It’s a week of impromptu Skinny Travels. I packed a bag and grabbed a flight to New England this morning in order to celebrate the waning days of summer and taste some of the local favorite cuisine.
First, I had to navigate my eating choices at the airport for an early breakfast. My advice: If you are in a hurry, grab a plain yogurt or refrigerated hard-boiled eggs and some fresh fruit. However, if you have 10 to 15 minutes to spare, head directly to Silver Diner Café in the Southwest Airlines Terminal. The café serves locally sourced food and for a “diner”, it makes a reasonable attempt to serve healthy options.
Silver Diner at BWI Airport
Skinny Pick for Breakfast: Low-Fat Vegetarian Omelet
- Eggbeaters, low fat cheddar, zucchini, mushrooms, tomatoes, strawberries.
- Calories 335, Fat 12g, Sat. Fat 4g, Chol. 20mg, Fiber 4g (No Sodium or Sugar provided, although it appears to be very low)
Skinny Pick Runner Up for Breakfast: California Omelet
- Eggbeaters, chicken, tomato, jack cheddar, salsa, low fat cilantro sour cream, strawberries.
- Calories 431, Fat 20g, Sat. Fat 8g, Chol. 90mg, Fiber 1g (No Sodium or Sugar numbers provided. Chicken and salsa most likely has more salt than needed).
Disclaimer: I always prefer real eggs and egg whites, so I don’t usually order Egg Beaters. While they are lower in calories and fat than regular eggs, they also have some additives and artificial color which create the yellow flavor and appearance. I recommend asking for egg whites, but for an airport meal, Egg Beaters works fine to keep the meal controlled.
Best Tips for Ordering Food at Airports: My best advice is to just say NO to most carbs at airports. I have looked high and low, researched menus online, and reviewed most of the shops at airports around the country. It is about as easy to find 100% whole grains at an airport as it is at a local shopping mall, county fair or carnival. It’s rarely there.
Search for pure protein with some fresh fruit or vegetables. Don’t grab the pre-packaged sandwiches on white refined flour bread or wraps laden with mayonnaise or creamy dressing. If you are really craving a sandwich, at least go to a place which prepares it in front of you to dictate the ingredients. Skip the mayo or extras.
If we’re bypassing the carbs at the airport, guess what? No big pretzels, bagels, cinnamon rolls, pastries, fries, etc.
Once on the plane, skip anything edible handed to you by the flight attendants! Remember, just because it’s free, it doesn’t mean you have to eat it. Say NO thanks to the pretzels, honey nuts, biscotti, crackers offered. It’s a mindless association with airplane travel, so break the habit.
Instead, buy a small package of plain unsalted nuts at the newsstand and eat one portion of it. Read the label. Many of the nut and trail mixes have sugar, dried fruit and tons of salt added, so don’t be fooled. Choose plain, raw nuts and portion yourself one serving. Toss the rest or save it for the return flight.
Remember: Don’t waste calorie overkill on airport food. Have a substantial balanced meal, and plan to eat fresh, local food at your destination!
I certainly am.
Silver Diner, nestled in the BWI Airport, has other locations in Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia.
It’s a week of impromptu Skinny Travels. I packed a bag and grabbed a flight to New England this morning in order to celebrate the waning days of summer and taste some of the local favorite cuisine.
First, I had to navigate my eating choices at the airport for an early breakfast. My advice: If you are in a hurry, grab a plain yogurt or refrigerated hard-boiled eggs and some fresh fruit. However, if you have 10 to 15 minutes to spare, head directly to Silver Diner Café in the Southwest Airlines Terminal. The café serves locally sourced food and for a “diner”, it makes a reasonable attempt to serve healthy options.
Skinny Pick for Breakfast: Low-Fat Vegetarian Omelet
Disclaimer: I always prefer real eggs and egg whites, so I don’t usually order Egg Beaters. While they are lower in calories and fat than regular eggs, they also have some additives and artificial color which create the yellow flavor and appearance. I recommend asking for egg whites, but for an airport meal, Egg Beaters works fine to keep the meal controlled.
Best Tips for Ordering Food at Airports: My best advice is to just say NO to most carbs at airports. I have looked high and low, researched menus online, and reviewed most of the shops at airports around the country. It is about as easy to find 100% whole grains at an airport as it is at a local shopping mall, county fair or carnival. It’s rarely there.
Search for pure protein with some fresh fruit or vegetables. Don’t grab the pre-packaged sandwiches on white refined flour bread or wraps laden with mayonnaise or creamy dressing. If you are really craving a sandwich, at least go to a place which prepares it in front of you to dictate the ingredients. Skip the mayo or extras.
If we’re bypassing the carbs at the airport, guess what? No big pretzels, bagels, cinnamon rolls, pastries, fries, etc.
Once on the plane, skip anything edible handed to you by the flight attendants! Remember, just because it’s free, it doesn’t mean you have to eat it. Say NO thanks to the pretzels, honey nuts, biscotti, crackers offered. It’s a mindless association with airplane travel, so break the habit.
Instead, buy a small package of plain unsalted nuts at the newsstand and eat one portion of it. Read the label. Many of the nut and trail mixes have sugar, dried fruit and tons of salt added, so don’t be fooled. Choose plain, raw nuts and portion yourself one serving. Toss the rest or save it for the return flight.
Remember: Don’t waste calorie overkill on airport food. Have a substantial balanced meal, and plan to eat fresh, local food at your destination!
I certainly am.
Silver Diner, nestled in the BWI Airport, has other locations in Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia.