Flight Attendant Shares Her Bizarre Reason Why You Should Not Eat While Flying

#1

Despite things like changing time zones, long delays, and lack of sleep, the food that you eat during your flight could be contributing to your jet lag. A former flight attendant who regularly worked on the longer flights reveals why she says you should never eat while on your flight.

#2

Melissa Biggs Bradly, a former flight attendant, is the founder of the luxury travel firm, Indagare. In an interview with Bloomberg, she said that she regularly worked on the longest flight from Singapore to New York. She swore that not eating during the flight was the key to getting through it without feeling sick. She says, "Basically, at super high altitude, your digestive system shuts down completely. Someone said to me it’s like being under anesthesia."

#3

"So when you get off the plane, everything restarts and your digestive system has so much more work to do and so it makes you more tired." You would assume that someone who had so much flight experience would know what they were talking about when it comes to this subject. However, scientists say that there is zero evidence to back up her claims.

#4

I am not sure about the rest of you, but I have definitely felt the pangs of hunger during every plane trip that I have taken. That has to be a sure sign that the digestive system is definitely working and not shut down like she claims. Many of us feel comforted from eating on the plane. In most cases, we are likely just eating in order to pass the time. Let's face it, plane rides, whether short or long, are just plain boring.

#5

Nutritionists have also contradicted Briggs' claims. Carolyn Rallister is a registered dietitian and says, "Suggestions that your digestive system shuts down during a flight has no scientific foundation. By restricting yourself and not eating for long periods of time on a long flight you are likely to feel weak, shaky, and could even suffer from headaches and low mood."

#6

If you really think about it, Pallister has a point. Also, if your digestive system really did shut down during flights, why would there be bathrooms on the plane? The fact that most people do have to relieve themselves during a flight is a sure indication that things are working properly internally.

#7

However, sitting for long hours does mean that your body will burn less calories, and airplane food is not always the best quality. Scaling back on what you eat may not be a bad idea, but you should not eliminate eating altogether.

#8

It is just as easy to stick a few healthy snacks in your carry-on bags. Granola bars and bananas are great for you to snack on. Just be sure to check with airport regulations and border control for the destination country you are heading to in order to make sure you do not get hit with a fine for sneaking food across the border.

This video will show you some healthy meals that are airplane ready if you prefer to bring your own foods. They definitely look more appealing than what most flights serve anyway.