Dear Portland,
Based on your posts and advice, I imagine you lead a healthy lifestyle and travel. I travel quite often for my job and for pleasure and have a difficult time with making healthy choices in the airport. Do you have any advice on making healthy choices while in the airport?
Signed Trying To Stay Healthy Traveler,
Dear Traveler,
You are correct on both I do try to live a healthy lifestyle and travel for work and pleasure pretty equally. Enjoying good food and experiencing other cultures through travel are two very important parts of my life. I occasionally get hungry while en- route to my destination because of long flights and/or delays.
When I first started traveling I would actually wait until I got to the airport to eat a meal. While at home, me rushing to pack and get to my flight on time made food my last priority so I was always forced to grab something at the airport. That was years ago, and now that has all changed. Now I have a no-eating at the airport rule. One exception, is frozen yogurt which seems like I can only get at the airport as there are hardly any locations near my home or work. Otherwise, there is no eating the high calorie and fat laden meals that they serve at the chain restaurants and bars that seem rush cooked and just are not that pleasing. I will grab a bag of nuts from the newsstand if I must have something for a long flight or I have this large tote bag and I purchase snacks from the grocery store the night before.
I'm usually pretty hungry once I arrive at my destination. If its a popular city like New York, LA, or Boston I usually meet friends or family and have done my research and found a place that is either famous, has high customer ratings or a place highlighted on The Food Network.
I bypass airport food as much as possible, even well known high-end chain steak and seafood restaurants because I personally just don't think a ton of effort is put into the food as the same location outside of the airport.
Additionally, I always stay in a hotel with a gym and work out in the morning. That way, my workout is done and I don't have to think about it for the rest of the day. Although it can be challenging, I try to eat low carb once I arrive at my destination. I allow myself one "cheat" meal especially if it's a popular or famous restaurant based on my research or a recommendation from a friend. I'm thankful and lucky that I've known someone in just about every destination I've traveled so I rarely eat alone.
Thanks again for this question as I never thought I'd be writing about my "airport rule" and providing healthier travel tips.
Your Flight Is Now Boarding Love,
Portland
