In this post I share what I eat after traveling on long flights - in this case from America to Switzerland and Switzerland to China. Long-haul flights can do a number on my digestion!
I don't know about you guys, but my stomach is always all wacky during and after traveling, especially when planes are involved. The change in pressure, the hours of sitting, and the lack of privacy always leaves me with a bloated, uncomfortable tummy. I always look forward to having better digestion once we get back home and start up a normal eating routine again.
Today I thought I'd share with you what I ate the day after our 5 days of travel from America, through Switzerland, and then home to China.
We had a 9 hour flight, two jam packed days in Switzerland, a 10 hour flight, a 3 hour flight, and then another 1 hour flight.
The lack of sleep, constant snacking but no full meals, lugging bags around and dealing with airline employees got me so ready to be home and eating my own food.
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What to eat after traveling
Whenever I get back from a long trip, I love to incorporate lots of water, fruits and veggies into my diet. Lots of liquids and fiber helps my body to get back on track and feel normal. Additionally, if I can get my hands on some lemons right when I get home, then I especially like to start my day with lemon water to help get my digestion back on track.
Let's look at everything I ate the day after returning to China from 2 ½ weeks of travel!
Breakfast
I didn't have any lemons on hand, so I just drank a bunch of water first thing when I woke up. Water is like coffee to me. It waked me up and gets my body moving...if ya know what I mean.
After about a liter of water, I ate chia and flax oatmeal with ½ of a banana and cinnamon cooked in and topped with my all time favorite nut butter TJ's cashew butter, which I brought back with me from the states. This breakfast was perfect as all the fiber from the flaxseeds and chia seeds additionally helped my stomach to get back on track.
Morning Snack
Since jet lag woke me up at 3:30 and I ate breakfast around 5 AM, I was really hungry by 10 AM. I decided to have a bit of a healthy treat and made some banana ice cream with a chopped square bar on top and peanut flour and cacao sauce drizzle on top. SO GOOD!
Lunch
When Brett and I were in Switzerland we had an amazing Broccoli, Potato, and Cauliflower Soup from the cutest restaurant and I new at first bite that I needed to recreate it. So I did! This soup doesn't look like much, but it's delicious and full of nutrients. I ate a bowl with the last of my pretzels from America.
After the soup I still felt a little hungry so I had a juicy apple.
Afternoon Snack
I went to a friends birthday celebration in the afternoon and surprisingly the cake she made was vegan! I had a piece along with some random chips. It was delicious and a fun treat!
Dinner
Dinner was a classic bowl of rice, roasted veggies and Sriracha. Simple and satisfying! And as always, I went back for more veggies.
That's everything I ate! I loved everything and there were lots of fruits and veggies involved as well as some fun treats.
What do you eat after a long flight?
Tell me:
- Do you have digestion problems when you travel?
- How do you get "back on track" after travel?
- What's the longest flight you've been on?
Casey the College Celiac says
Traveling is not usually very nice to my tummy either! I usually just try to keep a few of my meals similar to home - like breakfast (oatless oatmeal or smoothies) - just to keep some routine while away from home. And when I get back....back to the usual grind! Hope you enjoy decompressing and being back home!
Faith says
Yes, such a good idea Casey! I try to do the same and usually bring oats with me whenever I travel. Thanks for sharing!
Carl says
My wife and I just discovered your blog and will soon try your oat milk!
On long flights we try to request vegetarian meals; however, the last several flights they messed up our request.
Do you you make food to take on board? If you do, does TSA cause any problems?
Thanks.
Faith says
Hey Carl! So glad you said hi and I really hope you can give the Oat Milk a try! Let me know your thoughts if you do. Sorry to hear that you ran into some troubles on your last flight. It's never fun to not have food! I do make food sometimes to take on board and they're always fine with it! Sometimes I'll make rice and veggies or even just plain baked sweet potatoes are my favorites. I just did a post on plant-based travel snacks, so you can check that out too, although I don't mention many meal ideas. Hope that helps and don't be a stranger!! 🙂
Dani @ Dani California Cooks says
I always go hydration crazy after traveling too! I notice differences in my overall energy and even skin appearance.
Faith says
Ah, water is a must!! It seriously has become my caffeine and is what wakes me up in the mornings!
Deanna says
I love that black backdrop for your smoothie picture!! What did you use to capture that?! It is gorgeous!!
Faith says
Thanks Deanna!! It's just a black poster board!!
Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl says
I often have similar issues when traveling though I try to stay hydrated! I drink lemon water with apple cider vinegar and a bit of honey every morning, but after travel I'll sometimes do a second cup or do one later in the day as well.
Faith says
That's a good idea Alyssa!! I actually never thought to drink lemon water on the days I'm traveling. I always just figured I'd get back on track once I got home. Duh Faith!! So glad you mentioned that Alyssa:)
Marina @ Snackie Bird says
Well, my longest flight I`ve been on was 2 hours. Literally, when it starts getting uncomfortable, we are landed. But I travel on a train a lot, so I understand your problems after travel! I like just sleep a lot and eat tons of fresh food. Simply, but always working.
Faith says
I have only done a few train rides, but I'd like to do more! And that's awesome you can sleep when you travel. I can have a hard time sometimes, which makes the trip extra long!!
Emily says
Mmm... Your morning snack looks so yummy. I'm so glad you had a wonderful trip back to the U.S. I loved following your trip on Instagram! <3 ya Faith!
Faith says
It was such a fun treat Emily! Thanks so much!!
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
Oh my gosh that healthy banana ice cream sundae looks AMAZING!!!! I love healthy things that look & taste like a treat 😉 haha
The rice and veggies look yummy, too! I love simple meals with a little spice.
Happy WIAW!
Faith says
It was so good Liz! That squarebar too it to the next level! And my dinner was a pretty standard meal for us. So simple but satisfying!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
Your pictures are always so, so pretty! That picture of your nice cream is gorgeous!
Faith says
Thanks Morgan! I just love eating pretty food, even when I'm alone haha!