How can I eat healthy food on a flight?

As flight or cabin crew, we all know that it’s important to take care of our bodies by eating well to maintain our energy levels and improve our health, but in reality it can be a real challenge.

Many flights depart super early and it’s not uncommon for breakfast at home to be skipped. On my last flight earlier this week, a crew member told me that the Galaxy chocolate bar that she was eating was actually her breakfast. (She had been in a rush for the airport and didn't have the time). I think I can safely say that we have all been there at one time or other!

Onboard it’s usually all systems go as the flights are so busy and when it is time to grab something to eat, healthy options can be extremely hard to find and we are often left at the mercy of either what is left in the ovens or in the crew cart. Whilst there are some fresh food options such as fruit and some salads, a lot of the options are prepackaged and it’s hard to be aware of the nutritional value inside.

Time is also a major challenge. Busy sectors often see crew members eating their food standing in the galley. We wouldn’t dream of eating our meals at home standing, yet onboard it often feels like the norm. At home we have time to carefully choose our meals, to sit and enjoy our food. Onboard it’s not always the case.

To overcome these challenges, here are a few tips to help you:

1. Try to plan ahead. Bringing with you healthy options from home can really make a big difference. For example, I often try to cook extra the night before my flight so that I can bring food with me onboard. Food that I know is healthy and will keep me feeling sustained and my energy levels high.

2. When you are peckish onboard a trick to try and master is to get into the habit of seeking out healthier choices, even if it's just a piece of fruit, and not just taking the easy option by diving head first into the crisps and chocolate box.

3. It's also important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as the dry cabin air on airplanes can dehydrate us so quickly. Allocate a 1.5 litre water bottle to yourself and aim to have finished it before landing.

4. Another strategy is to try to eat regular meals and snacks at the same time as you would at home. This can help regulate your body clock and metabolism, and make it easier for you to sleep and feel refreshed.

Eating healthy meals whilst flying will always be a challenge for flying crew. However, by taking just a little time to plan ahead and make smarter food choices, we can do so much to ensure we maintain our energy levels. Taking care of our bodies whilst at the same time doing the best job that we can for our passengers onboard.

Happy flying!

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