Airport and Flight Healthy Meal Tips

namina13

Hi MFP Community! I'm taking a transatlantic flight tomorrow, all in all about 18 hours. A girl's gotta eat, even when traveling! Any suggestions for eating healthy meals at the airport and on a flight? I'm trying to eat clean, but I realize that may not be realistic for this particular scenario.

chris_sy

Depending on where you board your flight, there are some healthy food options at the airports around this world (e.g. salads) - even though they tend to be more pricey than the unhealthy fix (e.g. burgers, asian chow mein, pizza... ).
You can even bring your own food on the plane (but remember: no liquids unless you buy them at the airport after the security check). I mostly take a couple of apples or carrots on a flight. Make sure, you only bring the amount of food you will be able to consume during the flight, because in most countries, it is not allow to bring produce in the country (that is: any leftovers have to be left on the plane). Also, if still possible, you could ask the airline if you can have an alternative meal choice (e.g. a vegetarian meal). They tend to be a little less dense on calories. Oh, and remember to drink a lot of water during the flight.
I wish you a great vacation!

namina13

Thanks for the suggestions.

wanderinglight

This is what I do every single time I fly. It takes a little planning but it's worth it. I refuse to derail all my hard work by eating crappy airplane food or overpriced and unhealthy airport food:

http://lunchinabox.net/2008/01/03/avoid-airplane-food-pack-your-own-bento-lunch/

And another option:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hawke-in-flight/6751466981/
turkey, cream cheese, and veggie rollups
crackers
wasabi peas
ginger pita
grapes and blueberries
hard-boiled egg

Great ideas there. I also save a plastic container or two from grocery store sushi, or from Whole Foods salad bars and use them in case I don't want to be stuck with bento boxes wherever I am.

Disposable:
http://www.hapabento.com/2010/07/12/pack-an-in-flight-bento/

I almost always pack a peanut butter sandwich on Ezekiel bread as well. Lots of protein and fiber and keeps me full for hours.

spaingirl2011

Great suggestions so far, but I'll add: Make sure to drink lots of water-- the airplane air can dehydrate you easily and that plane food is salty. Especially for a transatlantic flight (I've taken 4 in the last year), hydration is key. Bring on some of your favorite cereal and when they come around in the morning with beverages, ask for milk and then you can eat your cereal and not the croissant they usually give you!

Have a great trip!

EAlexandraB

I tend to pack apples or Clif bars as plane meals. I second the advice to make sure to drink tons of water.

If I'm grabbing food in the airport, I'll look for a sandwich place and get turkey and swiss with lots of veggies, with mustard. I pair it with skim milk or water.