Buying Healthier Food at the Airport

PCRM Survey, “Healthy food at the airport?” http://www.cnn.com/2003/TRAVEL/12/12/airportfood.survey.ap/

Survey of the 15 busiest airports by the (PCRM) Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that it is getting easier for travelers to find meals that are low in fat and cholesterol and high in fiber, though not in every city. The airport with the healthiest options is Denver International Airport, followed by San Francisco International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport, according to the study released December 12, 2003. The least healthy food options were found at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Las Vegas McCarran International Airport and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Those airports are loaded with burger, pizza and hot dog joints, but little else.

Therefore, if possible, prepare healthy snacks or supplements ahead of time and bring them with you. If not, here are some healthy ideas what to eat at airport:

1. Raw vegetables (some airports have “American Deli’s” with fruits and veggies), such as celery, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, green pepper, green beans, cucumbers, mushrooms or zucchini may be served with a low-fat dip.
2. Fresh fruit in season cut in slices or halves, such as apples (preferably green than red), oranges, bananas, peaches, grapefruit, grapes, melons, pears, plums, kiwi or strawberries.
3. Low-fat quick breads and muffins, such as pumpkin, zucchini, banana or bran.
4. Non-sugar treated cereals, snack mixes made with popcorn and whole grain cereal.
5. Low-fat (plain, sugar or flavor free) yogurt with fresh, frozen or canned fruit.
6. Shakes with low-fat milk or yogurt and fruit (some airports, Atlanta, Denver, San Francisco…, have “Jumba Juice”). No ice added, because ice will contract your stomach acids function and digestion.
7. Unsweetened fruit and vegetable juices. Best juices, apple, real fruit cranberry, orange, pineapple, carrot, beet, celery and cabbage ( if you can get it “the best cleanser”).
8. Instead of coffee try variety of herbal teas offered at airport deli or Starbuks. Green tea is always one of the best ideas (great antioxidant), or chamomile, jasmine and peppermint.
9. Raw nuts and seeds. If you have a chance, soak nuts in water in your hotel room to make them easier digestible and tastier. They will still have the healthy crunch.
10. High fiber food can be found in Mexican restaurants such as- whole wheat tortilla, black beans, rice (brown rice if available), shredded lettuce, onions, salsa and cream cheese (optional).
11. Order noodles with fresh (steamed) vegetables and tofu or chicken at Chinese restaurants. Ask if you can get sauce on the side and use soy sauce instead.
12. Italian restaurants usually offer healthier choices. Cesar salad with anchovies, tomato-anchovies with olive oil, spaghetti with tomato sauce and basil (or with seafood), minestrone (vegetable-chicken stock soup).
13. Avoid high sugar, fatty and salty foods and snacks, such as candy and soda pop.