ALWAYS: pre-cook for the flight!

When in travel mode it's always important to do what I call "pre-cooking for the flight". Most people do not realize this but you're allowed to bring any food (with exception of things like yogurt because it's classified as a "gel" and over the 3 oz. maximum) on the plane!  You throw it right through security.  Often times you're able to even bring it on as a "third" bag if you let them know it's just food and will be consumed in flight.  So what do I do?  I ALWAYS board a plane with a full day of food.  That time in flight can be the ultimate HELL on the body and can completely ruin your mind-set.  Something about sitting in the airport makes you want to consume Mentos, chocolate, McDonald's and any other crappy things airports have to offer - AND - if you have a layover...forget it!  You're doomed.  Also the 8,000 feet of pressure - breathing is more labored.  In the cabin there is less available oxygen in the air which puts an added load onto your system.  So - just sitting and breathing is a challenge to your body.  Using foresight to plan ahead is important and with simple preparation you're able to arrive at your destination healthy enough to enjoy your time! 

"Pre-cooking" avoids two things - eating crappy airplane garbage food and spending too much money!  Bringing food on the flight will enable you to not blow your diet instantly when in the airport and be able to save you your calories for the fun trip you're about to take! 

Good suggestions of healthy food that keeps in flight:

Quinoa with black beans, red peppers and chicken
Almonds
Salad (get little to-go ramekins for salad dressing so it does not go soggy)
Fruit salad
Chicken breast
Zucchini pasta with tomato
Wahoo's skinny fish tacos (to eat first on an afternoon flight)
Veggies veggies veggies (broccoli and cauliflower are great for the system and fly cold well)
Banana
Cucumber salad
Tomatoes (sliced)
Tuna salad (with celery and mustard)
Lentil salad (with corn and black beans)
Turkey roll-ups (butter 'living lettuce' with tomato, turkey sliced, mustard and avocado)

The below sample was from my flight to NOLA last Thursday.  The timing is off a bit (on when I should have been eating - i.e. every 2-3 hours; however, I got into New Orleans by about 8:00 PM and went to dinner with a friend where I had a trout salad and some broccoli).  I had a sensible low-carb day for being the first "day" of vacation: