Sometimes women dread going on vacation simply because we tend to come back ten pounds heavier … and none the wiser. Airport kiosks with yummy, fattening foods and greasy terminal food courts can leave you feeling bloated and overweight after going through an airport.
According to Jillian Mancha, Nutrition Patient Representative at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, there are certain foods that any health-conscious traveler can find and stock up on at food kiosks and airport restaurants.
For those of you with only a little time in between flights, check out our list of snacks that'll keep you secure fighting extra baggage:
Nuts are a filling snack packed with healthy fats and vitamins. Raw or roasted nuts, such as cashews and almonds, are easy to find at the airport, but definitely opt for the unsalted or lightly salted varieties.
Bananas can be found in convenience stores at the airport. They are cheap, filling, and provide a healthy dose of vitamins B6 and C, 1 gram of protein, fiber, and potassium!
Oatmeal (not the instant variety) contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) without lowering the good cholesterol (HDL). This translates to a double-win for you! Oatmeal is also a great source of protein, and contains vitamin E, zinc, selenium, iron, and many others that are great for your health. Eating more oats means you’re less likely to develop heart disease, as well. “Real” oatmeal is available at Starbucks; add dried fruit or granola for some extra healthy flavor.
Mancha warns us to be careful with these because trail mixes and energy bars often contain added sugar and preservatives. But there are still some good options. Trail mixes that include mixed nuts are filled with healthy fats but can contain as many as 1,200 calories per bag! Be sure to look at serving sizes.
Water helps keep you hydrated and makes you less likely to overdo it on the snacks. In addition to green tea being filled with antioxidants, it also has many other health benefits. It has been shown to restrict the buildup of cholesterol, control high blood pressure, lower blood sugar, suppress aging (love this benefit!), and refresh the body. Be sure to get unsweetened green tea though!
Choose the smallest size possible (it will be plenty). The fresh fruits will give you a healthy dose of vitamins. Ask the server to not add any sugar or syrup to your drink. The fresh fruits will make it plenty sweet.
For those of you with more time between flights eating at restaurants, try these healthier suggestions from chain restaurants found in many airports:
Stay away from anything that comes in a pint and anything that’s full of fat. Frozen yogurt and fruit parfaits are low in fat, or fat-free!
… if you must indulge in Mickey D's, eating McDonald’s classic grilled chicken sandwich with barbeque sauce substituted for the mayonnaise runs you about 420 calories; a much more health-conscious choice than a double quarter pounder with cheese.
A 6-inch oven-roasted chicken breast sandwich loaded up with extra veggies
like peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, and tomatoes is only 310 calories! Do Michael Phelps proud.
Try the multigrain option sans cream cheese for a fiber-full 380 calories.
Pick up a pizza protein stick for about 230 calories and a Jamba light smoothie for around 150 calories to safely come in under 400 calories.
Whether you have 30 minutes to find your flight or have hours to waste in an airport, be sure you arrive at your destination or back home again lean and full of energy by making healthy food choices!
