How to Eat Healthfully on a Plane

With a little foresight and know-how, you can actually get a healthful'and edible'meal in the sky.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bottled Water
• Finger Foods
• Fruits
• Granola Bars
• Healthful Foods
• High-energy Snacks
• Snack Foods
• Fruits

1. Call your airline at least 24 hours before you fly and order a special-diet meal at no extra cost. Vegetarian, Hindu, kosher, low-salt and sugar-free options are usually available. A special-diet meal doesn't guarantee that the food will be good, but at least you'll get some special preparation.

2. Pack a meal, if you have the time. Bring food that travels well and that requires no cutting, cleanup or permanent containers. Steer clear of foods that will bother other passengers, such as items with too much crunch or odor.

3. Bring an energy bar or some other meal replacement in case the in-flight meal is a travesty or your flight is delayed.

4. Eat in the airport if you don't want to entrust your airline with your culinary fate. Large airports have the usual variety of fast-food franchises, so pick what you know to be the most healthful.

5. Follow any alcohol or caffeine consumption with plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated.

Tips & Warnings

• Culinary possibilities open up on long international flights with major carriers. Call in advance and ask what special meals are available'you may be pleasantly surprised.
• Avoiding MSG is tricky. You can speak to your airline, but don't expect a promise that MSG will be absent from your food. Consider bringing your own meal if you are sensitive to MSG.
• Be wary of vegetarian breakfasts if you want something filling'you might get just a banana
• or juice.

on 7/6/2006 For most airlines, food service starts at the front on even number flights, and at the back on odd numbered flights.

on 3/13/2006 Ordering a Kosher meal is ideal because a Kosher meal is made with higher quality food, whereas the usual basic meals are poor quality.

on 11/22/2005 Traveling in economy class (lowest class) on a flight lasting for more than ten hours? Bring a lunch box with ice (for carry on) with your favorite beverage and snacks because most airlines will only give a tiny amount of water (nothing else) in between meals if you're an economy class passenger.

on 11/22/2005 Custom diets get served usually before others. Also they are prepared in lower volume so can be better in quality.