Flying the Friendly Skies

Appetizer
Be MORE diligent about maintaining your healthy lifestyle – even when traveling. It’s especially easy to fall off the wagon when you’re away from the familiarity and routine of home and at the mercy of calorie-laden airport food courts.

Main Course
Healthytravelnetwork.com is an excellent resource for travel advice. Designed for frequent business travelers, it’s a great site to check out before you go on vacation. Here’s an example of tips to follow when flying the friendly skies:

Healthy Snacks Help Avoid Temptation
..:: To avoid being tempted by airport fast food and junk food, pack healthy snacks. Having snacks on-hand also helps ensure you won't be stuck eating unhealthy foods if you are stranded due to travel delays.

..:: Try a few of Healthy Travel Network's favorites:
Peanuts
Dried fruit (check the label for no sugar added varieties)
Soy nuts
Pretzels (consider low sodium brands)
Dry cereal (look for whole grain, no sugar added varieties)
Raisins
Protein bars
Instant "cup of soup" (If you are planning on eating on the plane, remember to bring a plastic spoon.)

..:: Even healthy snacks lose their goodness if you eat enough of them. Avoid over indulging by packing single-serving sizes.

..:: Keep only enough for the current day readily accessible in your briefcase, purse, or laptop bag.

Water Prevents Dehydration
..:: Carry your own water with you, and drink at least eight ounces per hour that you are on the plane.

..:: Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, so forgo coffee, tea, and sodas. If you were lucky enough to get an upgrade, skip the free cocktail in first class.

Survey Your Airport Dining Options
..:: If, despite your best attempts, you find yourself stranded at the airport at meal-time, survey your dining options before making a selection. Many airport vendors have added healthy eating options.

..:: Look for
Salads
Nuts (not too many!)
Dried fruit (look for no sugar added varieties)
Protein shakes and bars

..:: Be sure to check the information directory before you go through security. Otherwise, you might stand in line for 30 minutes only to find out there's nothing healthy to eat on the other side.

..:: You might have to walk to the other end of the terminal to find something good... But then again, if you're stranded you probably have time to do so!

..:: Find out which airports have the healthiest food and what some of your best dining options in the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine report.

..:: If you can't find anything healthy, order a half portion... even if the price is the same.

Workout While You Wait
..:: Remember to wear sneakers or stow them in your carry-on. We recommend wearing them; regardless of any exercise you do, your back and feet will thank you...:: Wear clothing that can double as workout gear.

..:: Stash your gear in a locker (or leave it with an unsuspecting colleague), and take a power walk around the terminal.

..:: If you have ample time, visit a nearby gym and get a real workout. Check out www.airportgyms.com for nearby facilities.

..:: Skip the people mover!

..:: Take the stairs!

Dessert
Breakfast is usually the most difficult meal when I’m on the road. There are many times when my only choice on the continental breakfast buffet is a heavy bagel or a buttery croissant. Whenever possible, I grab hot water and mix with a packet of reduced sugar instant oatmeal that I carry in my bag.

Dinner is only a problem when I’m feeling greedy. There are always plenty of healthy choices at the nice restaurants where we dine, but it’s pretty hard to have a grilled chicken salad with dressing on the side when everyone else is having fried calamari, lasagna and garlic bread. Humpf! Maybe the key to it all is traveling with like-minded people.

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