26-08-2014

Posted by Administrator

Healthy Flying

Healthy Flying

Tunnel flying is a seriously physical sport. With short intervals of intense exertion over an extended period of time, your body undergoes an awesome cardiovascular work-out throughout a day of flying[1]. To keep your body nimble and to get the most out of a long day of flying, it is imperative that you properly fuel your machine.  Most of us have to travel to get to a wind tunnel and nutrition tends to get overlooked, but with a little planning and preparation, healthy travel is easy!

The first priority is convenience. We’re talking food that won’t spoil quickly and can handle the bumps in the road. The easiest options include things you can find at most gas stations: dried fruit, nuts, trail mix, and sports drinks. When selecting these types of foods it is important to take into account the sodium and sugar levels. While that Nature Valley bar appears to be healthy, 1 serving has more sugar than a bowl of Fruit Loops! My rule of thumb states ‘the less ingredients, the better.’

If you can make it to a grocery store and you have access to a fridge or cooler than the options expand even wider. Now our priority becomes seeking simple, whole foods; foods that are nutrient-dense and not too heavy. The majority of these foods are found on the perimeter of the store -- think produce, dairy, and meats.

For breakfast options, attacking the honey bun in the vending machine might sound like a good idea but those simple carbohydrates break down quickly, giving you a quick burst of energy that will soon turn in to drowsiness. You want to reach for foods composed of complex carbohydrates that take longer to digest and will give you energy for a more prolonged period[2]. Reach for fresh fruit, granola (easy on the sugar!), and Greek yogurt (twice the protein and half the carbs as regular).

In-between sessions, snack on light foods like carrots, cucumbers, hummus, crackers, and nut butter. Vegetables with high water content will help keep you hydrated and protein sources will fuel your hard-working muscles.

It’s been a long day of flying and now you’re ready for a meal. Most grocery stores have a deli where sandwiches are made to order, to-go sushi plates are available, and to-go salads are plentiful. If you ask nicely, there’s probably a microwave in the staff room you can use. There are a few good manufacturers churning out low-sodium, high-protein frozen meals like burritos, quinoa bowls, and curries. They are already proportioned and super easy.

Figure out what you like, what makes you feel good, and follow it. Your teammates will thank you, your jumpsuit zipper will thank you, and most importantly, your body will thank you!

Stay tuned for more recipes and advice!

 

Works Cited

[1] Lebowitz, S. (2013, February 5). HIIT. Retrieved August 21, 2014, from Greatist: http://greatist.com/fitness/high-intensity-interval-training-020513

[2] Iowa State University. (n.d.). Carbohydrate. Retrieved August 21, 2014, from Human Sciences: Iowa State University



 

© 2005 - 2024 International Bodyflight Association™


The IBA distinguishes between the sport of indoor skydiving (engaged in by patrons with IBA accounts seeking approval of flight skills though the IBA's Flight Progression System) and recreational flying (engaged in by entertainment customers who do not intend to pursue approval of skills). While indoor skydiving is safe for all ages, the inherent risk of the activity is necessarily greater for those engaging in the sport of indoor skydiving, particularly as they progress through more sophisticated maneuvers.