How to Stay Healthy at Universal Orlando

As someone who struggles with chronic foot pain, my doctors agree that losing weight can only help my situation.  I recently began Weight Watchers, using their Smart Points system to aid in the weight loss process.  The pounds are slowly coming off and I'm getting healthier every day.  

But...I'm going to Universal Orlando!  How does one try to stick to their weight loss plan while visiting the mecca of tantalizing sweet treats and a fried food paradise?  I'm here to tell you that staying on track at Universal Orlando is easier than you might think!

Getting in Your Steps

There is one obvious aspect of a Universal Orlando vacation.  You will walk a lot!  The average theme park guest walks between five and seven miles per day.  While it may not always be heart-pumping cardio, you will burn lots of calories while you tour the parks.  Use modern tools to calculate how many steps you're taking by using devices such as a Fitbit which measures your level of exertion.  Most smartphones also have a Health App which can measure your steps, heart rate, etc.

Another way to get in your steps is by taking the walking paths around the onsite resorts.  Universal Orlando has beautifully landscaped pathways which were designed as a way for onsite guests to reach the theme parks.  These paths are perfect for a run, leisurely jog or peaceful walk.  The concierge at each onsite resort have maps which detail  three routes; a .45, 1.3 and 3 mile loop.  However, you need not be an onsite guest or even purchase a theme park ticket to make use of these paths.  They are open for anyone to enjoy.   To see a video of one of the walking paths, click here.

Making Healthy Choices

While most people associate theme park food with French Fries, greasy burgers, hot dogs and cotton candy, there is a surprising variety of healthy items to enjoy.  One only needs to use a little common sense to avoid the bad and choose the good.

Bring Healthy Snacks

What many people don't realize, is that it is okay to bring your own food into the theme parks.  While coolers are a big NoNo, guests are allowed to carry in healthy snacks, nuts, fruit and even sandwiches in an insulated bag. By bringing snacks to munch on throughout the day, you'll control your hunger and be less likely to gorge yourself on high fat, high carb foods.

Healthy Choices 

Universal CityWalk is a dining and entertainment complex through which all guests must pass on their way in and out of the theme parks (unless staying onsite).  There is a great variety of restaurants from which to choose for healthy dining.  Your choices include fresh salads and fresh vegetable dishes at almost every establishment, including Bubba Gump's, Antojitos Mexican Restaurant, Vivo Italian and Emeril's for fine dining.  

If you prefer casual dining, there are quite a few options.  Fresh deli sandwiches are available at Bread Box.  This "quick service" restaurant offers a variety of large fresh sandwiches on all types of breads.   Try splitting a sandwich with someone.  Tell them to keep the fries but order soup instead.   There are also a couple of good salad choices on the menu.  Low fat sushi entrees can be found at Fusion Bistro Sushi and Sake Bar. 

At the theme parks, fresh fruit including fruit cups, apples and oranges are available at many snack stands.  Popcorn is sold at many stands and is a good alternative to chips or fries.  

For a good dose of lean protein, try a delicious smoked turkey leg!

These slow smoked turkey legs are available all over the parks, both at sidewalk stands and restaurants.  If you really need a burger, try Richter's Burger at Universal Studios or or Burger Digs in Islands of Adventure.  These have a great "fixins" bars so you can pile it high with extra vegetables.

For a healthy salad, you'll find choices at casual stops such as Lisa's Teahouse of Horror in Fast Food Boulevard at Universal Studios.  At Islands of Adventure, you can get a delicious rotisserie chicken salad at Thunder Falls Terrace in Jurassic Park.

Caesar salads are available as a choice at Cafe 4.  Mythos Restaurant in The Lost Continent, voted several times as the favorite theme park restaurant in the world, and Lombard's at Universal Studios both have many delicious healthy options including vegan and vegetarian options. 

Share a Sweet Treat

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando has an amazing treat which Muggles worldwide travel to taste, Butterbeer. This iconic drink from the Harry Potter series is a creamy concoction of a butterscotch flavored creme soda topped with whipped cream.  

Frozen Butterbeer might actually be a better choice but it's an even better idea to share one without the whipped cream.  Ask your server for an extra cup or straw.  The Butterbeer flavor is also available in the form of a clotted cream dessert at the Leaky Cauldron and Butterbeer fudge can now be found in Diagon Alley and is very easy to share. 

Choose Wisely

In Springfield, the land of The Simpsons at Universal Studios, the big frosted pink donut is a guest favorite.  However, this donut is so large, it could easily be shared by four people.  However, an even better choice is to choose a small cupcake with the same pink icing (available at Fast Food Boulevard). 

When buying ice cream, opt for the cup.  Waffle cones and extra toppings only pile on the calories.  At Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, you'll find fantastic flavors such as chocolate and raspberry, strawberry peanut butter and Butterbeer.  These are great flavors that there are delicious on their own and don't really need the extras.  

With these tips, your Universal Orlando trip will allow you the satisfaction of staying healthy without any guilt!

Confisco Grill at IOA menu click here
Mythos at IOA menu click here

Lombard's Seafood Grill at US menu click here

Check out Mary deSilva's Orlando travel guides here.

Check out Cajun DIY Diva's Youtube videos here.