the popsicle trio sounds like an adorable way to share a dessert and sample different flavors. This is a perfect example of my dessert note from about about trying something different and unique that you can't just go pick up at the grocery store!

Food

• Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, Butter Potatoes, Brown Butter Vinaigrette and Apple-wood Smoked Bacon (GF) 
• Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, Whipped Potatoes with Garden Vegetables (KA)
• Griddled Maple Pound Cake with Warm Peach Compote and Sweet Corn Gelato (KA)

Beverage

• Maple Popcorn Shake (Non-Alcoholic, KA)
• Unibroue Éphémère Apple Wheat Ale, Chambly, Québec 
• 81Bay Brewing Apricot with Maple Syrup, Tampa, FL
• Collective Arts Brewing Blackberry Fruit Beer, Hamilton, Ontario
• Maple Popcorn Shake with Tap 357 Maple Rye Whisky 
• Beer Flight

Magically Fit: Everything on this menu is likely loaded with sugar, even the protein options. But, my guess would be that the scallops and beef are on equal footing here: the beef is likely going to be a bit fattier than the scallops, but the scallops have the bacon on the side and that brown butter vinaigrette. Since they're both sample sized, I think it's a wash either way you go.

Food:

• Tarte aux Oignons Caramélisés et Chèvre: Goat Cheese Tart with Caramelized Onions on a flaky Pastry Crust
• Canard Confit à l’Orange: Braised Duck Confit à l’Orange with Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Tarte Tropézienne, Coulis Framboise: Brioche Cake filled with Light Pastry Cream and served with Raspberry Coulis
• Éclair Chocolat Framboise: Éclair filled with Raspberry and Chocolate Mousse

Beverage:

• Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 Draft Beer
• VeRy Raspberry: Rosé Wine with Natural Raspberry Flavor
• Bordeaux, Merlot and Cabernet Blend, Château Tarin
• La Vie en Rose Frozen Slushy: Vodka, Grey Goose l’Orange, St. Germain Liqueur, White and Red Cranberry Juice 

Food:

• Carne Guisada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream
• Spicy Blackened Shrimp and Cheddar Cheese Grits with Brown Gravy and Local Sweet Corn Relish 
• Key Lime Tart with Toasted Meringue (KA)

Beverage:

• Watermelon Cucumber Slushy (Non-Alcoholic, PB, KA)
• Tampa Bay Brewing Company Twisted Strawberry Fest Fruit Ale, Tampa, FL 
• Big Top Brewing Company Conch Republic Key Lime Wheat, Sarasota, FL 
• First Magnitude Brewing Monarch Milk Stout, Gainesville, FL 
• Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Key Lime Wine, St Petersburg, FL
• Watermelon Cucumber Slushy with Gin
• Beer Flight

Magically Fit's Recommendations: I'd go for the shrimp - sounds like a lot of great flavors are in there, so you aren't sacrificing that while still keeping things lower in SmartPoints.

Food:

• Harissa Chicken Kebab with Dried Fruit Couscous Salad and Cilantro Oil
• Fried Cauliflower with Capers, Garlic Parsley and Chili-Ranch Sauce 
• Walnut Honey Baklava

Beverage:

• Casa Beer
• Larroque Chardonnay, Meknes
• White Sangria
• Desert Rose: Sparkling Wine topped with Pomegranate Liqueur

Magically Fit's recommendations: Because it's not fried or sugary, and because it sounds delicious, I'd pick the harissa (a spice!) chicken kebab. Morocco Pavilion makes amazing couscous salad, and the cilantro oil is probably minimal due to it being more of a sample sized dish.

