I have written before on ways to fight jet lag but there are some other key ways I would like to point out again on how to stay healthy, rested and be well while on long haul travel.
Let’s get started. As a rule of thumb – before, during and after your flights follow this easy strategy. Bulk up on Vitamin C. This is the best way for your body to fight off any infections. Supplements are not as good as getting it from the real source. Citrus fruit is your best answer. This builds the immune system better than you can imagine. I have one lemon squeezed into water every single day and I also eat plenty of oranges. You can always take a vitamin supplements on top of this. Your body will only absorb a certain amount of vitamin C so don’t worry you can’t really take too much.
Okay so this is the plan before you travel, while you travel and after you travel.
Before the Flight
I hate being hard-core but I’m going to be on this one, if you’re taking a night flight, have dinner at the airport not during the flight. Have a couple of glasses of wine if you must but when you board the plane immediately change into a sleep suit and get comfortable.
On board take melatonin and try to get as much sleep as possible. Melatonin is a natural remedy for sleep that really works. Your body naturally produces this hormone and science tells us that you can’t do any real damage by being on it long term. Your body will just slow down producing as much melatonin as it normally would if you’re getting it from another source so feel free to dose. Also ALWAYS take plenty of water but no alcohol on the flight.
Upon Arrival
Once you get to your hotel and unpack, have a light snack and then try and sleep when your body feels like you need to sleep. I’m not a big fan of trying to stay awake in order to go to bed at the natural time as you will find that you will not get a good long night’s sleep. You’ll be too far out of whack.
Take another melatonin for the next few nights at bedtime but don’t take melatonin if you only have five hours to sleep, take it when you have plenty of time to sleep so you don’t wake up groggy.
Eating is another real key to help your body react to jet lag. My rule of thumb is low-fat, high-protein and low carbohydrates. Carb loading will do no good for you in the long term as it only gives your body energy when you are fighting to sleep. No rice or potatoes and no wheat. Have chicken, steak and high-protein eggs for breakfast as well as much fruits and vegetables as you can possibly have.
A glass or two of wine is okay in the evening but remember when you have that much sugar in your system it will keep you awake for a few hours later ,so just be careful. Limit yourself
Natural sunlight revives the body so even if you can get one hour by a swimming pool if you’re in a hot climate, it will help tremendously.
These steps really will make a difference and if you follow these same steps when you return home you’ll also feel better and recover faster.
Everyday Health
Finally here’s one last thought on a healthy lifestyle… Detox doesn’t work.
There are no scientific studies that have proven a detox to have any impact.
You simply cannot flush toxins out your system by doing something for one week out of a whole year. Think about it, this logically makes absolutely no difference to your body.
Instead you should incorporate great fruits and vegetables all year round, every day of your life. That’s the good detox.
Daniel Green, the Model Cook is a Celebrity Chef known for his healthy approach to food and living well. With TV, books, magazines and live appearances, Daniel spends his time helping fans to cook better, feel better and live better. He’s also an avid traveler and a self-confessed Foodie.
To contact Daniel or learn more visit www.themodelcook.com or follow on Twitter @themodelcook.
