5 foods to avoid before boarding a flight

Ever felt nauseous after your flight took off? Does your stomach ache after sitting in the air? In-flight food options are often limited, which makes matters worse. When you move above a certain altitude, the air pressure changes, which immediately affects your body. The flight speed and constrained space cause further inconvenience. The best way to avoid these problems is to make better food choices. Earlier you get on the plane We spoke to our consultant nutritionist Rupali Dutta for tips on how to make one’s air travel experience better.

Here are the top 5 food and drinks you should avoid before your flight:

1. Apple

You might be surprised to find apples on this list — after all, they’re often considered one of the healthiest fruits out there. The truth is that apples are difficult to digest. Its high fiber content can lead to bloating and constipation. Therefore it is better to consume fruits that are mild on the stomach, such as bananas, papayas, or oranges. Does this mean that fruit juice is a good idea? You can drink them in small amounts before your flight, but pay attention to their sugar content. Many fruit juices contain a lot of sugar and can cause intestinal upset after being in the air.

(Also Read: Like your apple without the skin? Save Apple Peels to Make These 6 Fruits,

2. Broccoli

Broccoli is the apple of vegetables in the sense that you constantly hear that they are good for health. But stay away from this vegetable before your flight. Like apples, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower can cause gas and flatulence. Another common mistake people make is eating raw food. salad before flying. Raw vegetables can cause indigestion and abdominal pain. Opt for a simple fruit salad instead.

_{Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower can cause gas and bloating in flight. photo credit: iStock}

(Also Read: Broccoli Paratha: Veggie goodness in parathas,

3. Fast Food

More often than not, we are forced to eat fast food at airports because healthy options are not readily available (or affordable). Alternatively, we crave junk food because we can go on vacation. Remember, however, that fast food is often high in salt, sugar, and preservatives. These elements, which are bad for you anyway, create even more problems when you fly. They cause bloating, dehydration and acidity. so swap that burger Idli instead. It is best to carry some healthy food with you from home, so you are not dependent on airport outlets.

_{Avoid fast food as it is high in salt, sugar and preservatives. photo credit: iStock}

(Also Read: Cooking Tips: How To Make Pizza Without Cheese And Oven,

4. Coffee and aerated drinks

It’s tempting to drink coffee to stay awake, especially before a morning or late-night flight. But keep in mind that caffeine can lead to dehydration, which can make you feel worse afterward. Other drinks with a similar effect on your system are aerated drinks and alcohol. To keep yourself hydrated, Rupali recommends lemon water (with little or no sugar) and coconut juice.

_{Caffeine is likely to cause dehydration, which can make you feel groggy on your flight. photo credit: iStock}

(Also Read: What is decaf coffee? Is it a good idea to replace regular coffee with it?,

5. Beans

Beans and legumes contain specific fibers that are difficult for some people to digest. Though they are rich in proteins and minerals, they can cause gas and acidity issues, especially while flying. Therefore, it is best to choose light food.

_{Beans can cause gas and acidity, especially while flying. photo credit: iStock}

Everyone’s immune system reacts differently when flying. If you are someone who is prone to violent air sickness, Rupali Dutta suggests not eating anything for three hours before boarding the plane. But remember to stay hydrated and avoid the temptation of processed snacks.