Food:

• Frushi: Strawberry, Pineapple, and Cantaloupe wrapped in Sweet Rice and Pink Soy Wrap served with Whipped Cream, Drizzled Berry Sauce and Toasted Coconut 
• Menchi Katsu Slider: Japanese-style Panko-breaded Beef Patty topped with Tonkatsu Sauce, Mayonnaise, Cucumber, and Pickled Lotus Root
• Salmon Flower Ikura: Fresh-cut Salmon, Salmon Roe, Spinach, Watermelon Radish, and Chilled Ramen tossed with Poke Sauce

Beverage:

• Kirin Draft Beer
• Strawberry Nigori Sake
• Furano Martini: Vodka, Lavender Syrup, and Yuzu Juice

Magically Fit recommendations: The Salmon Flower Ikura sounds like a great, refreshing option with a nice balance of protein, healthy fats, some carbs and vegetables. Also, if you're looking for another good example of something to curb a sweet tooth without disrespecting food triggers, I love the frushi!

• Mini Funnel Cake topped with Lemon Cheesecake Ice Cream, Blueberries, and Powdered Sugar 

Magically Fit recommendations: If you absolutely have to have a funnel cake while you are here, the mini one is the way to go unless you're sharing one with family! But this will help with portion control. Remember - to say you're never gonna have a dessert again is not realistic, so don't beat yourself up if you do have something while you are at Disney.

Food:

• Southern Seafood Boil: Shrimp, Mussels, Crawfish, Potatoes, Corn and Andouille Sausage
• Grilled Oysters with Cajun Butter
• House-made Boudin Two Ways with Spicy Mustard
• Pecan Cake with Maple Whipped Cream
• Pecan Praline

Beverage:

• Wild Heaven Beer Session Citrus Lager, Avondale Estates, GA
• The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery Amber Ale, Farmville, NC
• Parish Brewing Co. Ghost in the Machine Double IPA, Broussard,  LA
• Beer Flight

Magically Fit: For those unfamiliar, boudin is a bloodless sausage. However, my recommendation would be the seafood boil for something more hearty, or the grilled oysters if you want something less heavy.

Beverage:

• Arendelle Aqua Lemonade: Frozen Lemonade with Monin Cotton Candy (Non-Alcoholic)
• Redstone Meadery Black Raspberry Nectar, Boulder, CO
• Arendelle Aqua Lemonade: Frozen Lemonade served with Monin Cotton Candy and Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine

​
Magically Fit's recommendations: No food to note on; see above beverages comment! 

Food:

• La Regina “Margherita”: Rustic Italian Flatbread, Vine-ripened Tomatoes, Whole-Milk Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Basil 
• Ravioli: Grilled Chicken Ravioli with Spring Vegetables and creamy Pesto Sauce
• Zeppole: Ricotta Cheese Fritters, Powdered Sugar, Raspberry Sauce and Chocolate-hazelnut Drizzle 

Beverage:

• Peroni Nastro Azzurro Pilsner   
• Pinot Grigio, Santa Marina 
• Chianti, Gabbiano
• Prosecco, Villa Sandi
• Corbinello, Montegrande
• Moscato, Fior d’Arancio Montegrande
• Bellini
• Frozen Italian Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila

Magically Fit's recommendation: Thanks to both using cheesy sauces (or just straight up cheese, haha), I think either the flatbread or ravioli will be equivalent to one another as far as tracking it goes. Depends on if you want more protein or more fats!

Food:

• Potato Pancakes with House-made Apple Sauce (PB)
• Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions, and Herb Sour Cream 
• Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with Black Forest Ham and Melted Gruyere Cheese  
• Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries 

Beverage:

• M.I.A. Brewing Hugo, Doral, FL
• Bitburger Premium Pils, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
• Stiegl Brewery Radler Zitrone, Salzburg, Austria 
• Apfelschaumwein: Sparkling Wine and Apple Liqueur
• Beer Flight

Magically Fit's recommendation: I'd recommend the potato pancakes paired with apple sauce - while it does usually have sugar added, the caramelized ham likely also does and then that's not also fighting with the sour cream for room in your food diary.

