13 Foods You Should Never Eat Before Flying
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Traveling can be an adventure, but eating the wrong foods before you fly can turn your journey into a less comfortable experience. From bloating to dehydration, some snacks and meals can exacerbate the common discomforts of flying, making it important to choose your pre-flight meal wisely. Here are 13 foods you should avoid before taking to the skies, ensuring your flight is as smooth as the pilot’s landing.
Beans
Beans are a nutritional powerhouse, but they’re also infamous for causing gas due to their high fiber content. Trapped in a pressurized cabin, you might find yourself in a discomforting situation, unable to escape the consequences of your meal choice. It’s best to save your bean feast for after landing.
Carbonated Drinks
Carbonated drinks can lead to bloating and gas, making your seatbelt feel tighter as you ascend. The pressure changes in the cabin only exacerbate these effects, making you wish you’d opted for still water instead. Staying away from fizz before flying can keep you more comfortable.
Salty Snacks
Salty snacks might be tempting, especially when nerves kick in, but they can lead to dehydration and increased blood pressure. In the air, where humidity levels are low, staying hydrated is key, and salty foods work against this goal. Stick to low-sodium options to keep your body in balance.
Alcohol
While it might seem like a good idea to calm pre-flight jitters with a drink, alcohol is dehydrating and can amplify the effects of jet lag. It can also disrupt your sleep cycle on long flights, leaving you more tired upon arrival. Water is a better option to stay hydrated and refreshed.
Garlic and Onions
Garlic and onions, while flavorful, can leave you with lingering bad breath and potential digestive discomfort. In the close quarters of an airplane, being mindful of your fellow passengers is key. Opting for milder foods can keep everyone more comfortable.
Fried Foods
Fried foods are heavy and hard to digest, potentially leading to heartburn and stomach upset during your flight. The last thing you want is to feel greasy and uncomfortable in your seat. Choosing lighter, baked options can help you feel better throughout your journey.
Dairy Products
For those who are lactose intolerant or sensitive, dairy products can cause digestive issues, including bloating and gas. The discomfort can be magnified in the air, where your body is already adjusting to pressure changes. It’s safer to avoid dairy if you know it doesn’t always agree with you.
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods can upset your stomach and lead to heartburn, making your flight uncomfortable. They can also raise your body temperature, making the already challenging task of finding a comfortable temperature on a plane even harder. Save the spice for your destination to avoid mid-air discomfort.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are healthy but notorious for causing gas. Consuming them before flying can lead to uncomfortable bloating in the confined space of an aircraft. It’s best to enjoy these veggies when you have room to breathe.
Heavy Cream Sauces
Meals with heavy cream sauces are richer and take longer to digest, potentially causing indigestion and discomfort during your flight. They can make you feel sluggish and fatigued, not ideal when you’re trying to enjoy your travel. Opt for lighter sauces to keep your meal enjoyable and comfortable.
Coffee
The caffeine in coffee can dehydrate you and may lead to increased anxiety or jitteriness, especially in those sensitive to its effects. It can also disrupt your sleep on longer flights, making jet lag worse. Drinking water or herbal tea can keep you hydrated and calm.
Red Meat
Red meat is harder for your body to digest, which can lead to discomfort when you’re sitting for long periods. It can also contribute to feeling sluggish and tired, making it harder to adjust to time zone changes. Choosing lighter protein sources, like chicken or fish, can be a smarter choice before flying.
Candy
Candy can cause a quick spike in blood sugar followed by a crash, leaving you feeling tired and irritable. It’s also not filling, leading to more snacking and potential discomfort. Opting for snacks with protein and fiber can help you maintain your energy levels and feel better throughout your flight.
