6 Foods to Avoid Before Flying
April 28, 2022
Because of the limited space in plane seats, many of us will eat before our flights. Nobody wants to deal with feeling even more cramped while trying to eat. Sometimes, it’s just efficient use of our time after we have cleared TSA and have to wait for boarding. Whatever the reason, not all foods are created equal and there are foods to avoid before flying.
Fried Foods
Who doesn’t like French fries? They’re a fan favorite and readily available in most airport eateries but avoiding them may be wise. Fried foods are usually high in fats and oils that can cause indigestion. They’re often usually high in sodium content which can lead to fluid retention that causes bloating and swelling. None of those are fun during a flight, so skip the fried stuff.
Beans
Ok, stop giggling. We all know that beans are a musical fruit… Seriously, the high fiber content in beans makes them often causes gas. Sometimes that gas can be embarrassing and kind of unpleasant. Other times, it can lead to some painful bloating that, combined with the pressure changes on the flight at 30,000 feet, can make your ride very disagreeable.
Highly Salty Snacks
There are just so many tasty choices between chips and salty snacks. The airport shops not only have them in abundance, but they also have the bigger “sharing” size. Still, we should avoid them. Like fried foods, the sodium content is very high in these snacks, and it can increase fluid retention and bloat. Is struggling to put your shoes back on worth those Doritos? Only you can decide.
Cruciferous Veggies
Usually, we think of veggies as a good choice and in most cases, they are. Flying, however, is a different matter. Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage or cauliflower tend to sit in your large intestine for hours to digest. Add a pressurized airplane cabin and you have a recipe for an uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing flight.
Garlic
This is less for you and more for your fellow passengers. We all know that garlic (and onions) can cause some pretty smelly breath. Even if you pop some Altoids or swish some mouthwash, that’s a temporary fix. The smell can actually resurface after digestion into the bloodstream. Let’s add kimchi to the list as well. We here at Big Guy Big World always say to be kind to our fellow travelers.
Coffee
We left this suggestion to be last on the list so that you didn’t rage quit earlier and not see the whole list. That’s understandable. We love coffee too. And some days, it is simply a necessity. But if you can avoid it before and during flying, you should. Flying already has a dehydrating effect on you and your skin. The diuretic effect of caffeine just multiplies it. The dehydration can lead to headaches and anxiousness, neither of which sounds too fun. Organizations like the Aerospace Medical Association recommend avoiding diuretics and the CDC has suggested that staying hydrated can help avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis.
On top of that, it can make you go to the bathroom more. That means squeezing past annoyed people to get out to the aisle, then navigating that tiny space they call a lavatory. Just splendid. Alcohol has a similar effect, so maybe consider waiting until after the flight to imbibe your favorite adult beverage.
These are just a few foods to avoid before flying. Have you found some on your own? Share them with your fellow travelers in the comments below.
Until next time travelers, be safe, live a full life, be kind and help others. Can’t wait to catch you on our next adventure.