Refreshment Outpost
Food Items:

• Pineapple Skewer with Tajin Seasoning (PB)

Beverage Items:

• 3 Daughters Raspberry Lemonade Dry Hard Cider, St. Petersburg, FL
• Short’s Brewing Company Starcut Ciders Mosa Hard Cider, Bellaire, MI
• Ciderboys Banana Bliss Hard Cider, Stevens Point, WI
• Cider Flight

Magically Fit's recommendation: There's only one option here, but that sounds like a really refreshing choice if you want some fruit with a twist! 

Food:

• Szechuan Spicy Red-braised Beef Shank over Rice
• Bon Bon Chicken Skewer with Sesame and Peanut Sauce
• House-made Crab and Cheese Wontons

Beverage:

• “Panda” Bubble Tea: Classic Milk Tea with Black and White Boba Pearls (Non-Alcoholic)
• Jasmine Draft Beer
• Marco Boba: Amaretto, Iced Coffee, Milk, and Boba
• Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango Syrup and Orange Juice
• Time Out: Bacardi Rum, Peach Liqueur, Peach Syrup, Pina Colada, Sprite, Soda Water, and Magic Boba

While peanut sauce can have a lot of sugar in it, I'm opting for the Bon Bon chicken skewer since it's not fried and it's a leaner protein. Bon Bon is another way of saying "bang bang chicken" like some restaurants in the States call it, so this likely also has some heat to it like the beef shank does.

Food:

• Chilaquiles con Pollo: Chipotle-braised Chicken and Tortillas served with Salsa Ranchera, Monterey Jack Cheese, Crema Mexicana, and Guajillo Cheese
• Quesadilla al Pastor: Flour Tortilla filled with Monterey Jack Cheese and Pork Pastor topped with Grilled Pineapple, Salsa Verde, Red Onion, and Cilantro
• Choriqueso Torta: Bolillo Roll filled with Chorizo and Monterey Jack Cheese, Avocado Mousse, and Jalapeños

Beverage:

• Cruz Blanca Rosé Spritz: Effervescent Rosé Wheat Ale with Elderflower Liqueur
• Mango Mexican Lucky Margarita: Spicy Ancho Verde Liqueur, 100% Agave Tequila Blanco, Mango-Passion Fruit Purée, Lime Juice, Applejack, and Ginger Cordial served with a Tajin Chili-Lime Salt Rim
• Rosita Margarita: Rose Petal Liqueur, 100% Agave Tequila Blanco, Lemon and Cranberry Juices served with a Rose Petal Salt Rim

Magically Fit's recommendations: The chicken is likely less points than the pork; both feature cheese, but the chicken has a cream based sauce, so it's likely comparable. I'd go for either of those options.

Food:

• Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with Savory Garlic Spread (GF, PB)  
• Impossible Farmhouse Meatball with Lentil Bread, Spinach, Marinated Vegetables, and Creamy Herb Dressing (PB)
• Chocolate Pudding Terrarium with Avocado Cream, Matcha Crumble, and Baby Herbs (GF, PB)

Beverage:

• Bloomin’ Blueberry Lemon and Ginger Tea featuring Twinings of London (Non-Alcoholic) 
• Playalinda Brewing Company Tropical Wonderland Wheat Ale, Titusville, FL 
• Bloomin’ Blueberry Lemon and Ginger Tea featuring Twinings of London with Tito's Handmade Vodka served in a Mason Jar 

Magically Fit's recommendation: I love the amount of vegetables that the meatball comes with, and it's likely a lower in SmartPoints amount of Impossible "meat" since it's going to be more of a sample option than a full blown dish. If you go for the grilled street corn, just be cautious of how much garlic spread is on there!

Also, this is the one time I'll make an additional comment on a beverage option: I'd definitely go for the blueberry lemon and ginger tea (non alcoholic) as ginger tea is great for you and your digestive system. 

