Things are looking for airport meals!
The days of limited expensive and overwhelming food options are over. By naming it Top 10 US airports for food and drink This month, Food & Wine noted that Ray Overland fares have “transitioned from practical to attractive.”
There are more options than ever before, so choosing wisely is important.
The last thing I want to do is eat a mediocre meal and then stuff it into a winged metal tube for a few hours.
So, three NYC area nutrition experts have revealed the secrets to sailing the airport food courts healthy and safe. These five foods and drinks simply don’t fly.
alcohol
Whiskey is dangerous. Airlines have the right to deny passengers who drink too hard at the airport. Say you’re flying on a plane – do you want to spend your sick flight in a compact compode?
And even small amounts of alcohol can lead to increased dehydration and urination.
“We don’t recommend drinking alcohol before a flight, at least not that much,” says Stephanie Schiff, registered dietitian Northwell Huntington Hospitalsaid in the post.
“The airplane is very dry and can contribute to dehydration, which can be exacerbated by drinking alcohol,” she added. “Dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue and dizziness.”
Caffeine-filled drinks
Bad news, brewing fans. Caffeine is also a diuretic.
“Many travelers arrive sleep deprivation, but caffeine intake is not without results,” said Sharon Puero, a registered dietitian and nutritionist. NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi.
“It can not only be possible to send you to the toilet more frequently, depending on the individual, but it can also lead to rebound sleepiness.
So Schiff chooses decaff with restrictions.
She simply buys coffee from major retail chains who are confident in food safety practices.
“I have my barista or server putting milk in my coffee behind the counter,” Schiff said. “I don’t use milk or cream in the open container on the front. They may have been sitting there for a while.”
Fountain drink
“If the beverage dispenser is not properly washed, the increased risk of bacterial intake and the addition of sugar is not worth the instant fun,” Puero said.
Schiff noted that soda and other soda drinks can also cause bloating and increase discomfort while traveling.
Both prefer bottled drinks (iced tea or juice for vitamins). Because they are packaged in hygienic, airtight containers.
beans
While stinging pressure in the stomach, Schiff recommends avoiding beans like broccoli and cauliflower and cruciferous vegetables.
“These foods can cause bloating, which can get worse if they fly due to changes in air pressure,” she said. “Stop those bean burritos because you don’t want to deal with it on the plane.”
Packaged self-protective food
Many airport vendors sell Grab and Go pre-packaged salads and wraps.
That’s no go for Schiff.
“I love salads when I’m home, I cut fruits, but I don’t buy them at the airport,” she explained. “We don’t know if they’ve been properly cleaned or treated properly. They could contract diseases like E. coli or norovirus.”
Also, her plane-free list: airport buffets are often not hot enough to kill bacteria. As for sushi, “I don’t want to use that as an opportunity.”
Bacteria grow the fastest between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F, and are the range known as the “danger zone.”
Samantha Dieras, Registered Dietitian and Director Outpatient nutrition services at Mount Sinai HospitalIt is a good idea to look for the expiration date of pre-packaged foods to make sure they are in the window.
Perishable foods should be consumed within two hours of leaving the safe temperature zone, Diarus reported.
“After that time frame, bacteria can grow,” she said. “For example, if you buy yogurt, eat it within two hours. If you stock a 6-hour flight and wait until four hours, you risk developing a food-borne disease.”
What to consume at the airport?
Water is a must. Schiff points out that you can take an empty water bottle and fill it up inside the airport through security.
Puello suggests adding to the airport water to carry a single service of your favorite electrolyte powder.
On the food side, Puello prefers shelf stable snacks such as RX and friendly bars, chocolate covered nuts, trail mix, cheddar, provolone, and Switzerland packaged with crackers and nuts.
“Each of these options is satisfying and I don’t feel sick or rush to the bathroom,” she said.
If that doesn’t pique your appetite, you can always bring solid foods like sandwiches and snacks through security.
“This way you can eat what you want. You know it’s safe and don’t have to deal with the high prices at the airport,” Schiff said.
