I'm a commercial pilot and I'm on the road every week. Eating healthy in airports is almost impossible and carrying enough healthy food for three to four days isn't any easier. I carry power bars as a back up but that doesn't cut it as a meal plan. Any suggestions?--Kevin

Kevin,
Thanks for the email. I can relate: I'm in the air weekly as a passenger, and eating on the road can be quite difficult. It is always a good idea to travel with an eating survival kit that includes non- perishable protein and carbohydrate-containing foods:
Mini vegetable trays, which often include celery, carrots and a dip of some kind:
  • Jerky
  • Packets of tuna, chicken, or salmon. No can opener required!
  • CA Notice at Collection
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Cereal: Prepackaged or in a plastic bag or container
  • Sports Nutrition for Coaches
Carbohydrate-containing foods:
  • Small containers of nut butter--club stores sell these in bulk
  • And check out Leslies newest book
  • Homemade trail mix. It's cheap and you can add whatever you want. I like nuts, dried fruit, cereal, mini pretzels, and mini crackers
Other items:
  • Beans and rice or bean pasta in a cup. Just add hot water, which you can get at any beverage station in any airport.
  • What to Eat Before a Long Run!
  • If you're concerned about meeting your protein needs, consider carrying individual packets of protein isolate, which you can mix with water or juice
Bring these items, and fill in where needed with some perishable foods that are commonly available in airports. For example:
  • Yogurt
  • Milk
  • Prepackaged smoothies
  • Vegetable soups
  • What You Need to Know About Monk Fruit
  • Fresh fruit
  • Salads
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  • Vegetable sandwiches
  • Sushi
  • Edamame
  • Hummus
  • Hard-boiled eggs
Get shopping, get packing, get going!
Safe travels!
Leslie
Dried vegetables and dried fruit--crunchy, healthy, and light? E-mail her. (Please write "Ask the Sports Dietitian" in the subject line.) NOTE: Due to the volume of mail, we regret that Leslie cannot answer every e-mail.
And check out Leslie's newest book, Sports Nutrition for Coaches, Dried vegetables and dried fruit--crunchy, healthy, and light.