21 Foods We Should Never Eat Before Taking A Flight

1. Junk Food

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It’s understandable to want to fill up before you step on to the plane. After all, the food offered on board the flight leaves much to be desired and costs the earth! However, you shouldn't stuff your face with junk food just because it's convenient. Processed ingredients make it hard to digest your snacks and can leave you feeling bloated inside that seat belt.

2. Red Meat

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A celebratory rib eye steak may be the order of the day as you get excited about your flight in a few hours, taking you to a great destination. Don't be tempted as red meat is renowned for being difficult to break down in the body and could cause flatulence.  Need I say more?

3. Broccoli

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Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable (part of the cabbage family). Even though it is full of iron and vitamins, broccoli is also high in fiber. This is great if you are at home and can use the bathroom without any notice. Not the case on a plane of course and waiting too long to use the smallest room can cause stomach ache.

4. Chewing Gum

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Chewing gum is a convenient way of making sure your breath is fresh and you may want to chew it on a long flight if you are sat in the middle seat in the row! You are better off sucking a mint as chewing produces gas, which will need to be released!  Also, the sound of chewing can be annoying to those within earshot.

5. Beans

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You don't need us to tell you that beans cause gas and lots of it!  They are a high fiber, cheap source of protein that should be enjoyed when your feet are firmly on the ground!  Being cooped up on a plane with the same circulated air going around is not pleasant and you know it!

6. Apples

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Apples are a healthy choice as a snack but not recommended to eat before take off.  They can cause bloating when you are up in the air and discomfort in the stomach. If you really cannot do without an apple a day, remove the peel which will get rid of some of the fiber.

7. Coffee

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Aeroplanes have a dehydrating effect on the body to begin with so consuming caffeine in your cup of coffee can only make the situation worse.  Once dehydrated, it's not just the thirst it creates but nausea and a headache.  It can make you feel nervous or anxious which is not good on a flight.

8. Alcohol

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Are you a nervous flyer?  Do you need a few alcoholic drinks in the airport lounge to steady your nerves?  You should bear in mind that alcohol dehydrates you and low cabin pressure is also dehydrating.  A combination of both of these doesn't bode well for how you will feel besides being anxious about flying.

9. Carbonated Drinks

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An ice cold Coke, nice and fizzy, with ice and lemon can be just what you feel like before you get into your cabin seat.  Stop there.  Carbonated drinks like cola can have an uncomfortable effect on you.  You may feel heartburn symptoms and have excess gas in your system.

10. Spicy Food

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Spicy food is notorious for bringing about stomach ache and discomfort so it really is not wise to down a curry before you embark on your plane journey.  Your digestive system might be doing somersaults, due to the peppers and sauces in the dish.  You may also end up with a mad thirst.

11. Ice

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Ice cubes made at home are pretty much as safe as they can be but adding them to a drink when you are in a cafe or in the airport lounge can have consequences.  Depending on how many people have handled it and the actual quality of the iced water, there is a risk of contamination. Diarrhea is not an uncommon symptom, the last thing you want on a plane.

12. Rice

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Rice is the most widely eaten food on the planet. If you are bringing food with you to eat in the airport lounge and rice is included, it could be dangerous if it is not piping hot as it can harbor spores which turn into bacteria. In some cases, this can lead to food poisoning so be warned.

13. Dairy

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Whether you're having a pot of yogurt or a cheese toastie, such dairy products can quickly spoil during transportation. If you are eating these on your journey to the airport or when you get there, the sugar content in dairy can "turn", causing abdominal pain for those with even a slight lactose intolerance.  Not the best start to a comfortable flight.

14. Garlic Bread

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Consuming garlic bread before your flight is likely to lead to garlic breath.  This is unpleasant for passengers close to you and to those who are particularly sensitive to odors. Garlic bread is also quite greasy and could lead to indigestion and discomfort.

15. Peanut Butter

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Ordinary crunchy or smooth peanut butter doesn't have a strong odor but there are some flavored varieties with added ingredients that do have a distinctive smell. This can linger once you board the plane and be bothersome for passengers sat near yourself.  Maybe give it a miss until you get back home!

