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flight-related stories

Victoria Beckham Won't Eat Airplane Food - Or Much of Anything

Diet & Weight Loss, Celebs & Entertainment

Victoria Beckham
Victoria Beckham arriving for a guest judging appearance on American Idol on August 7 in Denver, Colo.
Photo: Charles Pulliam, AP
Victoria Beckham usually makes headlines for her staggeringly high heels, impeccable fashion sense and ever-present dour expression. Lately, though, it seems she's again raising eyebrows for her skin-and-bones appearance. It doesn't help that her nutritionist Monica Grenfell recently spoke out about the mother-of-three's eating habits, admitting that Posh is so strict about what she eats that she won't even snack on the 11-hour flight between London and LA. "Victoria told me she's not that keen on eating on the plane," Grenfell tells Metro in the UK. "She prefers to catch up on her sleep and reenergise."

OK, I can understand not wanting to touch that dodgy airplane food, but 11 hours is a long time to go without food, don't you think?

"Victoria's always been a teeny little thing. She seems into her diet in a big way," Grenfell adds. "When she goes on business lunches she'll choose white fish and she'll often pick at things rather than have big sit down meals." Victoria recently admitted to running eight miles a day, and for that kind of workout, she needs more nourishment than a few bites of fish. Sadly, it seems she's more interested maintaining her oh-so-tiny physique than eating healthy.

Want to steal some of Posh's style? Dress yourself thin with these fall fashions.

Terminal Tips - The Healthiest Airports in America

Reviews & Products

Traveling this holiday season? You'll probably be spending some time in the airport, battling long lines, grumpy fellow passengers, unhealthy food options and -- worst of all -- icky airport bathrooms. Shudder.

Health.com recently rated the airports in America and came up with a list of the healthiest airports in the nation, based on things like healthy food options, cleanliness and convenient services that help take the stress out of travel. Here are the top five picks:

  • Phoenix Sky Harbour International
  • Baltimore/Washington International
  • Chicago O'Hare International
  • Detroit Metropolitan
  • Denver International

Check out the rest of the list here -- how does your city's airport stack up?

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Obese People Get Two Airplane Seats in Canada

Diet & Weight Loss, Celebs & Entertainment

Remember a while back when I asked you if a implementing a 'Tubby Tax' was appropriate to compensate for the amount of extra cost it takes to transport obese travellers? Sixty-six percent of you were against the idea, and it looks like the Supreme Court of Canada agrees with you -- and has gone a step further. In a recent ruling, officials declared that people 'functionally disabled by obesity' have the right to be given two seats on an airplane for the price of one. Pretty significant, huh?

What do you think of this decision? Is this fair? On one hand, it seems unfair to make people pay double for a flight just because they weigh more. On the other, it's unfair to other passengers to give two seats for the price of one to people who can't control their eating. Does it depend on the situation?

Should obese people be treated to two seats for the price of one?

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Fly healthfully with these 6 exercises

Fitness

airplane window and wingIf you frequently travel by plane, you're putting your body at greater risk of a silent killer. Those long periods of inactivity -- legs scrunched up behind the seat in front of you and your arms held tightly to your body because the person next to you is stubbornly refusing to give up even a quarter inch of the arm rest -- aren't exactly healthful for your body.

Frequent fliers run the risk of a condition called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). In fact, the condition has two travel-related nicknames: Traveler's Thrombosis and Economy-Class Syndrome. DVT is a condition where a blood pools and forms a clot in the calf, thigh, or less commonly in the arm. If you travel a lot or are planning a long flight, keep these DVT prevention tips in mind:

  • Get up and move. Don't need a bathroom break? Visit the loo anyway and march in place for a few minutes. Even a quick stroll up and down the aisle will do.
  • Ankle circles. Rotate your feet at the ankle both clockwise and counter-clockwise.

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Airport food soon to meet you at your gate - but how healthy can it be?

Nutrition & Supplements

Proper nutrition is no goal of the airlines nowadays. It doesn't seem to be, anyway. Fly anywhere at anytime and you'll likely get nothing more than a little bag of pretzels and a small drink. If you're lucky, your flight attendant might throw two snack packs your way. You've got to bundle up your own breakfast, lunch, and dinner if you wish to eat while flying. Or you could eat in the airport while waiting to board your plane -- which might just get easier, if you travel out of JFK.