Food:

• Lamb Curry with Sweet Plantains and Rice
• Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut-Lime Sauce 
• Tropical Mousse Cup: Layers of Passion Fruit Cake, Coconut Mousse, and a Tropical Fruit Glaze with Fresh Pineapple

Beverage:

• Tropical Freeze (Non-Alcoholic)
• Golden Road Brewing Tart Mango Cart Wheat Ale, Los Angeles, CA 
• Tropical Freeze with Parrot Bay Mango Rum 

Magically Fit's recommendation: Don't be fooled - while the sugar is more obviously there in the sugar cane shrimp skewer, it's also probably present in the sweet plantains. Either option is probably a wash no matter which way you go!

Then there are options! You can pack your own food, so long as you're not bringing a massive cooler in there with you. You can get some ideas from what I like to bring with me when I go to Disney World and know I'll be there for lunch at this article right here. 

One of the things I love to bring with me if I'm just trying to avoid Disney sweets? Built Bars! They range from 3-5 SmartPoints (only 1 limited flavor has been 5 points; the bulk are 3 SmartPoints, with nutty flavors being 4 SmartPoints) and hold up pretty well all day in the parks if you pop them in the fridge or freezer the night before (they're made with real chocolate). Get 10% off your order of Built Bars when you use the coupon MAGICALLYFIT at checkout (if you order through this link, your discount will be automatically applied)! 

What are you most looking forward to trying? Let me know in the comments which of these options is your favorite!

My husband and I have been wanting to try Teppan Edo at Epcot for years, and finally we did for a nice Valentine's Day evening! This Walt Disney World restaurant is one of my new favorites and I had to review it for you all to see why - plus, a few tips for not going overboard at a hibachi are at the end if you're on Weight Watchers like I am!

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!

Teppan Edo is a Japanese hibachi grill in the Japan Pavilion at Epcot, located in the World Showcase. Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining are both located on the second floor of Mitsukoshi, the gift shop of the Japan Pavilion. There are some gorgeous views of the Japan Pavilion here (and when you get your pager after checking in, you can roam the entire Japan Pavilion with it - you are not restricted to just the lobby!). 

You will likely need a dining reservation, which you can book on the Disney website or the My Disney Experience app. To check in, head up the stairs (or elevator) and you will find yourself in the lobby. A cast member helped us check in, and as the restaurants share a lobby, it was helpful - but note that Teppan Edo is on the left side when you enter.

Like most hibachi restaurants, your table is communal style. Your server sets you up with your drinks and your order, and will ask if anyone would like - as our server Ryo called them - “cheater chopsticks” which a few people at our table accepted. Ryo took the paper sheath the chopsticks came in, turned them into origami cranes like it was as simple as folding the paper in half once, and then used the crane to attach the chopsticks, held together by a rubber band. Color me impressed! 

Our chef was Yasuka, and let me just start off by saying if I could hire her to cook for me every night, I would. The atmosphere was very fun, and because you are at Disney, as Yasuka said, “Mickey is everywhere!” This started with her putting the soybean oil on the grill in the shape of Mickey Mouse ears (plus added a bow to make it Minnie Mouse), and continued with the onion volcano being transformed into Mickey with the help of other vegetables. Even when she put the butter on our vegetables, she put the little scoops on there to resemble Mickey ears! This is such a cute touch, even for adults.

My husband and I both ordered the chicken and shrimp. When you get an entree here, you get a ton of food - ours came with a salad (with a delicious ginger-based dressing), then udon and vegetables, then white rice, and whatever your protein options are. 

So it goes without saying that hibachis can strike fear in the hearts of Weight Watchers - after all, as you can see, we got a ton of food with our meal, and it can be scary to tackle when you are out and far from home. But have no fear! Here are some tips for managing if you're worried about going overboard.

