Airports are a culinary minefield, navigating through the rush and convenience that sometimes replaces great nutrition with quick unhealthy choices. Registered dietitians Samantha Puello, Stephanie Schiff, and Samantha Dieras offer crucial insights into which foods and drinks travelers should avoid to mitigate the risk of food-borne illnesses and discomfort during flights.
Understand the Danger Zone
Bacteria flourish in conditions that many travelers without even realizing they’re doing it while traveling. According to Samantha Dieras, registered dietitian and director of ambulatory nutrition services at Mount Sinai Hospital, “Bacteria grow most rapidly between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, a range known as the ‘danger zone’.” This means that perishable foods that are not stored properly can quickly become dangerous. Dieras emphasizes that these foods should be consumed within two hours of leaving the safe temperature zone, highlighting the importance of being vigilant about food choices in airports.
There are many simple things that travelers can do to reduce their risk of food-related illness by over 80%. They must avoid foods that were potentially mishandled or exposed. For instance, Stephanie Schiff, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Northwell Huntington Hospital, advises against consuming salads and cut fruits available in airport shops.
“Although I love salads and cut fruit when I’m home, I don’t buy them in airports,” – Stephanie Schiff, registered dietitian nutritionist at Northwell Huntington Hospital.
Besides steering clear of these goods, assertive travelers should be cautious of drinks. Schiff raises safety concerns about milk served in open containers that could have been out for hours.
“I don’t use milk or cream in open containers out front — they may have been sitting there for a while,” – Stephanie Schiff.
Choosing the Right Snacks
In planning snacks for travel, Puello says that the best kinds of snack foods are shelf-stable so you don’t have to worry about them going bad. Products like RX and KIND bars, which provide a quick, healthy option are more her style. And she really enjoys chocolate-covered nuts and trail mix. Other hard varieties like cheddar, provolone and Swiss are her favorites, particularly when served with a side of crackers or nuts.
Hydration is another key factor travelers should pay attention to during their trip. Traveling with powders Puello recommends bringing single-serve packets of electrolyte powder that can be mixed with airport water. This easy hack keeps their bodies well-fueled with necessary vitamins, plus it helps them stay hydrated during long flights.
Dieras says, look at the expiration dates on foods that come prepackaged. This is to provide even greater confidence that the products remain safe to consume. This allows travelers to plan ahead to avoid unnecessary ugly surprises along their trip.
Foods to Avoid Before Takeoff
Snacks that cause excessive gas may be uncomfortable in the high-air-pressure, close-quarters environment of air travel. Schiff notably recommends avoiding beans and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower before getting on board.
“You don’t want to deal with that on a plane, so avoid those bean burritos,” – Stephanie Schiff.
Schiff explains that these types of foods lead to gas and bloating, which might seem like a lot more at extreme altitudes.
“These foods can cause bloating, which can be worse when you fly due to changes in air pressure,” – Stephanie Schiff.
Personal alcohol consumption ahead of a flight is something Schiff warns against as well. She warns tourists to not get over served, not only for health reasons but the risk of dehydration.
“I don’t recommend drinking alcohol before a flight, at least not too much,” – Stephanie Schiff.
Safe Choices Make for a Pleasant Journey
By selecting the right snacks and steering clear of other foods, travelers can improve their airport experience while protecting their well-being. Puello wants people to be more conscious about what they eat in order to avoid negative health effects from food-borne illnesses.
“The increased risk for bacterial ingestion if the beverage dispenser has not been cleaned properly, plus the added sugar, is not worth the momentary enjoyment,” – Samantha Puello.
As passengers plan their trips, janitorial deceit, expert tips can put the fun back in the stressful experience of traveling and dining at the airport. By maintaining food safety control measures and choosing healthier food options, travelers will have a more enjoyable and safe travel experience.
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