The biggest challenge in healthy eating at Walt Disney World is finding sugar-free solutions, particularly if you are a diabetic. Sugar is an unnatural substance produced by an industrial process of refining it down to pure sucrose. There are no vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes or other beneficial nutrients to sugar. It is addictive, and the human body is not able to handle the quantities most Americans consume, approximately 115 pounds of sugar per year according to Organic Nutrition, an online lifestyle magazine for organic lifestyles. According to the American Diabetes Association, the total number of children and adults in the United States who have diabetes is currently estimated to be about 20.8 million—this number includes both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, diagnosed and undiagnosed cases. In an amusement park where sugar may well be the number two draw for vacationers, it is an epidemic worth addressing. 

Although Walt Disney World has not entered into discussions on the subject of diabetes and sugar-free options, Walt Disney World is well aware of the issues surrounding diabetes and the need for change.

"Diabetes is a concern for anybody and we're aware of it as a company,” Joel Schaefer, Culinary Development and Special Dietary Needs Manager and Chef on the Global Product Development Team at Walt Disney World, said. "We also address this with many special diet needs, as well as food allergies and other intolerables. Most offerings are upon request; especially on the table service arena, we have some quick-service diabetic options, and in the candy areas (merchandise venues) we have some sugar-free options as well."

But when it comes right down to it, the problem with Walt Disney World, and most theme parks in general, is that the demand just isn't high enough to justify the purchase of more sugar-free items. You will find one, maybe two sugar-free candies in any given store on Walt Disney World properties, and it is often that you can't find any. 

"We are here to look at what the guests are asking for. You can't make everyone happy, and while we all want healthy eaters you have to remember that the people who come here are on vacation and most of them want ice cream. They paid $60 to get in and if they want a hamburger, they must have a hamburger. But we do have options: 25 percent of the menu offerings at the quick service restaurants must be on whole grain bread; this also applies to table service restaurants. At all quick service restaurants you can replace french fries with carrot sticks or fruit and trade out soda for milk or juice. We do address this issue," Mr. Schaefer added.

Here's a four-day Walt Disney World itinerary with a dietary strategy laid out so you can walk off the pounds Disney-style, and find the healthiest food while on vacation.

Day 1 - The Magic Kingdom

From the entrance down Main Street to Tomorrowland, roughly, where you can board a star cruiser in Buzz Light Year's Space Ranger Spin, follow a family through 100 years of progress on the Carousel of Progress, zip through the blackness of space on Space Mountain, or pilot your own spacecraft on the Astro Orbiter, among others. For a healthy eating option in Tomorrowland grab a smoked turkey leg at The Lunching Pad in Rockettower Plaza or stop by the Noodle Station, which has a Vegetarian Noodle Bowl with tofu.

From Tomorrowland to Mickey's Toon Town Fair, stop at the Toon Town Farmer's Market for a selection of fruits and vegetables or a fruit cup and fruit juices. Here you can tour Minnie's country house, Mickey's country house and even hop a ride on the Walt Disney World Railroad, which is an authentic steam train that circles the entire park. The Farmers Market at County Bounty sells bagged trail mix along with Mickey pretzels and sugar-free candies.

Move on to Fantasyland and be serenaded by children from around the world in It's a Small World, or fly above Never Land on Peter Pan's Flight. For healthy eating in Fantasyland you'll want to go to Cinderella's Royal Table. Breakfast choices include granola, dried fruit, yogurt and fresh berries. For lunch, the pasta pomodoro is a penne pasta packed with asparagus, mushrooms, onion, Kalamata olives and fresh tomato broth. Dinner options include the vegetable spring rolls with Bok Choy and soy bean slaw, tri-color tortellini with fresh vegetables and the house-made raspberry sorbet for dessert.

From Fantasyland, make your way to Liberty Square. Stop in at The Hall of Presidents where the nation's presidents come to life, and don't miss the eerie 19th century ride through The Haunted Mansion. Healthy eating options in Liberty Square include dining at the Liberty Tree Tavern where a variety of well-balanced and vegetarian options are available on the menu such as the grilled chicken sandwich, vegetarian sandwich with hummus, broccoli slaw and vegetarian chili. For a quick bite, Amber Waves of Grain has fresh vegetables sautéed with garden herb pesto.

In Frontierland you don't want to miss a visit to Brer Rabbit's Laughin' Place on Splash Mountain or boarding the runaway mine train on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. 

