Fourth
of July weekend in front of us means it’s officially high summer and
most people are gearing up for their vacations. For many, that will
include air travel, and possibly a long haul flight. You know the
drill: they give you some peanuts, the drink cart makes a couple of
rounds, they bring you your sad little tray of airplane food and then
before you know it, it’s wheels down. Your flight attendant hands you a
moist towlette and you hope it’ll revive your dried skin and make you
look a little less haggard but it does neither, and you chastise
yourself for not downing more little cups of water. But drinking water
on a plane is a double-edged sword; if you don’t your entire epidermis
dries up; if you do, your lower body retains the liquid. So what’s a
non-ankle-swell-enthusiast to do?
Dr.
Christopher Calapai DO, an anti-aging and stem cell expert and long
time health advisor to the New York Rangers hockey team, tells us how to
fight post-flight dehydration with foods!
1. Watermelon
“Watermelon
is one of the most hydrating foods there are,” says Dr. Calapai “I’s a
great alternative to plane snacks which have large amounts of sodium,
which in turn make you more dehydrated.” Pack big thick slices in a
large plastic baggie and take them in your handbag, they won’t be taken
away at TSA and will help you avoid the salty peanuts.
2. Cucumbers
“Cucumbers
are about 96 percent water,” says Calapai “They also contain no
saturated fat or cholesterol and are high in Vitamin B6 which helps in
the production of serotonin which is the brain chemical that controls
mood.” You can slice them or cube them and also bring them along in a
baggie or small container. Try making small cucumber-watermelon bites,
they are pretty delicious!
3. Strawberries
When
the airplane cookies come around say ‘no thanks’ and reach for some
strawberries instead! “Strawberries have the highest water content of
any berry, 92 percent to be exact,” shares Calapai “You can enjoy the
tart-sweet flavor without consuming too much sugar.”
4. Soup
If
you’re the type of person that needs an actual meal to feel satisfied
bring along a Ramen Cup of Noodles in your favorite flavor, it’s not TSA
restricted. When you’re over the snacks and are ready to have
lunch/dinner ask the flight attendant for hot water and voila! Soup!
5. Coconut Water
Ok,
so you can’t totally avoid drinking liquids! “Coconut water is low in
calories and high in naturally occurring hydration replenishing
electrolytes, which regular water does not contain. It’s a better option
than sports drinks which have artificial flavors and more calories,”
advises Dr. Calapai. After you’re past security grab a bottle of coconut
water from any of the airport mini-marts.
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