More from
Big Guy Big World: Bahamas Adventure
April 18, 2025
Welcome to paradise! Our Big Guy Big World Bahamas Adventure began in Nassau, the vibrant capital city. Pastel-colored colonial buildings in Parliament Square set the scene for a day full of island charm. From there, we wandered through Bay Street, buzzing with duty-free shops, street vendors, and the lively rhythm of Bahamian life. Eventually, we…
Colombia Caribbean Travel Guide: Mud, Magic, and Coastal Vibes
April 12, 2025
This Colombia Caribbean travel guide is packed with adventure, culture, and tropical magic. During our Big Guy Big World journey along Colombia’s northern coast, we floated in volcanic mud, sailed the Caribbean Sea, and explored Cartagena’s rich history. Every moment reminded us why Colombia belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. Luxury in Cartagena: Art, Elegance,…
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Feel the Rhythm of the City
March 2, 2025
There’s a pulse to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil that you feel the moment you arrive. It vibrates through the echo of drums from a nearby samba school, drifts in the scent of grilled cheese from beach carts, and rolls through the hills stretching between forest and sea. Rather than observing from the outside, we were…
Dubai: Exploring the Beauty and Luxe of the City
February 25, 2025
Our latest journey took us to the City of Dubai, a metropolis where futuristic skylines meet desert blooms, and luxury lives around every corner. From iconic resorts and underwater suites to sky-high landmarks and floral wonderlands, Dubai is a destination that constantly surprises, delights, and redefines what travel can be. A Stay Like No Other:…
An Epic Trip to Egypt
February 21, 2025
Standing in the Shadow of the Pyramids No photo or textbook can prepare you for the moment you stand before the Great Pyramid of Khufu. Towering above the golden desert, it’s a surreal reminder of the ingenuity of ancient Egypt. We explored the Giza Plateau, where the three main pyramids—Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure—stand proudly as…
Big Guy Big World Explores Peru: A Journey Through Incan History
January 31, 2025
Peru, a country rich in history, beautiful landscapes, and rich culture. It is home to one of the world’s greatest wonders—Machu Picchu. This ancient Incan city, perched high in the Andes Mountains, has long captivated travelers, historians, and adventurers alike. For me, this journey was all about stepping into the past, exploring Cusco, and meeting…
Chile: From the Colorful Streets of Valparaíso to the Rapids of Maipo
January 15, 2025
Our journey through Chile was an unforgettable blend of culture, history, fine wine, and high-adrenaline adventure. Few countries offer such diversity in experience, and in just a few days, we explored its coastal cities, tasted world-class wine in the Casablanca Valley, and rode the roaring waters of the Maipo River in the Andes foothills. Here’s…
Touching Down on the White Continent: Antarctica
January 11, 2025
Our adventure to the bottom of the world began in Chile. After landing in the southern city of Punta Arenas, we got our first taste of life near the edge of the Earth. Known as the gateway to Antarctica, Punta Arenas is perched on the Strait of Magellan and serves as a launch point for…
Inside Sydney’s Crown Jewel
December 22, 2024
Sydney is a city filled with iconic landmarks, stunning harbors, and top-tier luxury, but nothing caught my eye quite like the Crown Sydney—an enormous, gleaming glass skyscraper that stands out against the skyline. It looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie… or, let’s be honest, a giant, sparkly dildo in the middle of…
Sydney, Australia: A City That Feels Like a Giant Postcard
Sydney, Australia, is not just beautiful—it’s a whole vibe. The city is packed with great landmarks, stunning landscapes, and a buzzing atmosphere. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a real-life postcard, this is it. Iconic Places You Can’t Miss Sydney is full of must-see spots. Here are some of the top places we explored:…
Landing in Sydney and Wildlife Encounters
December 21, 2024
From Time Zones to Travel Goals When we landed in Sydney, Australia, we had already crossed three different time zones in less than a week. Sleep? Who needs it when you can travel the world like a jet-setting pro? Our journey had taken us from the US to South Korea, then to Indonesia, and now,…
A Wild Adventure in Jakarta, Indonesia
December 19, 2024
Jakarta is a city of nonstop energy, towering skyscrapers, and vibrant street life, yet just outside its bustling core lies an entirely different world—one filled with roaring lions, towering giraffes, and massive elephants. Our trip to Taman Safari Indonesia was a thrill ride from start to finish, complete with a police escort, a touching roadside…
Jakarta: Our Stay at the Grand Hyatt Presidential Suite
During our Big Guy Big World adventures, we’ve had the opportunity to stay in some of the world’s most incredible hotels. But our experience at the Grand Hyatt Jakarta was on a whole new level. From the stunning Presidential Suite to the unparalleled service, this stay in the heart of Indonesia’s bustling capital was truly…
Share This Post
Big Guy Big World is a travel blog, following Mark Jacoby’s journey as a big guy on a bigger journey, exploring the world during a global pandemic. Follow along as we experience some of the world’s most beautiful and exotic places.