Flying High on Healthy Eats: Tips for Navigating Air Travel with Your Appetite Intact
When it comes to flying, many of us are accustomed to munching on bland airline snacks like pretzels and cookies. However, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is calling for a healthier approach. "I would love some better snacks," he said in a recent interview. "I would love a little healthier snack on the airplane." But how can we eat nutritious food while soaring through the skies?
The Problem with Airline Snacks
Pretzels and cookies may be convenient, but they're not exactly the healthiest options. Pretzels are high in sodium and refined carbs, leaving you feeling unsatisfied soon after consumption. Biscoff cookies, on the other hand, are loaded with added sugars and saturated fat – although they do have some advantages over Oreos and Chips Ahoy!.
The Solution: Eat Nuts for a Protein Boost
While peanuts may be off-limits due to allergies, many airlines still offer other types of nuts. Opting for unsalted options can help manage sodium intake, especially for those with high blood pressure or medical conditions. As long as you're not allergic, nuts like almonds or walnuts provide a welcome protein boost.
Stay Hydrated and Caffeine-Free
Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your flight is crucial due to the low humidity levels in airline cabins. Aim for 8 ounces of water per hour of flight to avoid dehydration and potential jet lag. When it comes to beverages, steer clear of alcoholic drinks, which can disrupt sleep, and caffeinated drinks, like coffee or soda, which may exacerbate anxiety.
Bring Your Own Food (BYO)
The best – and most cost-effective – option for healthy eating on the plane is to pack your own food. Registered dietitian Andy De Santis swears by bringing chicken sandwiches on whole-grain bread, while health editor Ally Head recommends a container full of carrot sticks, olives, cheese cubes, spinach salad, and pumpernickel bread.
Tips for Packing Healthy Airborne Snacks
• Bring solid snacks like nuts, dried fruit, or sandwiches in your carry-on luggage.
• Avoid wrapping food in aluminum foil to avoid setting off security alarms.
• Pack an empty water bottle to stay hydrated during the flight.
• Choose liquid containers of 3.4-ounces or less for security purposes.
By following these tips and packing healthy snacks, you can navigate air travel without sacrificing your dietary goals. So next time you're soaring through the skies, don't settle for bland airline snacks – bring a balanced meal to keep you flying high!
When it comes to flying, many of us are accustomed to munching on bland airline snacks like pretzels and cookies. However, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is calling for a healthier approach. "I would love some better snacks," he said in a recent interview. "I would love a little healthier snack on the airplane." But how can we eat nutritious food while soaring through the skies?
The Problem with Airline Snacks
Pretzels and cookies may be convenient, but they're not exactly the healthiest options. Pretzels are high in sodium and refined carbs, leaving you feeling unsatisfied soon after consumption. Biscoff cookies, on the other hand, are loaded with added sugars and saturated fat – although they do have some advantages over Oreos and Chips Ahoy!.
The Solution: Eat Nuts for a Protein Boost
While peanuts may be off-limits due to allergies, many airlines still offer other types of nuts. Opting for unsalted options can help manage sodium intake, especially for those with high blood pressure or medical conditions. As long as you're not allergic, nuts like almonds or walnuts provide a welcome protein boost.
Stay Hydrated and Caffeine-Free
Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your flight is crucial due to the low humidity levels in airline cabins. Aim for 8 ounces of water per hour of flight to avoid dehydration and potential jet lag. When it comes to beverages, steer clear of alcoholic drinks, which can disrupt sleep, and caffeinated drinks, like coffee or soda, which may exacerbate anxiety.
Bring Your Own Food (BYO)
The best – and most cost-effective – option for healthy eating on the plane is to pack your own food. Registered dietitian Andy De Santis swears by bringing chicken sandwiches on whole-grain bread, while health editor Ally Head recommends a container full of carrot sticks, olives, cheese cubes, spinach salad, and pumpernickel bread.
Tips for Packing Healthy Airborne Snacks
• Bring solid snacks like nuts, dried fruit, or sandwiches in your carry-on luggage.
• Avoid wrapping food in aluminum foil to avoid setting off security alarms.
• Pack an empty water bottle to stay hydrated during the flight.
• Choose liquid containers of 3.4-ounces or less for security purposes.
By following these tips and packing healthy snacks, you can navigate air travel without sacrificing your dietary goals. So next time you're soaring through the skies, don't settle for bland airline snacks – bring a balanced meal to keep you flying high!