Some popular foods on the ground should be avoided on a plane if you want to have a pleasant flight. But do you know the best snack to take when traveling?
When we fly, between the stress of departure, security checks and waiting at the boarding gate, we often forget that what we snack on before boarding can change our comfort during the flight. Our diet can cause bloating, heavy legs, stomach aches or fatigue. And nutrition experts remind us: if certain foods are harmless on the ground, they can become real traps once at altitude… But a snack is particularly recommended, according to Marra Burroughs, doctor of nutrition and dietician!
Pressure changes on board an airplane amplify all digestive reactions. Result: certain foods such as lentils, beans, cabbage, broccoli or even Brussels sprouts turn into enemies during a flight. The same goes for carbonated drinks since their bulking effect is multiplied in a pressurized environment like an airplane, which can cause discomfort and a feeling of heavy stomach.
Salty or overly sweet snacks should also be avoided. These worsen the dehydration already caused by dry cabin air and can further fatigue the body. Finally, even if it is pleasant to have a cappuccino or even a glass of champagne on board to mark the occasion during a trip to the other side of the world for example, it is better to forget coffee and alcohol, which are too dehydrating for the body.
However, there is a healthy and filling snack, available in almost every airport, that ticks the right boxes. Instead of rushing for chips or pastries from Duty-free, consider taking a bottle of water… and a bag of unsalted nuts! Although they have often been accused of being too high in calories, they are actually ideal in flight when they are unsalted, explains dietician Marra Burroughs to the site specializing in travel. Travel + Leisure. It must be said that nuts are rich in protein, fiber and good lipids and provide real satiety without causing heaviness. Unlike sugary snacks, they provide energy that prevents fatigue in the middle of the journey.
Almonds, cashews, pecans or pistachios: a handful is enough to calm hunger and hydrate thanks to their natural mineral content. In addition, they are easy to transport and suitable for sensitive stomachs! If you still want a little sweet treat, know that it is useful to accompany it with a little nut. They help slow down the digestion of sugar and therefore cause blood sugar to rise less suddenly. The risks of having a big drop in energy after a sweet treat are therefore lower…
