Skip to main content

Next time you have a Big Mac attack . . .

  • Story Highlights
  • Pick water-heavy snacks like apples and pears for hydration on a plane
  • A little more than an ounce of almonds fits in an Altoids tin
  • Dairy foods contain tyrptophan to keep you relaxed and calm in flight
  • Next Article in Travel »
By David LaHuta
Decrease font Decrease font
Enlarge font Enlarge font
Budget Travel

(Budget Travel) -- Get something else to eat instead! Nutrition experts weigh in on what's healthy at airports.

"Flying makes you incredibly dehydrated, so pick snacks that are wet or have high water content. Apples and pears are great because they pack well. Or look for instant soup with 500 milligrams of sodium or less per serving." -- Dr. Amy Lanou, senior nutrition scientist, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

"Not only do dairy foods such as yogurt and cheese have amino acids, which help increase blood flow, but they also contain higher levels of tryptophan, which promotes a sense of relaxation and calmness during your flight." -- Dr. Roger Clemens, Associate Director of Regulatory Science, University of Southern California.

"Fill an Altoids tin with almonds and bring it with you to the airport. It'll hold just over an ounce, which is the perfect portion size." -- Dr. Keith-Thomas Ayoob, author of The Uncle Sam Diet, based on U.S. Dietary Guidelines

"Low-sodium beef jerky is a great airport snack. It'll keep you satiated much longer than a bag of chips will, plus it's low in calories and carbs and it has lots of protein." -- Charles Stuart Platkin, nutrition advocate and founder of DietDetective.com

"Choose whole foods, the fewer ingredients the better, instead of processed foods. Ethnic restaurants usually have lots of good options, such as edamame and seaweed salad, hummus, and rice and beans and fresh tomato salsas." -- Susan Levin, dietitian, Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine E-mail to a friend E-mail to a friend

Copyright 2007. Newsweek Budget Travel, Inc.

Note: This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

  • E-mail
  • Save
  • Print