Soreness and fatigue are common side effects after any period in an aircraft. A well-planned diet is believed to help decrease these effects and improve the traveler’s experience. The following foods are some of the best to eat before a flight and during on-board aircraft.
Pre-Flight
Stay Hydrated: Consume adequate amounts of fluid, especially water, the days before a flight. Lack of fluid can increase the effects of fatigue and soreness.
Have a light dinner: The night before your flight, choose a meal that is easily digested. Avoid fatty and heavy meals since they could cause heartburn symptoms.
Healthy snack: Fruits, nuts, or vegetables are good to carry during the flight to keep you satisfied and energized.
Continue to hydrate with water while in-flight.
The atmosphere inside aircraft can be pretty dry; one must ensure adequate water intake. First and foremost, avoid dryness.
Do not consume foods with high sugar and salt contents, as these can lead to you retaining water, resulting in bloating or dehydration.
High-protein snacks Nuts and Greek yogurt are high-protein snacks and can help satisfy your hunger.
Suck on gum or hard candy Chew gum or even better suck on some hard candy when taking off and landing to help relieve the pressure in your ears.
What to Avoid
Gassy foods: Beans, lentils, and broccoli are all foods that can create gas; stay away from them before and during your flight.
Spicy foods: Spicy foods can irritate and have a caustic effect on the intestines.
Caffeine and alcohol: These two make you dehydrated and interfere with your sleep.
General Tips
Carry some healthy snacks so that you aren’t dependent on the really bad choices at the airport or on the plane.
Avoid taking too much coffee at once Coffee may keep you awake for a while, but too much of it only makes you nervous and jittery.
Listen to your body. Never be in a hurry to eat or drink if indeed you feel hungry or thirsty.
Rest well the night before you travel so you feel less tense and more energetic for the flight.
With those tips, you can have a more pleasurable, comfortable flight. And, remember, eating healthily can make a big difference in helping you feel your best when traveling.
