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The First Six Restaurants

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Day 272 in eating my way around the world and meeting up with Mickey

My plan for today was to begin my research on healthy choices at the restaurants we will frequent at Walt Disney World in October.  My go-to site for this is AllEars.Net.  What a great site!  It has all the menus from all the restaurants at Walt Disney World!  Love it!

 

Here we go: (Think: the song from Peter Pan “Think of the happiest things…it’s the same as having wings…you can fly!”)

  1. Olivia’s Cafe at Disney’s Old Key West Resort (our home away from home)  Healthiest thing on the menu for breakfast: Monroe Egg White Omelet  Thing I will probably order: Conch Republic Omelet with a side of fruit.  We are eating breakfast at Olivia’s more than once, so perhaps I will get to try both.  Healthiest thing on the menu for dinner: Key West Salmon Salad (this is real contender!) Thing I may order: Mallory Square Cobb Salad  Whatever I order I will definitely order Conch Fritters as an appetizer to share.  They are my favorite thing at Olivia’s! (The healthiest appetizer on their menu is the House Salad.)   Dessert: Healthiest option: Mile High Zero (a no sugar added tropical panna cotta)  It’s still very rich so this is to share.  I may order this, but we love the Key Lime Pie, so that is a possibility.
  2. Crystal Palace for breakfast: This is that most dangerous of meals–the buffet!  But, hey, we’ll get to visit with Winnie the Pooh and friends (I’m thinking Piglet and Tigger.) I will have an omelet made with vegetables and just a little cheese, a side of fruit, coffee and water.  Yum!
  3. Be Our Guest for dinner: French food–tres rich!  The healthiest appetizer on the menu is Garden Salad.  What I will probably order: Seasonal Salad Trio and I’ll split with Mike and anyone else who wants to try a taste.  Entree: The healthiest thing is probably the Layered Ratatouille, which is a real contender for me.  But I may order the Pan-seared Chicken Breast.  Mike and I will again split.  Dessert: the healthiest choice-Lemon Raspberry Cream Puff (no sugar added), But I already know I’ll try The Grey Stuff.  My friend Lumiere told me it’s delicious!
  4. Yak and Yeti for lunch: Asian food-notoriously high is sugar and/or fats (unless you’e eating raw) Appetizers: Healthiest choices: Lettuce Cups for Two OR House Salad.  I would order either. Entree: Honestly the healthiest thing and probably what I would order to share with Mike–Kobe Beef Burger (I wouldn’t eat the bun) with a side of Sauteed Baby Bok Choy.  Mike will probably order some fries too.  Dessert: Healthiest choice: Sorbet  What I will order Mango Pie and 6 forks.  It’s a speciality here.
  5. Tusker House for dinner (another dangerous buffet): I would choose salads. carved meat and/or fish of the day, vegetables, and I would check out the vegetarian choices to see if anything tickles my fancy.  Dessert: (Yikes! Also a buffet!) I probably will try the Chocolate Volcano Cake and/or the Strawberry Mousse Cup.
  6. California Grill-Appetizers: probably the 2 healthiest things to choose from are Farmer’s Strawberry Salad and Mushroom Flatbread.  I would try either.  Entree: Healthiest choices-Braised Lamb Hind Shank OR East Coast Flounder (Mike will have to choose because I have a hard time ordering Flounder ever since I saw The Little Mermaid!) Dessert: Healthiest options: Chef’s Selection Cheese Board or Plant City Strawberry Cheesecake (no sugar added)  I, however, will choose between Vanilla Creme Brulee (one of Mike’s favorites) or Warm Homemade Fritters (they’re banana for crying out loud!)

That’s plenty to chew on for today.  Meet you at the Kingdom!

BTW: Still waiting on my cup.  Isn’t it a shame when you pay for expedited delivery and post office doesn’t come through???  PTLA!

