I arrived at the airport, starving, after leaving the house at 3:30 a.m. in order to catch a 6 a.m. flight. I’m well acquainted, as are many of you, with the horrors of airport food, along with the challenges of planning food for a six hour flight.
I started my day with a spinach and pear smoothie. This is usually perfect a perfect breakfast option. However, this time I felt a little queasy as a result of nerves about my upcoming flight and making a successful connection.
At the airport, I purchased food for the long flight ahead. I was resigned to confronting the usual options: a bread product – a lukewarm sandwich composed of a rubberized egg (which may or may not have been made the day before), processed pork round, and last but not least, a slice of plastic cheese. The end result could be a whopping 500 calories of fat and carbs. Let’s ensure we start our trip by packing on an extra ten pounds!
Imagine my happy surprise when I managed to find a semi-acceptable airport food option. My hat is off to Vito’s Gourmet Deli Market and their “Nana’s Marinated Chicken”. They created a grilled chicken salad topped with cranberries, pecans and goat cheese. I had picked up several containers of Vito’s salad dressing in case the chicken was dry, but it wasn’t required, as Vito’s managed to deliver moist, fully grilled chicken. Hurray! I enjoyed this salad shortly after takeoff.
Before getting on the plane, I had also purchased oatmeal with dried apples for back up; Long after the half way point in the flight I felt hungry again, so I pulled out my oats as the beverage cart went by. I ordered a hot water to activate my oatmeal and I was able to enjoy a warm meal before landing.
My own experience with airport food exemplifies the many different characteristics within body types described by the Ayurvedic system. I am a Vata, who needs warm food to feel good. To receive an assessment of what Ayurvedic type you are, please send me an email and I will respond as soon as possible. Ayurvedic profiles will help to pinpoint the best foods to bring balance into your life. I will also recommend various exercises and offer other lifestyle tips, which will help bring balance and wellness into your life.