Eat light when on flight

Crammed seats, cabin pressure, blocked ears, greasy food, too many layovers, changing time zones, cold air and the like – all combine to tax our body and mind in more ways than one. Air travel can be made easier and we can avoid discomfort and make our experience healthier.

Avoid the common ear pressure problems by just sipping on water, chewing on cardamom and fennel seeds as constant chewing increases the swallowing of saliva, thus unblocking your ears. On long flights get up frequently and keep stretching to prevent cramps, blood clotting and improve blood circulation.

Drink lots of water thus preventing dry mouth. We need a litre more of water on flights than on ground. Sucking on lemon and chewing on ginger prevents air sickness.

So carry a big bottle or two and make sure you finish them before landing. Also stay away from all aerated beverages, alcohol, wine, coffee and tea since they cause dehydration. Avoid juices too since they only add excess calories without fibre! Though a good idea is to sip on tomato juice, you could add pepper to it.

To prevent bloating, stomach upsets, dehydration and coping with flight timings its best to carry your own food as it is the healthiest. Air line meals tend to be too greasy, high fat, high calorie, low on fiber and devoid of nutrition.

Fresh fruit like apples, pears and bananas are easy to carry as are dried fruits like figs, prunes, apricots, dates, and nuts like almonds, pistas, and cashews and so on. These are packed with enough energy and nutrients to help you stay light yet nourished. Put them in your handbag in small air tight bags and munch when you feel hungry.

Carry whole grain sandwiches if you feel you will need to eat something more. But if you must eat on the plane, order a healthy low fat meal beforehand. These days there are plenty of options from fruits platters, low sugar, diabetic, low fat, heart friendly meals.

While this might take a bit of planning, organisation and preparation the benefits of better circulation and sleep quality on board, no tummy troubles, reduced jet lag and not to mention a trimmer waist line are worth the effort!

Lastly if you are on medication make sure you check with your doctor about when and how to take them since your timings are going to change. And if you are a diabetic always carry a diabetes alert card with your name, phone number of your doctor and person to contact in case of an emergency.

Smart eating tips for long flights:

As the flight begins sip on water.

Mid flight have a fruit.

In between have at least a litre of water followed by a vegetable sandwich.

If you are still hungry and there is more flying time, snack on a handful of nuts.

Dinner or lunch on landing, a vegetable soup with sauteed vegetables with roti/rice.

So don’t just have a safe but also have a healthy flight!