Even if you’re an experienced flyer or traveller, you may still find yourself unable to stick to your diet because of the lack of options on carriers and airports. Normally, carriers tend to not offer many options already and usually only serve salty snacks. The combination of these factors can make eating a balanced meal that day nearly impossible.
See our best credit card bonuses here.
To help you stick to your diet goals as you travel, check out our tips and tricks for eating healthy on planes.
Drink Water
A mantra that is preached by everyone from physical fitness gurus to mental health professionals, drinking water is the key to your body functioning the way it is supposed to. Drinking water keeps your appetite under control and keeps you fuller for longer. Although everyone’s body is different, try to drink at least three liters of water per day.
Avoid Coffee & Liquor
Flying can dehydrate your body and that can cause ailments such as headaches and hangover-like symptoms. Because of this fact, we recommend that you avoid drinking coffee, liquor and pretty much everything that isn’t water.
BYO Healthy Snacks
Because there aren’t many options for healthy foods or snacks at the airport or carrier, the best way you get a balanced meal in or stick on your diet is to bring your own healthy snacks. As mentioned, you will be better off avoiding bringing salty snacks like pretzels or chips as this will dehydrate you more.
Choose A Protein-Packed Meal
If you’re still feeling hungry, go ahead and eat the airplane meal. But choose one with clean protein. We recommend eggs, chicken breast, hummus and yogurt. It might come in a wrap or sandwich, but it’s a much healthier option than chips or cookies.
BONUS TIP: 4 Stress-Free Credit Cards
Choosing which card to use to maximize your rewards or to earn bonuses can be a stressful task. That’s why we’re lending you a hand by recommending these four stress-free travel credit cards that can earn you a variety of rewards. They also have no annual fee and can help keep you on track.
But if you rather see a longer list of other options, check out best credit card bonuses here. Also, if you want to read more about no-annual-fee credit cards, click here.
The Hilton Honors American Express Card offers 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025. You'll earn: • 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio. • 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations. • 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card. Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status through the end of the next calendar year. This card comes with $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, so you can enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad. (See Rates & Fees) Terms Apply. |
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Card offers 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel. Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies. You'll earn: • 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day. • 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. This card comes with no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees which is a great choice as your go-to travel card! |
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a one-time $250 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies You'll earn: • 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services. • 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). • 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases. This card comes with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. |
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Card offers $200 Cash Back after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies You'll earn: • 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day with no rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards. • Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply. This card comes with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees which makes this card a viable option for your go-to everyday card. |
Bottom Line
Eating healthy when you’re at the airport or on the plane isn’t an impossible feat. Simply follow our tips and tricks above, and you’ll be able to keep your diet in check.