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Planning to Eat Well

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Day 271 in my research into being a healthier me for Walt Disney World and Mickey

So I’ve been reading about how you can eat very healthfully at Walt Disney World.  I intend to research that further.  I will check the menus of the restaurants that we will frequent, and look for (1) the healthiest possible thing on the menu and (2) the healthiest thing that I-would-actually-order on the menu.   🙂  I have grown to thoroughly enjoy salads.  I even remember to eat more veg when we are in Florida so that I will have more instant energy for the parks. But let’s face it, some salads are extremely high in calories and/or fat.  So I want to be intentional, so that I can sample some desserts (my personal crack/cocaine).  You know, we’ll order one or two desserts and six spoons, then I’ll limit myself to two bites of each.  Next I will religiously check my blood sugar to make sure I am staying on track.  Then depending on the results, I plan to adjust on the fly.  I figure I’ll be getting plenty of exercise (walking and swimming) while there, so that will be a significant help in keeping my blood sugar controlled.  Anyway, that’s the plan.  (And , oh yes, I will try my first Dole Whip ever this time.  At least a bite or two, and try to talk my honey Mike into sharing it with me.  He prefers Mickey Ice Cream Bars.  What’s not to love?)

So for today, I’ll share our new recipe from Betty Crocker 30 Minute Meals for Diabetes: Pork with Caramelized Onions.  (Seriously folks, get this amazing cookbook!)  This makes 4 servings, each serving is a 1/2 carbohydrate choice.

Ingredients:

  1. 1 lb pork tenderloin (Tenderloin, NOT Loin, tenderloin is more tender and less fatty)
  2. 1/2 tsp salt
  3. 1/4 tsp paprika
  4. 1 large onion, thinly sliced (2 cups)
  5. 1/4 tsp sugar (I figure 1/4 tsp in 4 servings is safe enough for me)

Directions:

  1. Cut pork into 1/2-inch slices.  Sprinkle both sides with salt and paprika.
  2. Heat 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add pork; cook 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until no longer pink in center.  Remove pork from skillet; keep warm.  Wipe out skillet.
  3. Heat same skillet over medium-high heat.  Add onion; cook 1 minute, stirring frequently.  Reduce heat to medium.  Stir in sugar.  Cook about 3 minutes longer, stirring frequently, until onion is soft and golden brown.  Spoon over pork.

1 serving: 170calories; Total fat: 4.5grams; Cholesterol 70mg; Sodium 350mg; Total carbohydrate 6grams; Protein 26grams

Can you even??????  I know it will be incredible!  We’ll have it with a Romaine and spinach salad and a beautiful dark seedless rye bread.

Meet you at the Kingdom!

BTW: Super exciting news–Emi is coming to visit!  She is my daughter who lives in England. She is coming on June 1st.  Yahoo!!  Can’t wait to hug her!  🙂

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Animals!

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Day 270 in my adventures toward getting ready for Mickey and Walt Disney World in October.

Today’s plan was to investigate Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  I have a dvd all about it that is, admittedly, a few years old, but I know so little about it.  I spent one morning there several years ago.  We had to leave the park early to make it to Fort Wilderness for the Hoop-Dee-Doo Review.  (BTW: Seeing my brother in his Detroit Lions’ jacket and a tutu dancing across the stage was a highlight in my life!)

I really enjoyed our morning at Animal Kingdom, but I have never been back, for various reasons.  So…I wanted to study the layout and make some plans.  We have Disney’s Animal Kingdom down for one morning and one different afternoon/evening while we’re there.  I’m thinking for the morning Kilimanjaro Safaris, Festival of the Lion King, Kali River Rapids and Expedition Everest (for those brave enough–not me!)

And for the afternoon I’d like to explore DinoLand U.S.A. and Discovery Island.  I want to ride DINOSAUR and Primeval Whirl,  and I want to experience Tree of Life (It’s Tough to Be a Bug), and Finding Nemo: The Musical.

What do you think, Disney Pros?  Can it be done?  If it’s too much I’ll be happy with just wandering the grounds.  🙂

Meet you at the Kingdom!

BTW: Still waiting for my Magic Kingdom Starbuck’s mug.  I’m so excited!

