Four never-fail tips for owning long-haul fights and international travel.
- Avoid the airline (non)food. For the most part, what is served on airplanes barely qualifies as “food”, with extra salt, colors, flavorings, preservatives, etc. We do ourselves a favor by bringing aboard real food or snacks.. something of nutritional value – whether from home or the airport. The unhealthy healthy abounds.. on the planes! If your flight is less than 10 hours, you may want to experiment with fasting and consume nothing more than water while in flight. This strategy settles any quibbling over ‘what to eat’.
- Wear appropriate long-haul attire. (Warning – getting a little personal here) I was recently discussing Healthy Anywhere with a gynecologist, who pointed out how most men and women don’t consider how what they wear on planes affects their genitalia health. Yes.. too much heat “down there” means more moisture and a breeding ground for bacteria – leading to problems like jock itch, discomfort, odor and worse. So ladies: Lose the leggings and opt for loose-fitting pajama pants or a dress or skirt. Same goes for men – boxers only please, and loose-fitting cool and airy pants like pajama bottoms are best. Remember: “Dress for success”! You can always bring your loose-fitting attire in your carry-on, and change at the airport or on the plane if you are so inclined. While compression pants are a definite no-no, compression socks are highly recommended.
- Upon arrival: Stay awake to adjust to time zones. Long-haul flights arriving in the mid-morning are favored, as we have the opportunity to stay awake for the rest of the day, ensuring deep sleep to come that night. (Never give-in to more than a 30, maybe 40 minute nap!) If you have access to a shower, incorporate as much cold water as you can stand upon arrival or any morning you need a boost of alertness. While some swear by taking an full ice-cold shower; as little as 20-30 seconds in a cold shower can boost your brain – so experiment to find what works for you. Oscillate between warm/hot and cold. Walk as much as practical to keep moving and bolster your energy. If you must have alcohol, save it for the evening, as it can quickly influence a too-early and too-long “nap” otherwise.
- Seek real local food.
- Explore and enjoy the local cuisine in moderation. (Time-restricted eating is an excellent tactic to try.)
- Take advantage of good greens & nutrition when available! Smoked sardine salad in Spain? Check!
- Healthy food exists, if you invest time into finding it. Keep in mind ‘off days’ and unique hours (weekends, local holidays).. and be sure to check individual restaurant schedules. Nothing worse than having a plan that doesn’t work, because a place is closed! And of course, you can always drop us an email for advice – we are working to make our offline directories more accessible in the future.
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™
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