1. Don't be afraid to ask for a to go box. This is a great tactic at any restaurant, especially when you ask for one right off the bat. Then, you can practice some portion control while you're there so you don't feel bloated beyond belief if you, like me, don't trust yourself to not eat everything put on your plate.
2. Pace yourself. The beauty of hibachi grills is that you don't usually get all your food served at the same time. You're watching them cook it up and it is being served to you piece by piece - this was the case at Teppan Edo, at least, and has been at other hibachis I've been to. If you find them serving it to you piece by piece, take it slow and give yourself time to digest and ask yourself how full you're feeling. You can even try a few bites of everything, but save some for later so you can sample everything and then do your fullness check - and then if you are full, your to go box will come in handy!  
3. Pre-track your meal to the best of your ability. Do this before you track any of your other food for the day. This way, you know what you are working with in two regards: you can plan for lower SmartPoints (but still healthy and nutritious - don't starve yourself!) for your other meals, but also you can go into the restaurant with a game plan, especially if you checked the menu beforehand. Unfortunately, Disney does not include the nutritional info for any of their restaurants, so the best I can do for tracking is generic options in My Fitness Pal and the WW app. That being said, I'm also sure to track a little butter and soybean oil since I know they typically cook with it. I also like to plan to go on the higher side to play it safe. 
4. To avoid deprivation, try something you wouldn't normally have. This is something I like to do with desserts because I have a sweet tooth. To avoid eating my trigger foods, I stick to a rule with desserts that always works for me: try something I can't just get at the grocery store, and if I'm to have anything, have it while I'm out. I tried the Green Tea Mousse Cake at Teppan Edo and it was delicious, worth however many Weekly SmartPoints I spent on it, but because it's not like I can just go buy that at Publix, I didn't feel the need to go on a sweets binge the next day. If savory foods are more your thing, you could apply this method to that as well. It allows me to not feel deprived while also not setting me back into a cycle of bad habits.
5. Enjoy yourself and use your Weekly SmartPoints! Sometimes, special occasions come up and you're going to want to enjoy your evening without obsessing over calories. If we were not allowed to use our Weekly SmartPoints on WW, we would never have been given them in the first place, so don't be afraid to dip into that budget and be kind to yourself. Remember, no one lost weight from eating one salad, so you won't gain a ton from one meal either. 

What is your favorite spot around the World Showcase? Japan is my favorite by far! Let me know in the comments where you tend to hang out the most at Epcot. 

*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:

• Deconstructed Reuben: Sliced Corned Beef, Rye-crusted Sauerkraut and Jarlsberg Cake with Broken Thousand Island Dressing
• Deconstructed BLT: Crispy Pork Belly, Tomato Jam and Soft Poached Egg
• Deconstructed Strawberry Cheesecake: Whipped New York Style Cheesecake with Fresh Florida Strawberries and Sugar Cookies with Micro-basil

Beverages:

• Rainboba: Sparkling Water layered with Fruit Boba and topped with a Foam Cloud (non-alcoholic) 
• Deconstructed Breakfast: Twinings® Spiced Apple Chai Tea Shake garnished with Maple Syrup, a Waffle Crisp and Candied Bacon (non-alcoholic) 
• Imagery Sauvignon Blanc, California
• Mad Genius Red Blend, California
• Deconstructed Breakfast: Twinings® Spiced Apple Chai Tea Shake with Cream Bourbon, garnished with a Waffle Crisp and Candied Bacon

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:

• Red Wine-braised Beef Short Rib with Parsnip Purée, Broccolini, Baby Tomatoes and Aged Balsamic
• Seared Corvina with braised Ratatouille and Lemon-Thyme Beurre Blanc (GF)
• Saint-Honoré Tart: Caramel Cream Tart with Caramel Glaze topped with Cream Puffs
• Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate-Chip Cookie

Beverages:

• Angry Orchard Rosé Hard Cider, Walden, NY
• Concrete Beach Brewery Rosé Ale, Miami, FL
• Frozen Rosé
• Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva Art Series, Logrono, Spain
• Domaine Savary Chablis, Burgundy
• A Play on Rosé Flight

Magically Fit's recommendation: The seared corvina sounds both delightful, light yet satisfying, and like it would be a better protein option since beef can be pretty fatty. 

