The healthiest airport of them all? Denver International, where 86% of restaurants offer one or more healthy, plant-based entrées, from veggie wraps and garden burgers to fresh salads and fruit bowls. Tied for second place with a score of 85% are Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The lowest scorers were Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (68%) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (just 51%). Even though you’ll probably eat only one meal at any airport you pass through, it’s the last place you want to eat poorly. “Flying is very taxing on the body—you’re in this tube with very low moisture so you’re at a greater risk of dehydration, catching other people’s germs, constipation, and circulation problems, not to mention the stress of going somewhere unfamiliar,” says Susan Levin, MS, RD, CSSD, director of nutrition education for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Levin suggests avoiding fatty foods, which further slow blood flow and up chances of constipation, and anything heavy in sodium, since diuretic foods promote dehydration. Instead, opt for fiber-rich fruits and vegetables with plenty of immunity-boosting antioxidants. “Go for colorful foods when you’re traveling,” says Levin. “We know from research that plant-based diets support immunity, help with mood and anxiety, and hydrate the body.” You may have to look a bit harder, but health-food gems can be found anywhere. (Levin’s favorite airport eatery, One Flew South, is tucked in the last-place airport Hartsfield-Jackson.) Make a smarter decision by heading to your airport’s website before your flight to pinpoint the healthiest meals available. More from Prevention: Your Ultimate Guide To Healthy Travel
