Grease, salt, and fat, not to mention long wait times, are all part of the “joys” of airport food. Since I usually travel long distances (8 to 16 hour flights), I have had to get creative about ways to eat well while on the go.
From waiting for your flight to spending the night in the air, your hunger creeps up on you more often than when you’re on your normal work-and-play schedule. Giving in to the dreaded airport eats or rest stop restaurants will set you back and usually increase the ailments associated with traveling.
Here are a four basic healthy travel tips to stay on track:
- Have a good meal before leaving for the airport. Even if you’re not terribly hungry, eat something. It will help keep you away from the disastrous airport snacks.
- Drink water like it’s your job! Flying deprives us of clean oxygen and severely dehydrates our systems (kind of like lying on a desert floor for 12 hours). Drink up to keep blood flowing, ward off jet lag, improve mental clarity, and maintain fresh, gorgeous skin. Electrolyte-rich coconut water will do wonders as well.
- Paper-bag it, just like the good ol’ days when Mom used to cut the crust off your PB&J, except this time you’re packing fulfilling nutrient-rich meals and snacks. Use some of the recipes here, or get creative and bring your own goodies.
- Meditate. Even if you do not practice on a regular basis, spending time to focus on your breath keeps you relaxed and peaceful (you’ll need it if you just so happen to land a “lucky” spot next to a crying baby).
It’s so easy to travel and still keep your balanced and toxic-free lifestyle. Just remember, be prepared, and stay focused on how great you feel when you take care of yourself. Take a peak at the Modern Monk Life Shop page and see if a city you are traveling to has conscious eating available. Happy traveling!