The Artist’s Table
Satisfy hunger with these savory plates—all prepared using oven and stove-top techniques!
Food:

• Beef Wellington with Mushroom Bordelaise, Fennel Cream, and Roasted Baby Vegetables 
• Pan-Seared Scallop with Chorizo, Roasted Red Pepper Coulis and a Parmesan Crisp (GF)
• Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate-Chip Cookie 

Beverages:

• Sipping Chocolate Flight: White, Milk and Dark (non-alcoholic)
• Saugatuck Brewing Co. Neapolitan Milk Stout, Douglas, MI
• Lexington Brewing Company Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Lexington, KY
• Lindemans Framboise Lambic, Belgium
• Barrymore Rosé, Monterey County, CA
• Carmel Road Drew’s Blend Pinot Noir, Monterey County, CA
• Symphony in Chocolate Flight: Mozart Cream Liqueurs paired with Sipping Chocolates
• Chocolate and Beer Pairing Flight

Magically Fit's recommendation: Going with the seafood option again here since scallops have a great deal of protein and this is a small sampling with a small sampling of chorizo. This dish packs a lot of flavor in its bite, which always makes something worth it if you ask me!

Pop Eats!
Unearth the tasty treasures and tantalizing textures of modern art-inspired eats!
Food:

• Sous Vide Chicken Roulade with Apples and Sage served with Warm Brie Fondue, Blueberry and Beet Gel and garnished with Beet Chip Crumbles (GF)
• Shrimp Ceviche with Lime Mint Foam (GF)
• Almond Frangipane Cake layered with Raspberry Jam and Belgian Chocolate 
• Pop’t Art: Modern-design Sugar Cookie with Strawberry Filling 

Beverages:

• Blue Sky Black Cherry Boba Freeze (non-alcoholic) 
• #RainbowSherbetGlitterDreamAle by Playalinda Brewing Co., Titusville, FL
• Popping Bubbles Cocktail
• Tomato Soup Can Bloody Mary

Magically Fit's recommendation: We've got a seafood trend so far! The shrimp ceviche will pack a ton some great flavors (as ceviche usually does) and some protein. 

Decadent Delights
Indulge in a gallery of divine delectables that transform dessert into a fine art!
Food:

• White Chocolate and Purple Sweet Potato Mousse, Caramel, Coconut and Maple Meringue
• Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Pretzel Crunch 
• Lemon and Blood Orange Tart
• Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate-Chip Cookie 
• White Chocolate Figment Puzzle on an Artist Palette 

Beverages:

• 3 Daughters Strawberry Blonde Nitro, St. Petersburg, FL
• Breckenridge Nitro Vanilla Porter, Breckenridge, CO
• Young’s Double Chocolate Stout, England
• Biagio Moscato d’Asti, Piedmont
• Florida Orange Groves Winery Black and Blue Port, St. Petersburg, FL
• Cold Fashioned Coffee Cocktail
• Neapolitan Beer Flight

​Magically Fit's recommendation: If you find yourself at this booth and you want to indulge, treat yourself! The best part of these festivals is that the samplings are just that: samplings. However, it's important to know your food triggers, so I recommend trying something that you won't be able to just get whenever you're home and at the grocery store - besides, that helps enhance the experience to make sure you're getting something truly unique. If you do want to avoid indulgence, though, and your friends and family are dragging you this way, I always like to have a protein bar in my bag. 

