Tips for a Healthy Flight

@Redmountainspa

By Reema Sayegh,
Nutritionist

Don't fall victim to the unhealthy choices at the airport or on a flight. Below are several things that can help you resist temptation and arrive at your destination healthy and relaxed.

In order to minimize water retention while you're airborne, consider making the following nutrition choices:

Prior to your flight, eat a light snack that focuses on nutrient-dense, lower-calorie, low-fat foods such as fruit with a dab of nut butter, a small amount of raw trail mix or a low-sugar smoothie. Be sure to consume enough water as well, at least 20 ounces.

During your flight, skip the alcohol and caffeinated and/or sugared sodas. Choose virgin Bloody Marys or a low-sugar juice. If you really yearn for cranberry juice, order it with water and dilute 50/50. The potassium (and other minerals) in these drinks will offset possible in-flight edema.

Also select a low-sodium meal (to keep water retention at bay); even better, a vegetarian or vegan meal to also keep fats to a minimum (they contribute to nausea and other stomach discomforts).

Finally, to ease possible quease, order ginger ale (diluted with water) and sip slowly. Better yet, hit the health food store prior to travel and have some ginger lozenges on hand (you'll save over 100 calories!).

Enjoy the flight!