Traveling can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to stay comfortable throughout your journey. Nobody wants to feel bloated or tired while confined to a small seat on a long-haul flight.
In this article, we will share some valuable tips on what foods to avoid before flying and offer some safe alternatives to keep you feeling great during your next flight.
1. Avoid Carbonation and Cruciferous Vegetables
The pressurized cabins of airplanes can cause discomfort and bloating. To prevent these issues, it’s best to steer clear of carbonated beverages such as soda.
Additionally, hard-to-digest vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage can also lead to discomfort. Beans should be avoided as well. You might be surprised to learn that even peaches with sorbitol can cause problems for some individuals.
2. Hold the Heavy Meals
Eating a heavy, hard-to-digest meal before or during your flight is not recommended. Instead, opt for lighter fare that won’t weigh you down. Save the high-protein dishes for when you arrive at your destination.
These lighter meals will boost your energy and send a signal to your body that it’s time to get going, even if your brain knows it’s 11PM back home.
3. Ditch the Deep-Fried Foods
Deep-fried foods, such as potatoes, chicken wings, or candy bars, are not ideal choices for air travel. They are high in saturated fats, making digestion slower and potentially causing heartburn.
By avoiding these foods, you’ll not only be taking care of your gut but also your heart.
4. Limit Sugary Drinks, Caffeine, and Alcohol
Dehydration is a common problem during air travel, and sugary drinks, caffeine, and alcohol can exacerbate this issue. These beverages tend to cause dehydration, which can lead to fatigue, headaches, and worsened jet lag.
Drinking one alcoholic beverage on a plane can have the effect of two or three on land due to the cabin pressure. If you need to stay alert and productive, it’s best to stick to just one drink or opt for water instead.
What You Should Consume
Now that we’ve covered what to avoid, let’s focus on what you should eat and drink to ensure a comfortable journey.
- Water, water, and more water! Hydration is key to combat the effects of dehydration and jet lag. Drink as much water as you can to stay refreshed. Frequent trips to the bathroom might be inconvenient, but they’re excellent for circulation.
- Opt for light meals: Choose meals that are low in fat and do not contain any of the ingredients mentioned earlier. This will aid digestion and prevent discomfort during the flight.
- Embrace peppermint, ginger, and celery: Peppermints and peppermint tea are fantastic for soothing uneasy stomachs, especially during turbulent flights. If peppermint isn’t your thing, ginger is another reliable alternative. Ginger ale, ginger tea, and ginger candies work wonders in calming the stomach. Some experienced travelers even swear by munching on celery, claiming it helps calm the nervous system. If you give it a try, let us know if it works for you!
Also read: How to Beat Jet Lag and Make the Most of Your Travel
Conclusion
As an explorer, it’s natural to encounter stress from security lines, flight delays, missed connections, and misplaced luggage. Don’t add to your body’s burden by consuming hard-to-digest foods. Instead, prioritize hydration, stick to simple and light meals, and keep a few peppermints in your pocket to combat any turbulence you may experience.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure a more comfortable and energized journey, allowing you to make the most out of your travel adventures. Bon voyage!