Let’s face it—jetlag is the ultimate party pooper when it comes to long-haul travel. But fear not, fellow Aussie adventurers! We’ve got some deliciously simple dietary tips to help you stay fresh and energized, no matter where your travels take you. Whether you're jetting off to Bali, backpacking through Europe, or just popping over to New Zealand, these tips will have you saying "G’day" to a jetlag-free journey. Let's dive in!
Table of Contents
- Stay Hydrated: How Drinking Water Can Help You Beat Jetlag
- Pre-Flight Nutrition: What Aussies Should Eat to Minimise Jetlag
- Eating on the Plane: How to Make Smart Food Choices While Flying
- Landing Well: What to Eat After Your Flight to Combat Jetlag
- Boost Your Recovery: The Best Supplements to Take After a Long Flight
- Say No to Coffee and Cocktails: How Caffeine and Alcohol Worsen Jetlag
- Your Jetlag-Busting Meal Plan: What to Eat Before, During, and After Your Flight
- Conclusion: How a Smart Diet Can Help Aussies Beat Jetlag
Stay Hydrated: How Drinking Water Can Help You Beat Jetlag
Hydration is key to preventing jetlag, and it’s one of the most effective and simple strategies you can adopt. On long flights, it’s all too easy to become dehydrated, especially with the dry cabin air that saps moisture from your body. Dehydration can significantly exacerbate the symptoms of jetlag, making you feel even more tired, groggy, and disoriented than you might otherwise.
To combat this, start hydrating well before your journey begins—at least a day before your flight. Aim to drink plenty of water, herbal teas, or electrolyte-rich beverages to keep your body’s hydration levels optimal. During the flight, make a conscious effort to drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel particularly thirsty. It’s a good idea to bring your own water bottle and refill it throughout the journey. After landing, continue to hydrate as your body adjusts to the new time zone. Not only does water help keep you physically refreshed, but it also plays a crucial role in regulating your body’s systems, including your internal clock, which is essential for adapting to different time zones with minimal disruption. Remember, staying hydrated is a simple yet powerful tool in your arsenal against jetlag.
Pro Tip: Invest in a reusable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated throughout your trip. Need more jetlag prevention tools? Check out our jetlag prevention collection.
Pre-Flight Nutrition: What Aussies Should Eat to Minimise Jetlag
What you eat before your flight can make a significant difference in how well you handle jetlag. Aim for a balanced meal that includes lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. These foods provide slow-releasing energy, keeping you full longer and giving your body the fuel it needs for the long haul.
Avoid heavy, fatty, or fried foods, which can be difficult to digest and make you feel sluggish before you’ve even boarded the plane. In fact, one of our clients once shared that switching to lighter, whole-food-based meals before her flight made a huge difference in how alert and energized she felt after landing.
Need extra help managing jetlag? Try Jet-Ease—a natural supplement that works wonders for preventing jetlag.
Eating on the Plane: How to Make Smart Food Choices While Flying
Airlines usually serve meals during long-haul flights, but they may not always be the best choice for your digestion or energy levels. Opt for lighter meals, and don’t hesitate to bring your own snacks if you want to stay in control of what you’re eating.
Think about packing healthy snacks like nuts, whole-grain crackers, and fruit. Avoid sugary snacks and too much caffeine, as these can cause energy crashes later. It’s all about maintaining balance to help your body adjust to the time change.
Want to go the extra mile? Consider taking No More Jet Lag supplements to stay refreshed during and after your flight.
Landing Well: What to Eat After Your Flight to Combat Jetlag
The first meal you eat after landing is crucial. Your body is tired from the long flight, and your internal clock is probably out of sync. Choose foods that are easy to digest and help boost your energy levels, such as:
- Eggs or a simple veggie scramble for breakfast
- A light salad or a bowl of soup for lunch or dinner
- A protein-packed smoothie with fresh fruit and vegetables
These types of meals help kickstart your metabolism and reset your body’s clock. The goal is to eat light, nutritious meals that won’t weigh you down while your body adjusts to the new time zone.
Bonus Tip: Try Tripease Jet Lag Pills for added support when you arrive. These pills can help ease jetlag symptoms, especially when paired with a healthy diet.
Boost Your Recovery: The Best Supplements to Take After a Long Flight
Supplements can play a role in helping your body adjust to jetlag. Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep, is commonly used by travellers to help reset their body clock. Other supplements that can aid in recovery include:
- Magnesium: Helps with muscle relaxation and sleep quality.
- Vitamin B12: Boosts energy and supports cognitive function.
- Ginseng: Known for its energy-boosting and immune-supporting properties.
However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before introducing new supplements into your routine. Not all supplements are necessary for everyone, but they can offer an extra layer of support when combating jetlag.
Say No to Coffee and Cocktails: How Caffeine and Alcohol Worsen Jetlag
You might be tempted to grab a coffee or enjoy a glass of wine on the plane, but both caffeine and alcohol can make jetlag worse. Caffeine disrupts your sleep cycle, and alcohol can dehydrate you, exacerbating the symptoms of jetlag.
Instead, stick to water, herbal teas, or light juices. They’ll help keep you hydrated and energized without the crash. If you’re craving something to help you relax during the flight, opt for a soothing herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint.
Your Jetlag-Busting Meal Plan: What to Eat Before, During, and After Your Flight
For Australian travellers looking to prevent jetlag, here’s a simple meal plan:
- Before the Flight: A salad with grilled chicken, whole grains, and fresh veggies.
- During the Flight: Light snacks like nuts, a protein bar, and some fruit.
- After the Flight: Scrambled eggs with avocado and a side of whole-grain toast, or a light soup with lean protein.
This balance of proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains will give your body the nutrients it needs to function optimally and adjust to a new time zone.
Conclusion: How a Smart Diet Can Help Aussies Beat Jetlag
Jetlag doesn’t have to ruin your trip. By making smart dietary choices and staying hydrated, you can minimize the symptoms and adjust to new time zones more quickly. Whether it’s hydrating properly, choosing the right foods, or using supplements like Jet-Ease, your diet plays a huge role in how well you recover from jetlag.
Next time you’re preparing for a long flight, try incorporating these tips and products from our Jetlag Prevention Collection to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable!