5 Tips For Healthy Eating When Not Flying

We know that life as airline crew can be a whirlwind of time zones, schedules, and sometimes, less-than-ideal food options. But when you’re on the ground and have a bit of downtime, it’s the perfect opportunity to reset and nourish your body with some healthy foods. Let’s dive into some easy tips to help you eat well when you’re not flying.

Planning is Key

Just like you plan your travel routes, planning your meals can make a huge difference.

Meal Prep: Spend a little time on your days off preparing some meals or snacks in advance. This way, you’ll have healthy options ready to go when you are hungry and don’t want to cook. In this case, you will be less tempted by less healthy choices.
Grocery Shopping List: Before you head to the store, make a list. This helps you stay focused on buying healthy foods and avoid buying foods you don’t need.
Keep Healthy Snacks at home: Stock your home with fruits, vegetables, nuts, and yogurt. Having these readily available makes it easy to grab a healthy snack instead of reaching for something less nutritious.

Focus on Whole Foods

Whole foods are your best friends when it comes to healthy eating. These foods give you the most nutrients and best energy!

Load Up on Fruits and Veggies: Make sure to fill your plate with colourful vegetables and eat your 2 pieces of fruit a day. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber!
Eat enough protein: Opt for chicken, fish, beans, eggs, dairy and lean meats. These provide the building blocks your body needs and help you stay full and satisfied.
Eat whole grains instead of white grains: Instead of refined grains, choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread and pasta. They contain more fiber than white grains.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially after long flights.

Drink Plenty of Water: Carry a water bottle with you and sip throughout the day. It helps with digestion, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Infuse Your Water: Add slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries to your water for a refreshing twist.
Limit Sugary Drinks: Try to avoid sodas and sugary juices. They can lead to energy crashes and add unnecessary calories.

Cooking at Home

Cooking your own meals gives you control over what you’re eating.

Simple Recipes: Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean to cook very difficult recipes. There are plenty of simple, healthy recipes online that you can try and take a maximum of 30 minutes.
Experiment with Flavors: Use herbs and spices to add flavor to your dishes instead of relying on excessive salt or sugar.
Get Creative: Try new recipes and ingredients. It can make healthy eating more fun and exciting.

Mindful Eating

Pay attention to your body and how you feel when you eat.

Eat Slowly: Savor each bite and enjoy your food. Eating slowly can help you recognize when you’re full and prevent overeating.
Listen to Your Body: Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re satisfied.
Avoid Distractions: Try to eat without watching TV or scrolling through your phone. This can help you focus on your meal and enjoy it more.

Remember, taking care of your health is an important part of being airline crew to make the best out of flying! By making small, consistent changes to your eating habits, you can feel your best both on and off duty.