Healthy Summer: Wellness and the Airport

There are so many flight delays these days. That can add up to boredom. Take a walk to kill time, and you'll find numerous concessions filled with rows of junky snack foods. Add a little apprehension or nerves to the process (claustrophobia or fear of flight or crowds, anyone?), and air travel can be a recipe for health disaster. And we haven't even left the ground yet.

It doesn't have to be that way. There are many steps you can take to minimize the impact a bad-airport day has on your well-being--and at the same time, maximize your healthy energy once at your destination.

1. Pre-flight preparations
   Never go to the airport hungry. Nervousness, waiting, and boredom might prompt you to wander to a stand filled with candy and other nutrient-devoid junk. Instead, prepare ahead by eating a smart snack before you arrive. Or pack food to go: nutritious snacks or a light meal such as a wrap, fruit, and salad. Enjoy them either while you wait or during your flight. Along with your food, pack a little cash to buy water. (Don't forget, as I've done so many times, that even plain water can't go through the airport security screening!) And bring or buy something to read or otherwise occupy you so boredom doesn't tempt you into eating more than you really need just to have something to do.


2. At the airport
   Maybe you think indulging is a great way to kick off a vacation. The excitement and anticipation of adventure, or just waiting around to board your flight, may cause you to settle for fun foods as a treat or reward. As one patient says, "The rules just don't apply anymore when I'm at the airport--I'm on vacation!"
   
   Please don't be tempted to ruin the vacation before it starts by indulging in foods that make you feel bad. Calorie-dense comfort foods--including airport staples like French fries, greasy pizzas, and syrupy coffee drinks--cause dehydration, bloating, and lethargy later. Why arrive at your destination in that condition?
   
   Airports have more choices these days in terms of eating establishments, so look for a more healthful variety. True, the smaller airports have a much more limited selection, but surely you can use your willpower and foresight to get you through. Seek out simple choices like grilled chicken or eggs. I'm usually able to find a salad with fruit and some raw almonds--good to go!
   
3. On the plane
   Satisfying airplane meals are a thing of the past. Recent articles have pointed to the high levels of bacteria found in the meals. Even when they're clean, the salt and fat content is huge. Last time I was on a plane, I was offered prepackaged, nutrient-deficient snacks including salted peanuts, salted pretzels, a bag of chocolate chip cookies, and M&M's. With that kind of salty, preservative-packed fare, it's no wonder dehydration is the most common aftereffect of a plane trip. No thanks. You'd do far better to be ready with your own healthful snacks, or skip the calories altogether and opt to simply walk around and stretch a bit.


4. Beyond food: Tips from the holistic world
   Whenever I travel across time zones, I take a homeopathic formula, Apex Energetics' Bioclock Regulator, a few days before, during, and after the flight. It helps to prepare for effects of the time difference and mitigate the results of jetlag. I also take lots of vitamin C to fight off the germs that are in the recirculated air of the plane's cabin. Also, I wear a Q-link to ward off the harmful effects of radioactivity.

Low energy, digestive problems, and extra weight are lousy souvenirs to pick up on your vacation. Your travel experiences should be fun, exciting, and healthy as well. Make a decision now: Commit your leisure time to the same goals you aim for always (i.e., sound nutrition that includes vegetables, fruits, lean protein, and lots of water). Airports don't make it easy, but a little preparation ahead of time goes a long way toward maintaining your healthful self-care attitude at home...and beyond.