At JFK's JetBlue Terminal 5, travelers will soon be using touch-screen monitors available in front of about 13 gates to order and pay for food, which soon thereafter will be delivered to them on the spot. The price is right -- about $7 to $8 -- and the convenience is perfect. My only question: How healthy will this food be? I mean, I don't usually stumble across very many healthful options when I'm racing through the airport.

Anyone have any dirt on this inventive new system? And if you were to take advantage of it, what healthy foods would you hope to order?

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Flying is a headache

Diet & Weight Loss

Have you flown the friendly skies recently? For many people, flying is a headache... quite literally.

An Israeli study of 906 people found that 6% report getting headaches when they travel by airplane. Based on that statistic and a few flight numbers/occupancy assumptions, researchers estimate that this translates into more than 100 million flight-induced headaches per year.

There are several things that could trigger a headache during air travel -- stress, pressure changes, poor air quality, and engine noise. (Not to mention noisy passengers!) To help manage air travel-related headaches, be sure to drink plenty of water (as dehydration can contribute to headaches), get up and walk around during long flights, bring books or music or anything else that will help you reduce stress, pack ear plugs if noise bothers you, and bring some over-the-counter pain relievers.

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FitSpirit: Blues traveler

Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Motivation

When my body isn't moving so much, my mind goes to a bit of a blue place. I'm not quite there, but I feel myself getting close. Ironically, this week my body has traveled thousands of miles and I've seen my favorite blue place in the world -- the Pacific Ocean.

As most of us know, traveling usually means our health suffers a bit due to lack of exercise, increased stress and the subsequent effect on our mental state of both. I travel from my home in the mid-Atlantic to my native California at least twice a year. I am writing from my mother's home in the Los Angeles area right now. Before heading home a week from tomorrow, we will have traveled by air and navigated airports for more than 12 hours and spent almost 20 hours in cars in order to visit family and friends on opposite ends of the state. So much movement, so little exercise.

Thankfully, visiting the loved ones we live so far away from keeps my mind a bit happier during these sedentary vacation days. And I do try to adhere to some of the common tips for maintaining good health and fitness while traveling, such as making good food choices and drinking lots of water. I also follow certain prevention guidelines.

When I get home, I'll run through the neighborhood, hop on my bike or swim laps at the rec center in an effort to kick those endorphins back into high gear and then some. I'll certainly have to in order to heal the little bit of homesickness and heartsickness that's sure to crop up after leaving so many loved ones behind.

Daily Fit Tip: Fight jet lag by fasting

Daily Fit Tip

Travelling this summer? Anticipating jet lag? You might be surprised to hear that new research suggests that a great way to cure jet lag is by skipping meals

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Safe travels: How to alleviate ear pressure on plane rides

Diet & Weight Loss, Alternative & Green Health, Nutrition & Supplements

I love flying but one aspect I don't like the effect it has on my ears. I'm really sensitive to pressure changes, you see, and sometimes the pressure in my ears caused by the altitude change is uncomfortable. If you have the same problems, consider these suggestions:

  • Chew gum. Yes, it's the most common suggestion, because it works. If you don't like gum, suck on a candy, sip some water or eat something.
  • Swallow and yawn, often.
  • Close your mouth, plug your nose and gently blow through your nose. Gently is the key here -- blow too hard and you can bust an ear drum. Also, don't do this one if you have a head cold.
  • If you do have a head cold, take a decongestant.
  • Place a warm, damp towel over your ears. You know, the kind the flight attendants give out to first class. Don't be afraid to ask for one.
  • Got a baby travelling with you? Try to have them suck on a pacifier during take off and landing.
Have any tips of your own? Please share.

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Fit Beauty: Preparation is the key to holiday beauty

Traveling is easily one of my favorite activities. Whether it's a short road trip with friends or an across the globe adventure, as long as I can get the time off work and scrape together enough money to go, I'm in. The only thing I don't like, is the dazed and crazed look I often sport after several hours of travel time.

I wrote not so long ago about an article that gave tips on how you can maintain your good looks while on a flight -- drinking lots of water and no alcohol, sleep and movement are all key. This time I've come across an article that will help you prepare beforehand, including advice on what to pack and which beauty treatments to try before you hit the road. Whether you're traveling for business or for pleasure, the advice listed here will make sure that you're looking great as soon as you land.

