While the airport might be the last place you want to spend any extra time – on occasion it can be prudent to linger a bit longer to enjoy a meal and walk some extra steps.
I tend to fly out from the West Coast earlier in the week, and land 5-6pm or later on the East Coast. With traffic and travel time to the hotel, dinner could be as late as 9pm or worse. Late dinners mean lower quality sleep, and higher likelihood of overeating and weight gain – so when faced with this prospect, I look to eat at the airport – specifically finding only the best, healthy option and walking to whichever terminal is required. Often but not always, the International Terminal will have the best option.
I’ve learned to appreciate and relish these walks. Not only does this strategy offer the opportunity to add more steps, but it also offers the chance to reduce time and money spent in transit by avoiding denser traffic times.
Food selection at airports has improved over the years, to the point that I may look forward to a meal at certain establishments.
At ATL, I will happily hike over to Concourse E to hit an all-time favorite, One Flew South. A healthy meal can also be found most any time of day at Publican in Chicago O’Hare’s Terminal 3, so long as you order smartly. And when flying through Terminal 1 or 2 at SFO, I tend to grab a salad at The Plant.
Next time you arrive to your destination in the evening, the night prior to meetings, consider this approach. We’d love to hear how it goes for you, and learn about your favorite delicious healthy haunts.
PRO tip: Verify business hours ahead of time to avoid one of my prior blunders.
Healthy Anywhere helps executive travelers enjoy delicious, organic foods, and stay healthy, anywhere in the U.S. Our services include: travel nutrition and meal planning, food delivery, fitness support, and accountability. If you or someone you know would appreciate this level of support, get in touch to work with us.
Eat Clean + Breathe Deep + Move Often = Never Settle™