Finally, we end up in Adventureland for a soaring ride on The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, or join a rowdy band of pirates on Pirates of the Caribbean. Healthy eating options in Adventureland include a selection of fresh wraps and salads at Pecos Bill Café and taco salads at El Pirata Y el Perico Restaurante. We also love the frozen orange slush at Sunshine Tree Terrace!

As you exit the park and stroll down Main Street, stop in the Confectionary for a sugar-free treat. Select from a variety of sugar-free chocolates including sugar-free peanut butter cups, carmels and at the Main Street Ice Cream Parlour you have a choice of fat-free vanilla and chocolate swirl and no-sugar-added butter pecan ice cream. The Main Street Bakery offers a vegetarian sandwich, as well as no-sugar-added chocolate muffins, and fruit including grapes, bananas and oranges.

Yummy tip: The ice cream trolleys in the Magic Kingdom have sugar-free strawberry ice cream bars.

APPROX. TOTAL STEPS: 8,400

TOTAL MILES WALKED: 4

APPROX. CALORIES BURNED: 450

Day 2 - Animal Kingdom

On your way through Discovery Island, stop at the Flame Tree Barbecue for freshly smoked ribs, chicken, beef and pork sandwiches, as well as a selection of freshly tossed salads. In Dinoland U.S.A. you won’t want to miss the Primeval Whirl, a roller coaster that sends you through a maze of curves and hills as you spin out of control. In DINOSAUR you'll jump into the time rover and zip back 65 million years to try to save one of the latest dinosaurs from extinction. At the Restaurantosaurus, the all-you-can-eat buffet features a plethora of healthy options including vegetarian burgers and freshly tossed salads.

Trek over to Asia for a white-water rafting adventure on the Kali River Rapids, or the Maharajah Jungle Trek. Keep an eye out for giant fruit bats, birds and Komodo dragons. Healthy eating options in Asia include the Chakranadi Chicken Soup, where chicken stir fry is an Asian specialty.

Over in Africa you don't want to miss the Kilimanjaro Safari, an open-air safari through an African savannah. Animals like giraffes, gazelles, elephants, rhinos and lions roam freely across the rivers and rocky hills. On the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail you'll take a nice stroll through the forest to discover magnificent troop gorillas and underwater hippos. Healthy options here include a selection of fresh fruit, crudités and fruit juices at Harambe Fruit Market. For lunch or dinner, Tusker House features rotisserie chicken, salads and vegetarian sandwich options.

Camp Minnie-Mickey is the final stop in Animal Kingdom, where you can take in two delightful shows: Pocahontas and Her Forest Friends and Festival of the Lion King. On your way out past the Oasis, stop at the Rainforest Café for a wide selection of fresh salads and sandwiches.  

Yummy Tip: The ice cream trolleys in the Animal Kingdom have sugar-free vanilla ice cream cups.

APPROX. TOTAL STEPS: 6,937

TOTAL MILES WALKED: 3

APPROX. CALORIES BURNED: 370

Day 3 - Epcot

The first stop in Epcot is Spaceship Earth. As a time traveler you venture 180 feet into the sphere of Spaceship Earth to witness milestones in communications. From here, stop by Innoventions to explore this science and technology wonderland. In addition to many exciting exhibits, Opportunity City allows you the thrill of running your own company in a virtual city with interactive games. Moving on to The Living Seas to find Nemo and his undersea pals in an interactive new show called Turtle Talk With Crush. Then join Bruce, Chum and Anchor at Bruce's Shark World.  Next door is The Land where the newest attraction, Soarin', takes you on a hang-gliding adventure over California's natural wonders. Living with the Land is a boat ride through greenhouses full of amazing fruits and vegetables, all grown without soil. Healthy options here include Sunshine Seasons where Asian-inspired cuisine and a fresh selection of soups and salads are readily available. 

Moving to the World Showcase, first stop is Canada, where Canadian apparel, leather products and a selection of maple products await. Healthy options in Canada can be found at Le Cellier Steakhouse. You will love the cast-iron-seared trout salad and beefsteak tomato stack, which is filled with fresh wilted spinach and sautéed shitakes.

Move on to the United Kingdom for a variety of sports apparel and teas. Right next door, France offers some healthy options including escargot, salads and beef in Chefs de France. Here you can shop for Guerlain fragrances and other charming French gifts and fine wines. 