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Experts say if you are ill, don't fly

Diet & Weight Loss, Celebs & Entertainment

At any given moment, there are 2 million passengers on board commercial flights high above the earth. That's what this article claims, but the amazing thing is that one company is responsible for taking calls from flight attendants if a passenger feels ill. While it gives me a little comfort to know medical events can be called in to professionals, the CNN articles reveals that you should think twice before going airborne if you aren't in tip-top shape to begin with.

The reason being is because flight attendants are not medically trained. If you get sick or ill, the pilot (not a doctor) must weight various factors before deciding if he can divert the plane off-course. This can leave a person feeling very icky thousands of feet in the air.

Consider this: if you just got a cast for a broken bone, there's a chance your arm could slightly swell due to altitude changes which could cause discomfort. The bottom line is simple. If you're not feeling well, don't fly. These are not airborne hospitals with trained professionals, and planes don't always divert for sick passengers. It's easy to understand why this is a hot-button issue, but experts agree that staying grounded is the best choice for unwell fliers.

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Exercise in your airplane seat

Healthy Habits, Diet & Weight Loss

Want to get a leg up on healthier airplane travel? It's not a bad idea, given the threat of dangerous blood clots -- also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) -- that comes from extended periods of time spent sitting.

The longer you're airborne and the more you fly in short time frames, the greater your risk for DVT. Fortunately, there's something you can do to prevent this serious condition from striking: Exercise.

Exercising right in your airplane seat will keep your blood circulating properly. Northwest Airlines recommends a whole list of exercises -- ankle turns, knee lifts, shoulder circles, knee bends and more -- and you can access them right here. Take a peek, jot them down, and pack them in your carry-on bag. They'll surely come in handy next time you fly the friendly skies.

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Airlines issue DVT warnings

Diet & Weight Loss

I love technology -- when it works in my favor. Give me a locked up computer or an automated telephone voice recording that buries me deep in unwanted options and I get pretty frustrated. When technology makes my life easier, though -- like when it allowed me to print my airline boarding pass at home so I could avoid long airport lines this past weekend -- I'm all for it. I'm also a fan of the health-related information that popped up on my computer screen while printing that glorious boarding pass.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was the topic listed in bold print at the bottom of my pass. A blood clot condition caused by prolonged sitting and occurring primarily in the lower legs, DVT has become an issue of concern for travelers packed like sardines on airplanes. Jammed tight with other passengers with barely enough leg room to wiggle a foot and with luggage, food, and beverage carts blocking the aisles, it's critical we find a way to move around. If we don't, we risk the formation of a blood clot that can break away and become a pulmonary embolism.

For a mini education on the DVT topic, check out this website. And take a look at a few of our previous That's Fit posts that address this scary health issue.

Top 6 hospital risks
Take a walk, pal
Taking a long flight this Christmas? Stretch your legs
Some tips for avoiding blood clots
Stand up and stretch -- it's good for the veins

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The dirty secrets of airline meals

Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements

Do you like airline food? No, that's not a trick question -- some people do. I know I've had some great meals while flying (I've only ever flown coach, by the way.) Here's another question: How healthy do you think airline meals are? They seem pretty decent -- there's always some veggies, a bit of protein, a salad, some sort of grains. Yeah, meals seem a bit on the fatty side but it's a small portion so it can't be that bad, right?

Think again. Airline food is loaded with fat, sugar and carbs. Want examples? Check out this article from Diet Detective. The Smartpack on United Airlines, for example, is a whopping 810 calories - yikes!

There's more about airline food you don't know. Check out this article from MSNBC for a look into the dirty secrets of airline food.

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Some tips for avoiding blood clots

Diet & Weight Loss

Blood clots are an uncomfortable and potentially fatal condition. And unfortunately, in our society where we're often expected to sit for long periods of time--on planes, at our desks--they're an all-too-common occurrence. If you're planning on taking a long-haul flight this holiday season, make sure you take steps to prevent a blood clot -- you're life could depend on it. Here are some tips:
  • Talk to your doctor beforehand to determine if you have any risk factors for DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or pulmonary embolisms.
  • If you're at risk, make sure you're not taking any medications that can lead to clots. Birth control pills and patches are a common medication that have been shown to lead to blood clots.
  • Drink lots of water before, during and after long flights.
  • Avoid lying down for long stretches of time

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