Traveling for the Holidays or in the New Year? Avoid Jet Lag with These Snacks

Dec 18

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For many of us, the holiday season comes with lots of time spent in planes, trains, or automobiles as we haul gifts and goodies to friends and family. While a long road trip has its own challenges, a plane ride to a different time zone brings with it the dreaded jet lag—and it can be particularly gruesome with quick trips.

If you’re planning a whirlwind vacay over Christmas week, or a tropical escape in the depth of winter, read on. Condé Nast Traveler recently shared what to eat to lessen the impact of jet lag, straight from the mouths of dieticians. Here are a few key things to remember:

Put a cap on caffeine

There may be some wiggle room on the rule stating that you should time your meals to your destination’s time zone, but it’s important to take heed when it comes to coffee. Because your body needs a pretty substantial amount of time to metabolize caffeine (up to 8 hours!), sipping on a coffee even a little too late can keep you up well past your bedtime—and throw off your circadian rhythm for days. If you’ll be landing after noon, save the caffeine for the following morning. If you need an alternative refreshing pick-me-up, opt for a sparkling water or a fruit flavored herbal tea.

The carb conundrum and the importance of antioxidants

Carby favorites, like pasta, rice, and potatoes, can trigger sleep by helping your brain get tryptophan. Indulging in a hearty dish with healthy carbs may be the ticket to avoiding a sleepless night once you land, but don’t go crazy. Too many carbs may leave you feeling sluggish or bloated. Stick to whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats for a triple whammy—and stay away from fast food or overly processed fare.

Even better, find some bright berries or vibrant vegetables to nosh on. They’ll help you feel energized, thanks to all those antioxidants and phytonutrients. Fresh foods like this are also rich in fiber, which will help keep you regular as you cross time zones.

Water, water, water (we know, you know)

Nearly every health, fitness, or beauty article makes it clear that we all could benefit from drinking more water. But it’s particularly important when flying. Staying hydrated can battle a number of travel woes, including jet lag, travel bugs, and dry skin—not to mention that getting up for the inevitable bathroom breaks is a great way to keep blood circulating and prevent blood clots and other issues. Since water on flights can be pricey (and the temptation of choosing a mixed drink may be strong), bring your own water bottle to fill after you go through security.

Read the full article for more insight from the experts.