​The Masterpiece Kitchen
Raise your glass and celebrate this fabulous fusion of food and wine—cheers!
Food:

• Wild Mushroom Risotto, Aged Parmesan, Truffle Shavings and Zinfandel Reduction
• Smoked Salmon and Cream Gâteau with Egg Yolk Cream, Paddlefish Caviar and Micro-herbs
• Charcuterie Palette with Artisan Cured Meats and Cheeses featuring Nueske’s ® Applewood Smoked Beef
• Vanilla, Rose Water and Pistachio Panna Cotta

Beverages:

• Weihenstephaner Original Lager, Freising, Germany
• Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Brut Champagne
• The Meeker Vineyard Winemakers’ Handprint Merlot, Sonoma County, CA
• Pinord La Dama Reserva Familiar Brut, Spain
• Pinord La Dama Reserva Familiar Brut Rosé, Spain
• Classic Sidecar with a Chocolate Twist

Magically Fit's recommendation: All of these non-dessert options sound like they're on relatively equal footing - just depends on what you'd enjoy more. Just be aware of how much cream gateau and egg yolk cream they put on your salmon - that can add up quick, and you're already getting healthy fats from the salmon.

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:

• Sopes de Barbacoa: Braised Barbacoa Beef served on Fried Guajillo Corn Shell with Black Beans, Cotija Cheese, Mexican Cream and Chives
• Agave Pork Belly: Pork Belly caramelized with Agave atop Pumpkin Seed Pesto Lentil Salad

Beverages:

• Frida Banana Daiquiri: Mexican Handcrafted Rum, Banana Purée and Applejack (served Frozen)
• Diego Blackberry Margarita: 100% Agave Tequila, Blackberry Purée, Fresh Jalapeño-Lime Juice served with Black Ant Salt Rim
• Mexican White Sangria: White Wine, Fruit Juices and Sweet Cinnamon-infused Tequila

Magically Fit's recommendation: Both options are probably on equal footing, though the pork belly seems to have less things that could add up quickly even as a sample size (the cheese and cream, for example, from the barbacoa). 

Refreshment OutPost – Outpost
Food:

• Plant-based Bratwurst with Spicy Turmeric Aïoli, Coffee Barbecue Jackfruit and Slaw
• Paintbrush Churros: Cinnamon-Sugar Churros Dipped in Colorful White Chocolate (KA)

Beverages:

• Barrel of Monks Brewery Endless Enigma Golden Pale Ale, Boca Raton, FL
• Collective Arts Brewing Life in the Closus Hazy IPA, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
• M.I.A. Beer Company Malt Bach Brown Ale, Doral, FL
• Popcorn Pairing Flight

Magically Fit's recommendation: Really only one option here, and it's all plant-based. I've heard jackfruit makes for a decent pulled pork alternative, so it's probably good with the plant-based bratwurst!

Refreshment Port – Showcase Plaza
Food:

• Lobster Chips: House-made Chips, Lobster, Lobster Bisque Cheese Sauce, Pickled Jalapeños and Citrus Cream

Beverages:

• Ciderboys Zen Berry Apple Boysenberry Hard Cider, Stevens Point, WI
• Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA

Magically Fit's recommendation: Again, only one option here. This sounds like a great sampling to share, since that's a lot of lobster!

The Painted Panda – China
Food:

• Spicy Beef Shumai
• Char Siu Pork Bun

Beverages:

• “Panda” Bubble Tea: Classic Milk Tea with Black and White Boba Pearls (non-alcoholic) 
• Jasmine Draft Beer
• Fortune Cookie: ByeJoe Spirit, Amaretto, Coconut and Pineapple
• Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, Triple Sec
• Sea Butterfly: Butterfly Pea Flower-infused Cocktail with Lychee Syrup, Vodka, Light Rum and Magic Boba Pearls

Magically Fit's recommendation: Ni hao! In case you didn't know, shumai is steamed or panfried dough. In this case, it's filled with beef. This and the pork bun are probably on equal footing.