16. Shelled Nuts

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Nuts have got so much going for themselves. They are nutritious and do not spoil when yu are on the move with them.  Problems may occur though if you over indulge. It's easy to do so as they are so morish!  Nuts are calorie dense and can leave you feeling very full during your flight. You don't want that feeling of being bloated while you're up in the air.

17. Too Much Sodium

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Taking in too much sodium can often lead to extreme thirst and more importantly water retention.  Airplane cabins circulate dry air and this, together with consuming salty foods, can lead to dry mouth, dry skin and tiredness.  There is also the risk of bloating and swelling of the ankles.

18. Tuna Sandwich

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Tuna can be heavy on the stomach for some people and especially if it is mixed with mayonnaise.  Having a heavy meal like this before a flight may lead to indigestion and feeling uncomfortable for the journey.  Best choose something lighter for easier digestion.

19. Trail Mix

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Trail mix is one of those snack foods that you can't stop eating it once you start!  Some mixes have pungent smelling ingredients such as garlic and onions.  It would be deemed inconsiderate to eat this before a flight as passengers may be able to detect the strong odor.

20. Tomatoes

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There are some people who get heartburn or acid reflux from eating tomatoes, even sweet ones. If you are prone to acid reflux then think about the number of tomatoes you are eating before a flight to avoid discomfort.  Maybe slice one or two over your food rather than eating several.

21. Chocolate

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Although chocolate is delicious and addictive, milk chocolate in particular has a high sugar content. If consumed before a flight it could lead to energy spikes and then the awful crash. Because chocolate contains caffeine, it could dehydrate you, not good when you're travelling.

22. Energy Drinks

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If you are on a long haul flight, it's best not to have an energy drink before you board.  The stimulants in the liquid, including caffeine, can leave you having difficulty sleeping on the way to your destination.  It can make you anxious and restless, preventing an enjoyable travel experience.

23. Citrus Fruits

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Citrus fruits are refreshing but they have a high citric acid content.  Don't consume them before flying as they can cause heartburn or aggravate symptoms for those who suffer with acid reflex.  Cabin pressure, on its own, can affect the way food digests so don't make your situation worse with a juicy orange.

24. Candy

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Most candies can cause spikes in your blood sugar levels due to the high sugar content they contain.  The problem is they taste so good and you can't stop eating them. The crash is worse and can leave you feeling anxious and sluggish on your flight.  It can feel  worse on long flights.

25. Hamburgers

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Burgers tend to be high in fat and spices, as well as acidic ingredients such as tomato ketchup.  Together, this combination can leave you with heartburn on your flight and if you recline your seat to take a nap, acid reflex could raise its ugly head.  There may also b a sugar rush and then a drop in energy levels.

26. Potato Chips

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Potato chips are my absolute favorite snack in the whole universe!  They are really salty and that's why I like them so much.  They are not a suitable food to consume before travelling by plane though. The excess salt can cause water retention, with swollen fingers and feet. Not recommended!

27. Donuts

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Donuts as considered as being full of empty calories but we don't care!  A Dunkin' Donut or a Krispy Kreme is always a joy!  Eating foods with hardly any nutrients can leave you feeling hungry on your flight and anxious as to when the food trolley is going to be coming around.

28. Good Choices Before A Flight - Smoothies

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So we've talked about what not to have on a flight so let's cheer you up by being more positive.  Get yourself a smoothie before you fly.  It's packed with vitamins, nutrients and minerals, not forgetting important antioxidants.  It will help keep you feeling healthy and looking forward to getting off that plane to enjoy yourself.

29. Hard Boiled Eggs

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Hard boiled eggs are rich in protein, easy to cook and simple to eat!  If you eat a couple before a flight, they will help you feel full and not get hunger pangs an hour after you have boarded.  They can help you keep your energy levels and stay alert.  They're brilliant!

30. Herbal Tea

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We know it's not a food but herbal tea deserves the last place on our list.  There are so many to choose from and a calming one before a flight can help you if you suffer anxiety before flying or even a bit of nervousness.  Chamomile and valerian root are good choices.