Flying high on healthier habits: Tips for navigating airport snacks and in-flight meals
Air travel often means sacrificing healthy eating options, but it doesn't have to be that way. According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who recently made headlines for his desire for better airline snacks, there are several ways to make healthy choices even when flying.
Firstly, while pretzels and cookies may be convenient, they're not exactly the most nutritious options. Pretzels are high in sodium and refined carbs that can leave you feeling unsatisfied and craving more. On the other hand, Biscoff cookies are a slightly better choice due to their lower calorie content compared to Oreos and Chips Ahoy! However, they still pack a punch when it comes to added sugars and saturated fat.
So what's a healthy alternative? Nuts are a great option โ just be mindful of salted varieties if you have high blood pressure or other medical concerns. And don't forget to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight to stay hydrated in the low-humidity cabin environment. Aim for 8 ounces of water per hour of flight time.
Of course, one of the best ways to eat healthy on a plane is to bring your own food. Registered dietitian Andy De Santis swears by packing chicken sandwiches on whole-grain bread, while health editor Ally Head brings a Tupperware container full of veggie sticks, olives, cheese cubes, and spinach.
Before you pack your snacks, here are some tips to keep in mind: avoid wrapping food in aluminum foil, which can set off security alarms. Liquids of 3.4 ounces or less are allowed through security, so consider packing an empty water bottle to fill before a flight. And if you do choose to bring solid snacks, make sure they're not too large to fit in your carry-on.
By making a few simple changes to your flying routine, you can indulge in healthier habits even on the most long-haul flights. So next time you find yourself soaring through the skies, remember that it's possible to stay healthy and happy โ without sacrificing flavor or convenience.
Air travel often means sacrificing healthy eating options, but it doesn't have to be that way. According to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who recently made headlines for his desire for better airline snacks, there are several ways to make healthy choices even when flying.
Firstly, while pretzels and cookies may be convenient, they're not exactly the most nutritious options. Pretzels are high in sodium and refined carbs that can leave you feeling unsatisfied and craving more. On the other hand, Biscoff cookies are a slightly better choice due to their lower calorie content compared to Oreos and Chips Ahoy! However, they still pack a punch when it comes to added sugars and saturated fat.
So what's a healthy alternative? Nuts are a great option โ just be mindful of salted varieties if you have high blood pressure or other medical concerns. And don't forget to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight to stay hydrated in the low-humidity cabin environment. Aim for 8 ounces of water per hour of flight time.
Of course, one of the best ways to eat healthy on a plane is to bring your own food. Registered dietitian Andy De Santis swears by packing chicken sandwiches on whole-grain bread, while health editor Ally Head brings a Tupperware container full of veggie sticks, olives, cheese cubes, and spinach.
Before you pack your snacks, here are some tips to keep in mind: avoid wrapping food in aluminum foil, which can set off security alarms. Liquids of 3.4 ounces or less are allowed through security, so consider packing an empty water bottle to fill before a flight. And if you do choose to bring solid snacks, make sure they're not too large to fit in your carry-on.
By making a few simple changes to your flying routine, you can indulge in healthier habits even on the most long-haul flights. So next time you find yourself soaring through the skies, remember that it's possible to stay healthy and happy โ without sacrificing flavor or convenience.