Eating healthier at the airport is often overlooked when travelers encounter long waiting times, security checks, and flight delays. However, a person who wants to maintain healthy lifestyle habits should recognize that he/she can find ways to remember the importance of nutrition during travel.
Before Arriving at the Airport
Eating before the flight is a good idea since you can eat at home. Have a light meal to keep from overeating once you arrive at the airport. There are numerous choices from the refrigerator, the freezer, and the pantry. For an early morning flight, a traveler can enjoy a bowl of oatmeal with a small amount of skim milk plus 1/4 cup of fruit such as cranberries, blueberries, or strawberries. The oatmeal provides the fiber which makes a person feel full, the skim milk offers vitamin D and calcium, and the berries satisfy sweet cravings while having antioxidants , being low in calories, and controlling blood sugar level.
For a late afternoon flight, grilled salmon with a sweet potato is a good option. The salmon has omega-3 fatty acids which may keep the heart healthier. Also, it is low in saturated fat and low in calories. Likewise, the sweet potato has vitamin A with potassium and it can help keep the body feeling fuller.
During the Airport Wait
It may be tempting to eat airport food. There is a combination of sights and smells once you decide to eat a meal. However, make the choice to eat healthier by arriving at the airport early and reviewing the menu options. A common combination option is a sandwich with a small salad. A traveler can order a lean protein such as turkey or chicken with whole-grain bread, low-fat cheese, and mustard which has no calories. Meanwhile, the salad should have limited dressing or use balsamic vinegar as a substitute and refrain from topping the salad with bacon, cheese, or croutons.
Another option is a slice of pizza with extra vegetables like broccoli or tomatoes. However, decline extra cheese which has more calories and can leave a traveler feeling too full during a flight.
After the Airport Wait
Some flights offer food while others do not, so it’s a good idea to be prepared once the plane has landed. Take an extra bottle of water which will help minimize the dry feeling experienced during the flight. Also, purchase a protein bar filled with nuts like almonds or peanuts, fruits like cranberries or cherries, and a low amount of sugar to provide the body with fuel until you’re ready for a full meal.
Eating at the airport can be a challenge without careful planning. However, a traveler can choose to eat at home before the flight, make reasonable food decisions, and remember the importance of nutrition to keep the body balanced while dieting.
