Home > Health > Nutrition > Travel > Airports

Healthy Eating on Airport Stopovers

A long travel day of airplanes and airports is not going to be a healthy time. If you are a regular airport visitor, you will know it is important to come up with a healthy routine to deal with the inevitable times you are stuck at the airport, waiting for your next flight.

Airport Food

When you get off the plane there is a good chance the first thing you do is look for something to eat. Unfortunately, as is often the case when traveling, you arrive too late and tired to eat a proper meal.

If you find yourself waiting at the airport at mealtime, have a good look around at the dining options before making a selection. The best dining options may be on the other side of the security gate, so be sure to check the information directory before you pass through. Otherwise, you might stand in line for 30 minutes only to find out there's nothing healthy to eat on the other side. Even if you have to walk to the other end of the terminal to find something good, the exercise will be a bonus.

Many airport vendors have added healthy eating options. Look for healthy options like salad dishes, and avoid rich heavy dishes that will just make you feel sluggish. If you are purchasing snacks, there should be nuts (not too many!) and dried fruit (look for no sugar added varieties) readily available. 

there are plenty of options for eating at the airport

Snacks

To avoid being tempted by airport fast food and junk food, pack healthy snacks in your bag. Having snacks on hand also helps ensure you won't be stuck eating unhealthy foods if you are stranded due to travel delays. However, don't just rely on snacks. If you need a meal don't replace it with snacks. Keep only enough snacks for the current day readily accessible in your briefcase, purse, or laptop bag.

Water

Carry your own water with you, and drink regularly. Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics, so forgo coffee, tea, and sodas. If you were lucky enough to get an upgrade, skip the complementary cocktail in first-class too.

Related Pages

• Airport Stopovers — a guide to keeping fit at the airport.
• On-Board Stretches — stretching guide for on the plane.
• The Importance of Breakfast — There are so many reasons that you and your family should eat breakfast every day.
• More about Nutrition and Travel
• Watch Out for the Buffet — it takes some great willpower to keep to your healthy eating plan.
• A Guide to Dining Out – good and bad menu choices when eating at restaurants.
• Nutrition for the traveling athlete

Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.