Leaving on a jet plane

[HoneyB]

I'll be making the long-haul for home on August 7th from Ireland to the US. Really looking forward to seeing the fam, dreading the hours upon torturous hours cooped up in US Air's economy class!
The menu is always chicken (in a carby, sugary sauce), 4 leaves of lettuce, non-induction friendly veggies and a slice of powdery cake. I could go the hero route and say no to any food but I frankly won't be strong enough.

I'll try and eat before I leave for the airport but I'll be crossing over the 6-hr mark less than halfway over the Atlantic!
Can anyone make recommendations on what to do for meals on a 7-8 hr flight, and about 12 hours of travel?

[Georgiana]

Call them and explain you are on a special diet. They are usually able to accommodate your needs, at least in part. I know they have a diabetic meal, but don't go for it as it's just low fat/cholesterol stuff with some fruits. The gluten-free one might be a better option, even if not all foods are okay for your Atkins phase---you can just pick what is.

They also write on their website:

Because we cannot accommodate 'peanut-free' snack requests and the possibility that peanut-related ingredients may be contained in meals, we encourage passengers to bring their own food items onboard the flight.

Since those who have a peanut allergy are allowed to bring their own food items on board, I don't see why you couldn't do the same thing. First I would call the airport to see what foods (solids) are allowed past the check point. If you are told none, then have an empty air tight container with you, buy some food from the airport (I know it's expensive, but if you eat well before you leave, a small meal should be enough) and put it in the box. Then you'll have your own meal on the plane.

But why are you doing extended Induction instead of moving to OWL? You don't have a lot to lose and you are not metabolically resistant. OWL allows more variety (e.g. nuts), so it would be easier for you to find "legal" food options.

[Greeneggs&ham]

No food or water was allowed past the checkpoint here in the US last winter when we flew to Beijing to adopt our daughter. I bought a bottled water, a bag of almonds and some beef jerky at an airport convenience store for an outrageous price, and lived on small portions of legal food until landing in China 18 hours later. Thankfully, appetite suppression is a byproduct of this WOE. Needless to say, I had a feast once we got to our hotel room. You certainly have a challenge ahead of you, but with a little sacrifice, a lot of willpower (and perhaps a fat wallet), you should get through it. Make sure to tell your family to have a plain, fast food burger waiting for you when they meet you in the US!

[HoneyB]

Originally Posted by Greeneggs&ham

Make sure to tell your family to have a plain, fast food burger waiting for you when they meet you in the US!

Ta, Eric – that's the next topic of conversation with the mother when she calls! Apparently McDonalds only use salt and pepper to season their burgers – no filler to bulk out the patties. Don't know if it's the same deal in the US, but I'll be happy if it is!

Georgiana, thanks for the tip. I'll ring the airport authority today and get the low-down on what's allowed. I'm thinking now I may skip the meal afterall and get some sleep instead! Usually the meal service is about 30-40 min after take off and lasts about as long. Once it's done the pressure is off.

Also, I'm doing this with my husband who has a lot more to lose. As a sign of solidarity (and to keep him on track) I said I'd go on extended induction along with him until he can move to OWL. Aside from this trip I've been content with the menu, as a lot of my favourites I've been avoiding under the guise of "healthy eating" (which got me to my heaviest weight ever, ugh) are now regulars on the table!
I haven't yet felt deprived or experienced serious cravings, in fact I feel fantastic! So, as long as he's still losing I'll continue.

... But I tell you what, that first vodka tonic on OWL will be a miracle when it happens!

[JulieB]

Your husband may lose just as quickly on the first few rungs of OWL as he does on induction. I do I had about 150lbs to lose, did induction for 3 weeks, then started to climb. I plan to move up to rung 3 next week. I am still losing incredibly well.

[stephbob]

I fly between the UK and US every month, and I've never had a problem taking my own food on the plane! I just pack small ziploc bags or a plastic sealed box and take it in with me. If anyone asks (which they dont) I just tell them I'm diabetic and need to maintain my food intake.

I usually take sliced beef or chicken because it doesn't take up much room. Veggies I find hard to take on, because they go all soggy and unappetizing, but the meat usually surpresses my hunger until I get to the other side (my flight is 13 hours in total)

Just make sure you hand any leftover food over before you get off the plane, sometimes customs can be a bit funny if they find you with meat/dairy products on you. I can't remember which way it is, UK>US or US>UK.

[imagood1]

The last time I flew I called the airline telling them of a special diet and was able to pick from several items they had -- it made it much easier for me.

[HoneyB]

Stellar stuff, Stephbob. I called DAA (Dublin Airport Auth.) and they didn't know and asked me to call back today when someone else was in who could answer.
*ssiiiiiigh*
But I'll ask if I can bring a few bits and bobs with me – cold cuts, string cheese and the like. Good point abt the leftovers, I've been watching a lot of Border Patrol recently and now I'm vowing never to carry foof off any plane anywhere, ever!

Thanks for your input, Carole. I'll give UsAir a shout as well and see what they can do!