Follow the sounds of the lively djembe drums and finger cymbals to Morocco. Beautiful dancers, exotically flavored cuisine and some of the most interesting souvenirs are hidden in this magnificent part of Epcot. The restaurant Marakesh is a great place for Mediterranean flavors of beef, lamb or chicken. 

Japan offers the most interesting apparel and gifts in the Japanese apparel shop Mitsukoshi.  There's a broad selection of Japanese porcelain, candies, clothing, toys and even bonsai trees.  The Mitsukoshi Restaurant features Teppanyaki Dining prepared hibachi style. Healthy options include fresh steak, chicken and seafood cooked before your eyes. 

 "America the Beautiful" takes on new meaning in The American Adventure where Ben Franklin and Mark Twain present an inspirational story of America. A surprising selection of healthy options lies next door in Italy. Fine wines, fragrances and Venetian masks aren't the only surprise in store here. There's a spectacular selection of the most decadent, mouth-watering sugar-free chocolates at the Enoteca.

Also known for great wine, Germany features a collection of great German wines and authentic dining at the Biergarten. The Oktoberfest buffet has everything from fresh bratwurst to salads and other German favorites. While not exactly light cuisine, it does provide light options such as spelt, red beet and cucumber salad, and rotisserie chicken.

Move on to China to view the new Hong Kong Disneyland Preview Center. This sneak peek at the newest Disney Theme Park is the prelude to Reflections of China, a modern look at the mysterious East in 360-degree Circle Vision. Next door in Norway they say Velkommen! Or Welcome! Norwegian apparel, fragrances and candy a wait in the shops here, but don't miss the Maelstrom, one of WDW's favorite attractions where you take a boat ride back to the era of the Vikings to experience the traditions and heritage of Norway.

In Mexico, don't miss the Mexican Gallery where you can find inexpensive silver jewelry, traditional wood carvings of Oaxaca, and apparel from Mexico. Sail the river of time on El Rio Del Tiempo, an adventurous boat ride through Mexico.

On your way back toward Spaceship Earth, you don't want to miss Test Track, the fastest ride in Disney history, or Mission: SPACE, a true-to-life adventure into outer space in your very own spacecraft. 

Yummy tip: The ice cream carts next to Mexico and Electric Umbrella have strawberry fruit bars, which are fat free and sugar free.

APPROX. TOTAL STEPS: 13,650

TOTAL MILES WALKED: 7.5

APPROX. CALORIES BURNED: 700

Day 4 - Disney MGM Studios

Start your day at MGM with a real jaw-dropper at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. It goes up, it goes down, but which direction will it go next? You're on a runaway elevator that's out of control, in a hotel that is no longer functioning. Next up is the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, where you join Aerosmith on a ride to the concert through Hollywood. There are some great healthy options on your way over to The Magic of Disney Animation, such as Rosie's All-American Café (vegetarian burgers and salads) or Catalina Eddie's (salads). You don't want to miss Walt Disney: One Man's Dream to step into the amazing journey that was Walt's life and vision.  There's a self-guided tour with a 15-minute film. Further down the road is the Disney-MGM Studios Backlot Tour where you can experience demonstrations of movie-making special effects.  Next door is the new Extreme Stunt Show. This is a backstage look at move magic where cars and motorcycles fly, squeal and burst into flames before your eyes. Stop for lunch in the Hollywood Brown Derby for one of their many famous salads, including the Brown Derby Cobb Salad and the Mesclun and Arugula salads tossed with fresh oranges, feta and a cabernet Vinaigrette. You might also love the barbecue breast of chicken with romaine hearts tossed with green goddess dressing and grilled flatbread.

Move on to Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure, where kids can climb this larger-than-life playground. At Muppet Vision 3-D you, Kermit, Miss Piggy and friends take a wacky 3-D tour of the Muppet Labs. From here you can stop at the ABC Commissary for a quick bite, where healthy options include tabbouleh wraps and vegetable stir-fry. 

On your way out don't miss Star Tours, a star speed race through space, or Indiana Jones Epic Stunt show. Indy and Marion might commandeer you for this live action show.

Yummy tip: The ice cream trolleys in MGM carry sugar-free and fat-free vanilla ice cream, as well as dairy-free ice cream and the Minnie Mouse Strawberry bar.

APPROX. TOTAL STEPS: 7,250

TOTAL MILES WALKED: 3

APPROX. CALORIES BURNED: 340