Whether or not you have an easy, stress-free flight could depend upon what you had to eat or drink before boarding the plane. Consume the wrong meal or drink the wrong beverage and you could be looking at enduring a lengthy flight filled with stomachaches, gas, bloating, and overall discomfort for both yourself and those around you!
While preparing for your next flight, try to avoid the following food and drink. It is best to avoid these items at least 24 hours before your flight and while you are travelling through the airports to get to your final destination.
Food and Drink to Avoid Before Flying Photo credit: stokpic.com
Alcoholic Beverages
Many travellers swear that alcoholic beverages can help get them through their flight. What they don’t realise is that glass of wine or bottle of beer could be causing them extreme discomfort while they are flying.
Alcohol is known to cause dehydration. When your body gets dehydrated it can increase your anxiety levels and cause a number of health problems ranging from headaches to intense nausea.
High-Fibre Foods – Apples, Vegetables, Beans
Foods that are high in fibre can cause you extreme indigestion. These foods cause indigestion because it is extremely difficult for the body to break down fibre in the stomach.
While your stomach is breaking the food down during the digestion process, it can cause anything from slight stomach cramping to gas, bloating, and nausea. Avoiding these foods will prevent you from having to constantly run to the tiny, cramped bathroom on the plane because you are feeling sick to your stomach or are experiencing a bad case of indigestion.
Caffeinated Beverages
Before you reach for a caffeinated beverage, such as coffee or soda, which will help keep you awake while travelling, you may want to think again. Caffeine is a diuretic. This means it increases urination.
An increase in urination can lead to dehydration if you don’t properly stay hydrated. It is best to just avoid the caffeinated beverages altogether instead of risking the possibility of becoming extremely dehydrated while flying.
Foods High in Fat – Fast Foods, Fried Foods, Processed Foods
High-fat foods are a sure way to feel sluggish, tired, and bloated while travelling. Unfortunately, airports are filled with fast food restaurants that serve nothing but high-fat and deep fried foods. This can make it difficult for someone who needs to grab a quick bite to eat between flights, as they don’t have a whole lot of food choices available to them.
If you must eat at the airport, try to find food options that are not high in fat or deep-fried. Most airports have at least one or two menu options that will meet these criteria. Next time you are flying make an effort to avoid these types of food and drink. You will be amazed at how much better you feel while travelling.