Airport Food: How to Navigate

I recently went on a quick little trip to Tennessee during my spring break. Yep, Tennessee for spring break. Not exactly the warm, sunny beach, but the rainy weather made me appreciate the fact that I get to live in SoCal all the time. Hanging out in the airport reminded me how frustrating it can be to find healthy options for food in the airport. (Especially in Tennessee, land of Southern comfort food). I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share my tips for getting from one terminal to the next with healthy food choices in tow.

Nothing but grey skies in Tennessee

1. Pre-gaming: before you even get to the airport, make sure you have a filling meal, if possible. One of my flights left around lunch time, so I had a filling bowl of oatmeal with blueberries and nuts that kept me from being ravenous at the airport. Ravenous=everything in sight looks good. It’s no secret that you can’t think clearly when you are hungry, so set yourself up for success before your next meal by eating something filling beforehand.

My first ever shrimp and grits! Pretty fantastic and suuuuper stick-to-your-ribs hearty.

2. Fluids, fluid, and more fluids! Fill up on liquids! Drinking water and tea is so important when traveling because flying at 30,000 feet is very dehydrating. Load up on fluids in the airport (after security). Hot liquids are great for creating a sense of fullness so you don’t have the urge to nosh on the complementary snack pack on the plane. Which brings me to my next point…

3. Don’t eat the plane snacks! They are full of empty calories, so you are not getting any real nutrition, or protein, and fiber to keep you full. Plus those shortbread cookies and cheese crackers are full of artificial ingredients, high-fructose corn syrup, and hydrogenated oils. Not a winning combo. Steer clear.

Goat cheese and walnut buckwheat crepe: what breakfast dreams are made of.

4. Mix and match: Don’t be afraid to hit up a few different eateries in the airport to get a healthy meal or some healthy snacks. Maybe one place has a fruit cup, another place has a chicken and veggie salad, and another place has nut bars or smoothies. Shopping around means that you can select the most well-rounded meal and snacks as possible.

5. Absolutely no nutritious options in your neck of the airport? Don’t stress too much; just scope out a healthy choice for your first meal off the plane. Wherever you are in the world, there will be a restaurant/store/food joint that gives you the option of chowing down on some veggies, whole grains, and/or lean protein. Even in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee I was able to hunt down a pretty delicious salmon salad. (surprise, surprise, my fave!)

A little Tennessee road trip sight seeing.

Any tips you have for making healthy choices in the airport? Let me know in the comments and tell me if you have any exciting trips planned for spring break or summer!