You’ve booked your long-haul flight, packed your bags, and you’re ready for your next adventure. But have you considered how the in-flight meals might impact your journey? According to this seasoned flight attendant, Kris Major, skipping those meals might actually make your trip more enjoyable and help you feel much fresher when you land.
Kris, with 24 years of long-haul flying experience, has one really simple game-changing tip: Eat before you board. As he told CNN Travel, “Most airlines don’t particularly plan their [food] service around the passenger and acclimatisation and time zones crossing.” You get fed at weird times at hours when your body is used to sleeping or eating and that really throws off your internal clock, which can exacerbate jet lag most times.
Now, with this type of mileage, it’s almost impossible to totally avoid the food. But Kris said you could easily skip one of the several meals available. That way, you get more time for much-needed rest. These seasoned travelers “cover themselves up and they’re asleep” right after takeoff, Kris observed.
In-flight meal services can take up to two hours, and that is just cutting into your coveted-rest time. Honestly, what’s worse than being awoken for a meal you don’t really even want? Staying as close to your normal eating schedule as possible will help minimize bloating, constipation, and other digestive issues the flight will only add to.
While speaking to Metro.co.uk, Gut Health Specialist Dr. Laura Falvey recommended TRE: “Although it’s tempting to abandon your routine when travelling, sticking to lighter, easier to digest foods eaten at your normal times will really help to minimise any uncomfortable digestive issues.”
Studies conducted on this matter back this as well. According to research by Northwestern University and the Santa Fe Institute, a heavier meal in the morning for three days after landing can hugely help reduce jet lag. “Constantly shifting meal schedules or having a meal at night is discouraged, as it can lead to misalignment between internal clocks,” said study author Yitong Huang.
Jet lag throws off your circadian rhythm the internal clock that tells your body when to sleep and when to be awake. Getting some natural sunlight in your new time zone can help reset this clock. Combine that with eating at the proper times, and there you have it a real shot at beating jet lag.
But what if you can’t eat before you board? The security queues/quick schedule doesn’t always allow for this. Kris suggests either bringing your own food, avoiding inflammatory foods, or skipping a meal service if there are multiples offered.
Kris says the right seating choice makes all the difference in wringing out as much rest as possible. You get a smidge more space when you’re either on a window or aisle seat, so you can nod off with your head leaned onto the window or stretch your legs out a bit.
As you prepare for your next long-haul flight, here are some tips, eat before boarding if you can, don’t feel guilty about skipping that meal cart, and aim for as much sleep as you can so that you’ll want to run out as soon as your feet touch the ground. Your body and your travel experience will thank you.
Safe travels and sweet dreams on-board your next flight!