Halloween time at Disneyland is one of my favorite times of the year. Disneyland does a great spooky season and it makes my heart so happy. The villains are out to play, the giant Mickey pumpkin on MainStreet, the spooky music, and fun snacks… it’s so much fun. Being someone who is in eating disorder recovery and really working on my relationship with food, anytime I travel to my happy place, or travel anywhere in general, navigating food is always tricky for me. So I wanted to share 3 tips on how I am working on finding balance when I travel to Disneyland as well as share some of the spooky foods I tried on this trip.
Tip 1- Remind yourself that it is not now or never.
This reminder helps me so much. I am the kind of person who struggles with “all or nothing” thinking. When I go to Disneyland I can tend to go back to this mindset and think- I have to eat ALL of the goodies and food now because when I get home I will not allow myself to eat this again so I have to eat it all now. Or I think, I don’t want to be “bad” and I won’t allow myself to even have one bite of food and will most likely bring in my own foods and snacks. Balance is key. You do not need to eat it all, and you do not need to completely restrict yourself.
2- Listen to your body.
If you do not like something you get or order, you do not need to eat it or finish it. I know food is expensive, especially at Disney and we do not want to waste food (or money) but eating foods you do not like is not going to help you heal your relationship with food. If you don’t like it, it’s ok not to eat it and if you are full, it’s okay to stop eating. If you are still hungry it’s ok to keep eating. If after you start eating and feel satisfied and do not want anymore it’s ok to just have a bite. You are in control. There are no rules. Do what feels right for you and your body. It doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing, or eating, listen to what makes you feel good and eat something if you want it, and don’t if you don’t.
3- Eat a variety of foods
Disneyland is known for having a lot of fun foods. There is nothing wrong with enjoying them. But I always try to have a variety of foods so it’s not just all fried, sugary goodness. I try to make sure to drink enough water and get protein, veggies, fruit…foods that will make me feel good. This kinda goes back to tip 2 where it’s so important to listen to your body. It’s ok to eat the cupcake and the cookie and the pizza BUT I like to ask myself- how will this make me feel? Chances are I will feel sluggish, and sick to my stomach and I will not feel good in my body. And if I don’t feel good in my body, chances are that I will want to turn to food to cope OR I will continue to restrict and not want to eat anything. So I enjoy those foods AND other foods too. Remember, it’s not all or nothing. We can find balance and enjoy everything in moderation.
There are so many things I am working on, but these are the top 3. I will share more as I continue to go through this journey. But for now, let’s get into some of the foods I tried at Disneyland for the Halloween season in 2022.
XOXO
Jacqueline
Let’s Get to the Halloween Treat Ratings
(some of these foods I did enjoy all of it, some I had a bite, some I just did not enjoy at all)
Available at Refreshment Corner in Disneyland
Available at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney
Available at Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland
Available at Mint Julep Bar in Disneyland
Available at Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream in Disney California Adventure
Available at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Holiday Cart
Available at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Holiday Cart
Available at Flo’s V8 Cafe in Disney California Adventure Available at Alien Pizza Planet in Disneyland Available at Cappuccino Cart in Disney California Adventure Available at Schmoozies! in Disney California Adventure Available at Studio Catering Co. in Disney California Adventure Available at Cappuccino Cart in Disney California Adventure Available at Red Rose Tavern in Disneyland
Available at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor in Disneyland
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