Travel

Out of Office: How to Eat Healthy at an Airport

byTeam GM

6 years ago

Airports are notorious for being diet-breakers. Let’s face it—you’re doing great on your healthy eating habits, making all of your own food at home, and feeling good about your progress… until you make travel plans. Suddenly you’re faced with the daunting (and in some cases, seemingly impossible) task of finding healthy foods at the airport. BUT, if you’re equipped with just a few tips before you pack up and check in to your flight, you’ll find that those few hours at the airport don’t have to totally ruin your diet. And the best part is we’ve done the leg work for you!

Bookmark this page next time you’re planning a getaway, and keep reading for the healthiest choices you can make next time you head out on your next Voyage...

SNACK HACKS

1. If you need protein to keep your energy up… choose things like hard boiled eggs, hummus snack packs, or bags of nuts (without the chocolate!). Quality protein can be hard to find in the magazine stop-shops filled with Chex Mix and chocolate, but if that is all you have, then your best option is a bag of simple nuts like almonds or even jerky, without a lot of sodium. Nowadays, lots of airports are installing market-style shops with lots of different options, so take advantage of these when you see them.

2. If you’re on the hunt for caffeine early in the morning… opt for an unsweetened iced tea or plain latte from Starbucks, instead of sugary soda or a sweetened coffee drink. Those yummy options on the Starbucks menu can have lots of hidden sugar and calories, so educate yourself on their menu beforehand so you know exactly what to order for that early morning flight.

3. If you want a low-calorie option… find a kiosk with fresh fruit or veggies like apples, bananas, or carrot and celery sticks. But beware, even something as wholesome as a banana can have up to 30g of carbs, so don’t go overboard on other carb-y snacks if you pick up a banana on your way to the gate.

4. If you’re trying to satisfy that snack attack… pick a bag of pretzels, instead of snack mix, pastries, or candy. Even options like granola bars may seem healthy on the surface, but they can be packed with sugar and carbs, so always study the nutrition facts before heading to the checkout counter.

MEAL TIME

1. If it’s time for breakfast… go for Starbucks egg bites and/or their classic whole-grain oatmeal. The egg bites are incredibly low-carb and packed with protein, and the oatmeal has just 160 calories. But go easy on the toppings because each one will add cals, carbs, or sugar to your healthy breakfast.

2. If it’s time for lunch… find a simple grilled chicken salad. But remember, not all salads are healthy! So choose your toppings carefully, watch your portion size, and always opt for a light vinaigrette instead of ranch or sugary fruit dressings. Bonus: Toss the croutons in the trash or order without.

3. If it’s time for dinner… stick with protein and veggies. Since it can be hard to know exactly what’s in that airport sandwich, soup, and the like, try to find the simplest whole food option that you can. A plate with grilled chicken or fish and a side of cooked veggies will always be a better option than the burger or fried chicken next door

Is there anything we missed?

Hopefully these options gave you a good starting point the next time you find yourself at the airport...and remember that healthy choices are all about the preparation beforehand! If you know where you’re going, it never hurts to research what options you’ll have when you get there, so you’re not swayed by those unhealthy snacks in the moment.

Good luck, and bon voyage!

Xx Team GM

Photos: Jessi Burrone for GrayMalin.com