The last thing you want to feel after a flight, whether for business or pleasure, is lethargic, bloated, or run down. In a perfect world, you would drink plenty of water and eat healthy, digestible meals. However, sticking to a healthy diet isn’t always possible when flying because of the stress, haste, and length of the trip.
Is there anything special one should consume before boarding a flight?
The air pressure is significantly less than it is at sea level at an altitude of 4,00,000 feet. When cabin pressure drops, gas in your stomach expands and causes discomfort during flight. In addition, your immune system may be compromised by being in close quarters with so many other people. While in flight, our natural gas can expand by up to 25%, according to the Aerospace Medical Association.
Especially if you have a long commute, celebrity nutritionist Nmami Agarwal suggests eating a modest lunch or snack before boarding. Avoiding sweets, keeping protein intake to a minimum, and loading up on slow-burning complex carbs are all good practices to get in before a flight. There’s a fruit advocate who recommends picking one up just before a flight.
The best thing to eat before taking off on a flight is a banana. The fruit’s high potassium content makes it useful for controlling blood pressure and preventing cramping in the legs during long flights. Vitamin C, which is abundant in oranges, can also be used to strengthen the immune system.
Blend your preferred fruits (green apple, kiwi, etc.) with some almond milk to make a delicious smoothie. Also, I like to drink a lot of water and coconut water in the hours leading prior to my flight because it helps me feel more hydrated on the plane.
According to Agarwal, “if your flight is in the afternoon or evening, eat a small balanced meal to fulfil you.” Eggs and fish are good options because they are high in protein, which is what you need. Adding healthy fats like avocado and nuts to a salad is another great way to make a balanced meal. Caffeine, found in coffee and carbonated drinks, may aggravate the condition, so avoiding these foods and consuming less of them may help. They can wreak havoc on your stomach and prevent you from sleeping when you need to get some rest.
In-flight meal options.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy fluid balance before, during, and after a trip. You may do it as simple as keeping a bottle of water on hand, or you can get creative and make your own infused water by adding flavours like lemon, cucumber, green apple, or mint. This, according to Agarwal, will “guarantee hydration and supply you with the necessary antioxidants.”
Considering the high salt and preservative content of airline food, it’s preferable to bring your own snacks and meals on board. When it comes to food on long-haul flights, nutrition consultant Sangeeta Khanna would rather not rely on the airline’s offerings. Put some nuts in a little bag and take them with you. She replies, “I prefer soaking, but roasted ones also work.
She suggests selecting hydrating items and avoiding the bread, cookies, and cakes offered on board. Because they are diuretics, coffee and alcohol should be consumed in moderation, with water taking precedence. You should drink water in small doses rather than gulping down a glass at once. Drinks like juices and iced teas are great.
Many passengers partake in alcoholic beverages during flights, despite the fact that doing so might exacerbate dehydration. An annoying side effect of eating salty snacks while flying is water retention. According to Agarwal, your taste perception of salty and sweet foods decreases by about 30 per cent on a trip, but drinking water can help reactivate your taste buds.
Food to eat after a flight
Long flights can mean less sleep, which can leave you feeling drained. Agarwal provides a number of strategies that promote recovery. Matcha green tea’s high antioxidant content means it can give you a surge of energy that lasts for at least three or four hours. Snacking on bananas and dark chocolate after a flight is also a good idea because they both combat jet lag by restoring energy and calming nerves and muscles.
She recommends a decoction of ginger in warm water to help with digestion. To strengthen the immune system, most dietitians recommend eating enough of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, such as berries and grapes. Almond butter with crackers, cheese, yoghurt, and nuts is a good example of a protein-rich snack that will keep you going until your next meal.
Having told you about the food which one can have before, after and during the flight, let us tell you about some of the snacks which you can take in flights in order to save yourself the extra cost. Those who are concerned about their health and their wallets have even more reason to bring their own snacks on board the plane. Saving money, avoiding airport food with questionable nutritional value, and giving yourself something to look forward to while in transit may all be accomplished with the help of a little pre-flight meal prep.
Improving your aeroplane meal options does not require you to be a Michelin-star chef. Luckily, many of our go-to flying munchies don’t require much time or effort to prepare. For those who are stumped, here are some suggestions for healthy, portable meals that can be enjoyed by the whole group on the plane.
A list of such snacks are-
- Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Cookie
- Banana Bread
- Chickpeas Salad
- Dried fruit
- Popcorn
- Almonds
- Crackers
- Instant noodles
The next important part is how to pack these snacks on an Airplane.
Collapsible Food Container
In the event that you need to transport perishable goods, you can rest assured knowing that foldable containers will keep them dry and secure. When you’re done snacking, you can fold the container to take up considerably less space than regular Tupperware would in your backpack.
Zojirushi Food Jar
Zojirushi produces a variety of thermoses and food jars that are both reasonably priced and of great quality, allowing you to keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Use the Zojirushi food jar to travel your pasta, salads, or snacks if you prefer more durable Tupperware or if you want to keep your food hot or cold in transportation.
Stasher Bags
Rather than using a disposable plastic bag to carry your lunch, try a Stasher silicone bag for your sandwich, some pretzels, some dried fruit, or any other food you may normally throw in a Ziploc bag. These bags compress even smaller than Tupperware, and you may use them again and again on your trip. They’re another way to reduce your waste while travelling, just like Bee’s wrap.
Bee’s Wrap
These natural, beeswax-covered wraps are a plus for eco-conscious vacationers because they can be washed and reused, unlike foil or plastic wrap. Put heavier items, such as sandwiches and carrot sticks, in these containers and place them on the exterior or on top of your bag.
Humangear Spork
Bring a utensil if you plan on bringing a dish that requires one, such as noodles or salad. Throw one of these tiny BPA-free sporks by Humangear inside your suitcase as an alternative to buying disposable forks and spoons at the airport. Invest in a titanium spork to impress your friends.
Having given you all the information about which foods are available on board and which foods one can take with them along with the type of utensils needed, we hope you will have a healthy journey ahead. We wish you a happy and safe journey.