Avoiding Travel Bloat

The last thing we want is to spend hours in a plane and/or arrive at our destination feeling like a balloon ready to explode. There are a few things we can do to alleviate that awful feeling starting with that trip past all those airport food places.

Avoid carbonated beverages. Stick to water. Coffee or tea if you must or a light juice like apple or cranberry. Something that won't cause a lot of acidity.

Stay away from sodium. Try to find something that is not so full of salt. Salads are a good choice. Have breakfast again and order "naked" eggs. Then you can add your own light sprinkle of salt. Steer clear of the bacon and sausage and opt for a fruit cup. If you must get a fast food meat item stay away from the Big Mac and the Whopper and go with the smaller versions. Split a small order of fries if you must have them or just eat half.

Artificial sweeteners are not your friend. Sucralose can cause bloating.

Step away from the Starbucks and Cinnabons. Too many calories and way too much to eat before sitting in a plane seat for a couple of hours. If you must, go light. Don't order the fancy lattes and get a mini-bon.

Eat light. It's best to get some good snacks: fruit, crackers with a little cheese, yogurt. A big meal will sit and sit and sit and build and build and build--well, you get the picture.

Get up and walk. This isn't always possible if you are flying into some turbulence but try to get up at least once to walk to the restroom and back. Even if you just stand in the aisle for a few minutes it will help. When you are between flights take advantage of the opportunity to exercise those legs. Walking will also
fend off the bloat that comes from sitting.  Your body will thank you.