L’Art du Cuisine Francaise – France
Food:

• Crème de Brie en Petit Pain: Warm Creamy Brie in a House-made Bread Bowl 
• Tomate Farcie FaÒ«on Paul Bocuse: Tomato Stuffed with Braised Ribs Paul Bocuse-style
• Moelleux Aux Chocolats Valrhona: Molten Chocolate Cake with Pure Origin Valrhona Chocolates 
• Trio de Macarons: Assortment of Three House-made Macarons in a Gift Box

Beverages:

• Frozen French Martini: Grey Goose, Vodka, Chambord Liqueur, Pineapple, Orange and Grape Juice with Lemon-Lime Foam
• Veuve du Vernay, Brut N°1, Limited Edition: French Sparkling Wine
• Vouvray, Marcel Dubois, 2018
• Bordeaux, Château Malbec, 2015

Magically Fit's recommendation: I'd go for the tomato stuffed with braised ribs! Paul Bocuse was innovative in terms of using fresh ingredients with a lighter cooking style, so you know it'll be a great choice if you're tracking your food on Weight Watchers or My Fitness Pal.

Mosaic Canteen – Morocco
Food:

• Spiced Beef with Pine Nuts and Dried Cherries, Hummus and Pita Chips
• Mediterranean Flatbread with Zaatar, Olive Oil Artichoke, Olives, Mozzarella and Feta Cheese
• Chebbakia: Hand-twisted Strips of Fried Dough coated with Honey, Rosewater and Sesame Seeds

Beverages:

• Casa Beer
• Kabash Prestige White Wine
• Embrace the Arak: Massaya Arak, Grapefruit Juice and Grenadine

Magically Fit's recommendation: The spiced beef and flatbread are both good options and probably on equal footing; you have some more healthy fats with the cheese in the flatbread, but that makes up for the lack of protein a little bit. Plus you still get those carbs with the beef dish thanks to the pita chips.

L’Arte di Mangiare – Italy
Food:

• Insalata di Gamberi al Limone di Zagara: Salad of Poached Shrimp in Sicilian Lemons, Arugula, Shaved Fennel, Avocado, and Citrus Dressing
• Pollo ala Pirandello: Golden Chicken Drumstick stuffed with Ricotta Cheese and Pomodoro Sauce 
• Rossini: Prosecco Mousse with Strawberry Sauce (contains alcohol) 

Beverages:

• Peroni Nastro Azzurro Pilsner
• Prosecco, Villa Sandi
• Moscato Fior d’Arancio, Montegrande
• Corbinello, Montegrande
• Pinot Grigio, Santa Marina
• Merlot, Montegrande
• Amaretto Bellini: Amaretto, White Peach Purée and Prosecco
• Vodka Rossini: Vodka, Strawberry Purée and Prosecco

Magically Fit's recommendation: That poached shrimp salad sounds so delicious, I'm mad that I'm not currently eating it right now. Plus it's Weight Watchers friendly regardless of plan!

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. 

• Check the menu in advance! You can also turn to my Restaurants Guide for Disney Springs if you're heading that way to see what I've combed through. There are plenty of options here where you can still enjoy your meal without having something fried, greasy, or heavy if you're trying to avoid that. 
• Try to find a dish that is higher in protein; here, that should be fairly simple between the chicken dish I got and a variety of seafoods. 
• If anything comes with a sauce or dressing, ask for it on the side (or, you can do what my mom and I do sometimes which is bring our own in a to-go condiment/dressing container).
• If your entree doesn't necessarily come with a side (mine did not, as the succotash was built in to the entree), ask yourself if it really needs it or if what you'll be served is filling enough as is. This will save you some money and calories while helping you practice mindful eating. If you receive your dish and realize it's not enough, you can always ask for a side once your meal arrives!
• If your dish is too big to finish, if you aren't going anywhere afterwords, ask for a box so you can take it to go! I also like to ask for a to go cup of water from restaurants so I have something to sip on if I go for a walk around the park or Disney Springs after.

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?