Packing Healthy Food on the Road
 

I have started an F.O. position a few months ago and I am really enjoying it! I am a commuter I have been sitting reserve for the past 2 months and got a line next month.
My question for all you commuters is this, how do you pack food for sometimes up to 6 days without always eating out or just packing unhealthy food (i.e. ramon noodles, popcorn, easy mac, etc.)? Do you pack 6 days of salads?
Just looking for any hints/packing tips any of you may have for us new guys.

Thanks in advance!
-Happy Flying

Squeezable fruit packs from Costco/Sam's Club (almost every captain has asked me if they are for kids). There are ones with kale. I get hummus from a can, that way they don't have to be kept cold (I get these from dollar tree). Also tuna and chicken salad in a can. Nuts are good because they don't need to be kept cold. Also plan ahead. Airport food can be expensive but some places have crew deals. For example, subway in MSP has a crew deal, 12" sub for the price of a 6". See if your hotel is near a grocery store or not. If yes, you can pack lighter and eat a little fresher. Some of your overnights will have free breakfast, some won't. For the ones that don't (or for super early show times where you will miss it) I pack some oatmeal packs.

Here come the " packing food" vs " non packing food " camps. Haven't had one of these for a while.

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/re...food-road.html

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/re...pack-food.html

Chicken's not bad, keep it in a cooler, throw it between two slices of bread and there you go.

Pro tip: those squeezable pouches from Costco always contain at least one pouch that's gone bad....save that one and return it with the original box to get a new box no questions asked. Repeat the cycle. Work the system or the system will work you.

Make your own trail mix. KASHI whole grain cereal, raisins, craisins, unsalted almonds, unsalted cashews.

A cup of that will carry you pretty well and has plenty of fiber, protein and good fats. It also does not require refrigeration.

I have never found a prepackaged trail mix which did not have high sodium or sugar.

And please, no tuna in the cockpit.

Walgreen has the best prices on Marlboros. I get a carton of reds for my week long trips. I use a coke can as my "spooker" and fill it with red label as that too is cheap. I'll grab 3 cans of pringles and some mars bars for din din. For breaky I'll drink at least 3 cups of airplane coffee to wake up and my hangover. Hopefully the night fighter didn't take ALL my money and I can get a Large Cinnabon next stop.

Have a healthy one.

Don't laugh but I buy a 12 pack of Boost drinks (you know what old people drink lol)...15 grams of protein, minerals, and one of those shakes will fill me up for awhile. Also throw some Nature Valley Blueberry breakfast biscuits, a few granola bars, and a pack of bagels incase I get really hungry.

Seriously the protein shakes are a must, it keeps you full so you aren't constantly hungry and spending a lot. I won't pack 6 days of salads...too much work and needs refrigerated... but when I'm in the mood for one I'll order one from the hotel.

I changed up my diet to this a month ago, losing weight for once and overall feel a lot better. Might not be the healthiest idea, but it's working for me

Fruits and Veggies are hard to pack, but are a must if you want to eat healthy. Salads don't keep well, take up a lot of space, and don't fill you up.

I recently sprang for a Strongbags Cooler and it's nice having all the extra room. Here's what's usually in my bag:

Fruits and Veg: Apples, Oranges, Grapes, Pears, Avocados, Baby Carrots, Snap Peas, Broccoli, Cauliflower.

Protein: Hummus, Greek Yogurt, Hard Boiled Eggs, String Cheese, Sardines, Tuna, Walnuts, Peanut Butter, Deli Turkey.

Carbs: Triscuts, Oat Meal.

I also usually have a Tupperware or two of leftovers from the house. I usually make it through 4 days buying one or two meals. I mostly bring food to be healthy, and because after eating this way for a while, fresh food just tastes better.

Hope this helps. Good luck!