Question:
Please suggest some good travel food... 16 hrs of flight

We're flying to England from the West coast via New York soon, and I'm worried about the airplane food (we're flying United). I'm traveling with a 2 year old, so I've already decided to pack a bag of snacks, but what will work for me? Beef jerky kills me... way too dry. Cheese MIGHT work but I'm trying to avoid carrying ice packs. I'm also worried about carrying protein powder on board with all the recent security stuff. Any ideas? I'm going to need to do this both ways... the flight back is via San Francisco and the first leg is 11 hrs 10 minutes! Thank goodness I'm down to size 22 instead of size 32 so I won't be DYING in my seat! LOL    — Julia M. (posted on December 15, 2001)

December 15, 2001
Hi....I don't have ideas on travel food at this time but wanted to tell you to make sure you bring a bottle of water......actually more than one bottle. For every hour you are on a plane you lose a pint of water from your body. I read that in Carnie Wilson's book. She learned the hard way about dehydration and flying. So make sure you drink plenty of water while on that plane!
   — Kim B.

December 15, 2001
How about protein bars instead of shakes? Also, one thing that I have travelled with is a product by "Handi snacks". In it are breadsticks (crunchy) and cheese to dip those sticks into. They don't need refrigeration. I can do these really well. I am not sure what you feel about carbs (I don't worry too much about them), but I like Nature Valley Oats and Honey (crunchy) granola bars. These would travel well. They have a small amount of protein. How about peanut butter crackers? Nuts? Yogurt is pretty durable out of the frig. Fruit cups? (small cans of fruit or applesauce). Have a great trip! Shelley
   — Shelley.

December 15, 2001
I will post this reminder here too. Long flights create a blood clot risk, espically bad for those who have had surgery lately. 16 hours I would go insane on that long of a flight! YUK. Anyhow everyone should get up and move about the cabin at least hourly, and flex your muscles while sitting in your seat as well. Fly first class for bigger seats if you can afford it. Have a great trip.
   — bob-haller

December 15, 2001
A friend had surgery and traveled and she found if she brought yogurt the airlines were happy to keep it refrigerated. You might also try some of the protein shakes in individual cans. If you can't refrigerate it you could even pour it over a cup of ice on the plane. You might ask too when you get your tickets prior to your trip if there any accommodations they can make with respect to food. If there is a microwave on board for instance individual sized microwave foods (non refrigerated and non frozen would work. Most airlines have spring water now so let them know this is something you will need. You could start out each part of the trip with a huge bottle (like 32 oz) you can carry on and sip to get you started. Enjoy your trip.
   — AJC750

December 16, 2001
String Cheese (it comes individually wrapped) & it keeps without refrigeration for several days at least. Tuna now comes in the easy open pack, just ask for a fork or bring crackers. Nuts. Higher in fat, but good protein (chew well).If it were me, I would get a crunch taco from taco bell to start off with!
   — Barbara B.

December 16, 2001
I traveled from San Antonio to Venetzia, Italy at 4 weeks post-op. I carried protein bars, canned protein shakes, yogurt, sugar free applesauce, cheese cubes and crackers. I asked the flight attendant to refigerate the perishables. My flight was a total of 15 hrs between three flights. At 4 weeks post-op, my docs concern was blood clots so he gave me a blood thinner and asked me to get up and walk as much as possible. Good luck and have a safe trip. Ciao~~~ :) :)
   — perezrdh

December 16, 2001
I forgot to mention that I am allergic to nuts, peanuts, and soy. This is an incredible nuisance!! I've yet to find a protein bar that doesn't have any of those ingredients, so those are out. The cheese and crackers, yogurt, and applesauce are all good ideas though. Also, I am going to go to GNC and look at some of the pre-mixed protein drinks. Even if they taste bad, they will get me through the day. I've done the Seattle to Europe thing while pregnant, and each of us starts each leg with 2 1 liter bottles of water, and finishes them on the flight. I'm well aware of how much the plane dehydrates you... even with drinking 2 liters plus the drinks they serve you on the flight I usually still only have to pee once per flight. I usually force water the day before, too, just so I start off in good shape; I think I drank 5.5 liters the day before I flew last time. It's crazy, but it's worth it! My in-laws haven't seen their 2 year old granddaughter for a year.. and I'm sure that traveling with her, I will up and down the aisles quite frequently. :-) Happy holidays everyone!
   — Julia M.

December 16, 2001
Have you called ahead for a special meal on the plane? It's free, and you're assured that it's made specially for you (it's fresh). I usually order a veggie or fruit meal. Also, bottled water is free onboard too. Just take a large apple, a cottage cheese/tuna mix in a small container, a banana, or some peanut butter and crackers. Remember, you won't be eating as much as before, so this along with your special meals is enough for the eleven hour flight. And drink your bottled water!
   — [Anonymous]