Fasting on Trans-Atlantic Flights

Everyone has a story about airplane food. We all think it is mediocre or worse, but not many of us make a move to alter our relationship with planes and food. With the nerves that travel and, in particular, plane travel can bring, we tend to stick with the routine. It is our hope eating dry chicken or salty rigatoni will soothe us into a movie-watching state. Perhaps we even doctor up the dish with a small bottle of wine or two, leading us to fall asleep to the dulcet tones of whatever movie is playing in the background. What would happen if you saved yourself the trouble of arriving in a new land feeling bloated, dehydrated and already full?

The trend of intermittent fasting may not be your thing, but it could be a handy tool for long-haul flights. The idea is to avoid airplane food while preparing yourself for a first fantastic meal in your vacation destination. Start with 8–10-hour flights. Eat a healthy meal before heading to the airport and, before you get on the plane, have some fruit and a granola bar and then fast for the hours it takes you to arrive at your destination.

Remember water, mineral water, coffee and tea are all permissible, so stay hydrated and awake, but you may find you feel better and have less jet lag when you land.