As air travel becomes increasingly popular, concerns about the nutritional value of in-flight snacks have reached new heights. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently expressed his desire for airlines to offer healthier options beyond the usual pretzels and Biscoff cookies.
The reality is that most airlines no longer provide free meals, but they still hand out snack food, juice, soda, and coffee to passengers. However, these options are often high in sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats, making them less than ideal for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
Pretzels, while convenient, are low in nutrients and can lead to cravings for more snacks due to their refined carb content. Biscoff cookies, on the other hand, contain more calories and fat compared to other popular cookie brands like Oreos and Chips Ahoy.
So, how can travelers maintain a healthy diet while flying? One option is to opt for nuts, which are high in protein and can be a satisfying snack if not overconsumed. However, it's essential to choose unsalted varieties to minimize sodium intake.
Staying hydrated is also crucial when flying due to low humidity levels in airplane cabins. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after flights can help mitigate jet lag and fatigue. Aim for 8 ounces of water per hour of flight as a general guideline.
Alcohol and caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns on flights, making it harder to adjust to new time zones. Carbonated drinks may also cause discomfort due to bloating and gas.
The best option? Bringing your own food to the airport or plane. Registered dietitians recommend packing high-protein foods like chicken sandwiches, Greek yogurt, flaxseed crackers, and seeds. Health editors like Ally Head suggest packing a variety of snacks, including vegetable sticks, cheese cubes, and whole-grain carbs like pumpernickel bread.
Before packing food for the plane, remember to follow airline guidelines: solid food is allowed in carry-on luggage, but avoid ice packs or frozen food; don't wrap food in aluminum foil, which can set off security alarms; liquids of 3.4-ounces or less are permitted through security, and pack an empty water bottle to drink from during the flight.
By taking these simple steps, travelers can maintain a healthy diet while flying and arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and revitalized.
The reality is that most airlines no longer provide free meals, but they still hand out snack food, juice, soda, and coffee to passengers. However, these options are often high in sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats, making them less than ideal for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
Pretzels, while convenient, are low in nutrients and can lead to cravings for more snacks due to their refined carb content. Biscoff cookies, on the other hand, contain more calories and fat compared to other popular cookie brands like Oreos and Chips Ahoy.
So, how can travelers maintain a healthy diet while flying? One option is to opt for nuts, which are high in protein and can be a satisfying snack if not overconsumed. However, it's essential to choose unsalted varieties to minimize sodium intake.
Staying hydrated is also crucial when flying due to low humidity levels in airplane cabins. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after flights can help mitigate jet lag and fatigue. Aim for 8 ounces of water per hour of flight as a general guideline.
Alcohol and caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns on flights, making it harder to adjust to new time zones. Carbonated drinks may also cause discomfort due to bloating and gas.
The best option? Bringing your own food to the airport or plane. Registered dietitians recommend packing high-protein foods like chicken sandwiches, Greek yogurt, flaxseed crackers, and seeds. Health editors like Ally Head suggest packing a variety of snacks, including vegetable sticks, cheese cubes, and whole-grain carbs like pumpernickel bread.
Before packing food for the plane, remember to follow airline guidelines: solid food is allowed in carry-on luggage, but avoid ice packs or frozen food; don't wrap food in aluminum foil, which can set off security alarms; liquids of 3.4-ounces or less are permitted through security, and pack an empty water bottle to drink from during the flight.
By taking these simple steps, travelers can maintain a healthy diet while flying and arrive at their destination feeling refreshed and revitalized.