By Nicole Nichols, Managing Editor and Fitness Expert at SparkPeople
The holiday season is rapidly approaching, and many people will take to the sky to visit family and friends. Despite appearances-a plethora of fast foods, snacks and lots of sitting around-flights and airports offer plenty of nutritious food and opportunity for activity, if you know where to look.- Make sure everyone eats a healthy meal before you arrive. You'll be less likely to munch on high-calorie snacks just because they're around or you're bored.
- If eating in an airport, it's worth it to spend the time seeking out healthy foods. Look for salads, fresh fruit, vegetable-based soups, and baked or grilled chicken.
- While trekking through the airport, take every opportunity for extra movement. Use the stairs, pass on the people movers and carry your own luggage.
- Instead of sitting around before boarding the plane, use the time to walk. You'll arrive early enough to fit in 15-20 minutes of walking, so take advantage of it. After all, you're about to sit for an entire flight!
- Call the airline 48 hours in advance to see if a meal is offered. Typical in-flight dinners can have as many calories (more than 1,000) as a fast food meal, and even more fat! Special order a low-fat or vegetarian meal. Or, pack your own lunches to ensure you all get exactly what you want.
- Flying can easily dehydrate you, so drink plenty of water. Drinking one cup per hour in-flight will ward off dehydration and jetlag.
Are you going to be flying over the holidays? What are some of the ways you stay healthy while traveling?
Related links:
Easy Vacation Exercises
Healthier Ways to Eat When Traveling
The Healthy Vacation Guide
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