Best Foods To Eat Before A Long Haul Flight
Though you may be excited about the thought of flying to your favourite holiday destination and eating to your heart’s content for a few days, it would do you good to be wary of what you eat ahead of boarding your plane. Make sure you don’t choose processed and other greasy foods like fried chicken and egg puffs. Furthermore, avoid cans of beer or your favourite aerated drinks. These foods can cause heartburn and indigestion in the air, resulting in a very uncomfortable flight.
Also, beware that the alterations in temperature and pressure in a flight may not necessarily go down well with your body. Therefore, watch what you eat before boarding the plane to make your journey more comfortable and pleasant, Here’s help in the form of a list of what should ideally go into a perfect pre-flight meal plan to protect your body from in-flight, discomfort.
Stick To Low Sodium Foods
The best way to minimize discomfort during your flight is to eat foods that have low sodium content. Avoid pizzas, fries, burgers and other processed foods in your pre-flight meal.
The sodium present in these foods is highly injurious to your health. Foods high in sodium content can lead to water retention and cause jet bloat. Thus, eat fresh fruits like apples, pears, pineapple, watermelon or pick from vegetables such as carrots, corn, mushroom, etc. Refrain from having cheese and other dairy foods too, as they stay in the system for longer and do not get digested easily, resulting in bloating and flatulence.
Eat More Citrus Fruits
The best way to give your immune system a boost is to consume citrus fruits like oranges. Citrus fruits keep the body hydrated, boost the immune system and have antibacterial properties that come with several protective health benefits. It is also a good source of vitamin C along with several other nutrients such as thiamine, folate, potassium, niacin and vitamin B6 as well.
Include Lean Protein Foods
Chicken, hard-boiled eggs and lean fish like tuna are rich in protein and these foods supply ample energy to the body. While sticking to lean protein, opt for less fried foods like a grilled fish/chicken dish instead of deep-fried chicken or meat crusted with bread crumbs. To stay fuller for a longer time include lean protein in your pre-boarding meal.
Snack On Nuts
If you’re tempted to grab a pack of salted peanuts on your way to the airport or to buy a pack of cookies, opt for unsalted nuts like almonds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and peanuts to satiate your hunger pangs. Nuts are a good source of energy as they are packed with healthy fats, protein and fiber. These small snacks are sure to do wonders and keep hunger pangs at bay.
Go Probiotic
If you are looking for a sweet treat before boarding the flight, fruit yoghurt can act as a super delicious healthy treat! Yoghurt is a natural probiotic that can guard your stomach against nasty bacteria attacks and can keep your digestive tract healthy. Consume a small cup of yoghurt to keep your gut healthy.
Opt For Herbal Drinks
While you may think that a nice warm cup of tea or coffee can keep you fresh and awake on a long-haul flight, these beverages are diuretics which drain the water out of the body. So instead, opt for herbal teas for hydration. They’re naturally decaffeinated and keep you hydrated, make you feel energized and less bloated.
Avoid Carbonated Drinks And Alcohol
It is your holiday and you do not want to be inhibited by restrictions but drinking carbonated beverages like a lime soda or consuming alcohol before boarding a flight can be a bad idea. Aerated drinks can result in bloating, cramping and can cause gastric issues as well.
Refrain from having cheese and other dairy foods as they stay in the system for longer and do not get digested easily resulting in bloating and flatulence
Consuming too much alcohol can cause dehydration, which is already a concern for most fliers given the ultra-dry air and salty meals served on planes. If you must have a drink to celebrate, make sure to counteract the effects of alcohol by drinking plenty of water.
Always avoid foods that impede digestion and cause gastric troubles. Eat light and healthy foods and do not overeat while on the plane. Follow these tips to arrive at your destination feeling well and energized and you can indulge when your holiday actually begins!