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Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party

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Day 269 in my preparations to meet up with Mickey

Today’s plan actually happened last night.  I booked us for Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party.  So now on our first full day at Walt Disney World this October.  We will start the day out with an early breakfast at the Crystal Palace (or Crystal Cathedral if you prefer–that’s for you, Wayno!) at Magic Kingdom,  Then everyone can go wherever they want for the middle of the day.  Then we meet up at the Dessert Party back at Magic Kingdom at 9:20 pm and sit and enjoy warm and/or cool drinks and various desserts while we wait for and then watch the fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle.

In the middle of that first day, I have a date with Disney’s Old Key West Resort.  I want to swim, and I want to sit and sip a cool drink on the boardwalk at the marina.  I can just feel the sun warming my back as I read my Kindle.  I can just smell the local flora (and the chlorinated pool).  It will be magical.

Meet you at the Kingdom!

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Healing Hurts

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Day 268 in my limp toward Mickey

Healing hurts.  When you have major surgery, there is a long period of healing that follows your hospital stay.  Now I would love to be that person saying, “Oh, I’m great.  Everything’s fine.  It’s all good,”  but the truth is healing hurts.  Stabbing pains at time, sore bruises from IV failed attempts and successes, blood draws, bruises at and near incision sites, bruises from being inverted for robotic surgery, scratches from being held in place during robotic surgery, blisters from the tape they used on the gauze pads on me, ow, ow, OW, dang it!

The good days are very good and the bad days, well, they’re not so good.  This morning was a bad morning.  As Mike got up, made coffee and prepared to go lead worship with Damascus Road, I found another broken blister, had painful gas and every bruise and incision ached. I had had it!  So I cried and I cried and I cried.  And then I quit crying, took my Narco and slowly embraced the day.  So my plan for today, is to survive the day and count some blessings.

  1. God met me today during my devotions.  He always does, but this morning it was more obvious to me.  I am using the book, “My Grandfather’s Blessings.”  Very powerful and very moving.
  2. Jake ( my son) brought me breakfast after church: a Starbuck’s breakfast sandwich and an iced decaf skinny mocha.
  3. I have good pain meds to help me through this day.
  4. The kids are coming over for dinner tonight for a good visit and a pot roast with salad.
  5. And A.D. is on NBC tonight.  Loving that show!

So that’s quite a bit of blessings on a tough day.  God is good all the time!  Meet you at the Kingdom.

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So…What’s for Dinner?

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Day 267 in eating my way to a healthier me to meet up with Mickey

Today’s plan is to share a couple recipes.  Both are from Betty Crocker 30 Minute Meals for Diabetes.

Last night’s incredibly delicious dinner: Apricot-Almond Chicken

4 servings  2 Carb choices

Ingredients:

  1. Cooking Spray
  2. 4  boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 and a half pounds)
  3. one quarter tsp. salt (optional)
  4. one eighth tsp pepper
  5. one half cup apricot preserves
  6. 1 Tbls Low-sodioum Soy Sauce
  7. 1 Tbls Dijon mustard
  8. one half cup sliced almonds

Putting it together:

  1. Heat oven to 425 degrees F.  Line 15 X 10 X 1-inch pan with foil; spray foil with cooking spray.  Place chicken in pan; spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Bake 5 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, in a small microwavable bowl, mix preserves, soy sauce and mustard; microwave on high 1 minute or until preserves are melted.
  3. Stir preserves mixture and spoon over chicken; sprinkle evenly with almonds.  Bake 10 to 15 minutes longer or until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut. (170 degrees).

We had it with a big veggie side salad and a good crusty, grainy bread.  Delicious!!

