All that excitement before and after checking-in to your flights can leave you famished, and at the same time, exhausted. The best and most advisable thing to do in this scenario at the airport is to get a quick bite rather than going all out with a five-course meal. The last thing you want is to be bloated or sick on the plane or during your holiday. And nobody likes travelling with a sick friend or a party pooper, do they?
The good news is that the dismal offerings that used to be standard fare in most terminals is now being replaced by quality food options in more and more international airports, and many of India’s airports are no exception. Gone are the days when you had to rely on fast food -these days you’re spoilt for choice on where to go and what to eat. From South Indian idlis to oatmeal parfaits, there are several options for the healthy and conscious eater in and around their terminals. Try some of these healthy airport food ideas out before your next flight and note the difference!
Grab a healthy airport breakfast, perfect for take-off
It is a good practice to go for healthier alternatives when choosing breakfast food before a morning flight. If you’re in a rush, you may feel like giving in to temptation and opting for something simple like breakfast sausages or bacon early in the morning. However, if you have time you might want to consider choosing foods that are easier to digest and wouldn’t make you feel queasy or too full aboard a flight.
Types of breakfasts you can grab at any airport cafes and convenience stores:
- Fruits or fruit salad
- Oatmeal, muesli or quinoa
- Low-sugar granola bars
- Non-fat yogurt
- Whole-wheat sandwiches
- Fresh fruit or veg juices
Make a bee-line for healthy options for lunch
It is not only office cafeterias, restaurants, and street vendors that deal with lunch-hour crowds, airports are just the same with many a hungry and sleep-deprived mouth to feed! The best way to save time and still ensure you get a hearty meal in before a flight is to either pre-book a meal, or head to the cafes with the shortest queues.
Types of lunch dishes you can grab at any airport cafes or even fast-food restaurants:
- Roasted chicken (with peri-peri!)
- Seafood or tuna salads
- Tandoori, whole-wheat naan
- Frittatas
- Protein-rich wraps
- Palak paneer
- Green tea
Buy nutritious snacks to keep the hunger pangs at bay
Since these snacks are high in nutritional value, they will keep your stomachs happy for longer, so you needn’t worry about your next meal or airplane food – nobody likes that (unless of course, you’re sitting in first class!). Once you tap into these healthy airport food options (that are also easy to carry along), you will be good on time and be able to board without a hassle.
Types of lunches you can grab at any airport cafe or convenience store:
- Trail mix, mixed nuts
- Vada pav
- Fresh fruits
- Dried fruits
- Acai berry bowls
- Bel puri
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Time for a hearty (and healthy) airport dinner
If you have an overnight flight, it’s recommended that you eat before you board so you can catch some sleep on the plane. Again, the paradigm of eating healthy and not heavy, oily food is sure to benefit you in more ways than one. Quick to finish and light on the stomach, these foods will keep you sated and will not make you feel nauseous.
To be in the right head-space before a flight, where you feel comfortable and not bloated, it is crucial to consume food that is healthy and rich in nutrition rather than oil, clarified butter or ghee. Once you’re on board, you are limited to your seats and movement is restricted therefore, eat right and in control to have a pleasant flight!
Types of dishes you can hunt for at airport restaurants, and even some fast-food joints:
- Vegetable soups, miso soup
- Salmon chirashi bowl, sushi, sashimi
- Grilled fish, seafood
- Fire-roasted vegetables
- Whole wheat burritos or tacos
- Tortilla soup
- Salsa with whole wheat nachos
- Soy milk
No matter where you’re flying from, reach the airport earlier, so you can make the most of your free time without worrying about immigration or security check-in lines.
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