On tonight’s menu: Curried Turkey Stir-Fry

4 servings (1 and one quarter cups each) 2 Carb choices

Ingredients:

  1. 1 and one quarter cups uncooked instant brown rice
  2. 2 cups water
  3. one quarter tsp. salt (optional)
  4. 2 tsp cooking oil
  5. 1 lb. turkey breast strips for stir fry (OR turkey breast tenderloin, cut into strips)
  6. 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
  7. 2 cups small fresh broccoli florets
  8. 10 and a half oz chicken broth (or veg broth, if you prefer)
  9. 4 tsp cornstarch
  10. 4 tsp curry powder
  11. one half tsp ground ginger
  12. one quarter tsp salt (optional)

Putting it together:

  1. Cook brown rice as directed on package, using water and one quarter tsp salt.
  2. Meanwhile, in 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.  Add turkey; cook 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned.  Stir in red bell pepper and broccoli.  Cook 2 minutes.
  3. In small bowl, mix remaining ingredients.  Stir into turkey and vegetables.  Heat to boiling.  reduce heat; cover and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender and turkey is no longer pink in center.  Serve over brown rice.

Doesn’t that sound amazing??  Can’t wait to try it.  Mike is still cooking, but I now can sit up and help cut stuff up.

We are changing the recipe a bit.  We have leftover roasted chicken breasts.  So Mike will cook the pepper and broccoli in the oil and add the cut up chicken to warm it through. (Step 2)

That’s it for today, friends.  Meet you at the Kingdom!

BTW: Thank you to Bro Gary and Sis-in-love Trudy for the beautiful, scrumptious looking fruit basket.  What a treat!!  Fresh pineapple, grapes, tangerines, apples and more.  Yum!

 

 

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Feeling Truly Blessed

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Day 266 in my moves toward Mickey

Today’s plan was to try to back off the Narco (a heavy pain narcotic) and to switch to regular Motrin from the 600 ml version. So far so good. Using regular Motrin and Tylenol so far today. But taking it pretty easy too. 

I had a wonderful visit from my friend  and coworker Chris. She brought me a very pretty planter and a decaf skinny vanilla latte from Starbuck’s.  So good!

So very grateful to God for his promise of strength to face what comes. And for friends and family who are holding me up in prayer. Feeling very blessed tonight, dear readers. 

Meet you at the Kingdom!

BTW: My bro and sister-in-love are sending me a Magic Kingdom Starbuck’s mug. Tee hee (I’m giggling like a school girl!). Thanks, Geno and Pats!!  xxoo💓

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Slowly Getting Back on Track

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Day 265 in my journey to Mickey

My plan for today was to shower and write our bills for this pay period. Done and done. 

My systems are slowly starting to work again and I can tell you, that first bowel movement is pretty great after 3 days without one. 😃. TMI, right?  

I seem to have picked up asthma or something as I recover. Although an x-ray did show that I have COPD now. I’ll have to talk to my doc about an inhaler. It’s scary when I get overtired and even though I’m taking breaths, it doesn’t seem like the air is getting in.   Once I sit down and relax it gets better.  The shower really pooped me out. 

Now I’m off to nap and to dream about our trip to Walt Disney Workd on October 13.  Sweet dreams of Old Key West, here I come. 

Meet you at the Kingdom!

BTW: Thanks for the cards and kind thoughts. It’s been lovely to be on the receiving end. I tear up every time. Human kindness does that to me. Love to you all, dear readers. 

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Rambling

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Day 264 in rambling toward Mickey

Mike is our chief cook and bottle washer for the next week or so.  He is so up to the task.  He made us steak and salad last night as a celebration that surgery is behind me. Tonight spaghetti with whole wheat noodles and fresh veg. He made me eggs for breakfast. I am feeling pretty pampered.

I am extremely sore today but that is expected. The pain Meds help a lot.  I keep reminding myself that I am ecstatic to  be this far down the road.

My plan for today was to take my gauze pads and tape off of my 7 wounds. Took them off and sure enough, I have some blisters from the tape.  They immediately broke and leaked. Kinda gross!  Glad the tape is off.

Sorry this is so random.  I’ll try to get it together better tomorrow.

Shout out to Bro Gene, Patsy, Dan, Regina, Annabelle and Sophia.  Thinking of you guys at DisneyWorld, and it’s making me smile.