Jet Lag Hack? Why Some Travelers Swear by Fasting on Flights

Airplane food may break up the monotony of a long flight, but some frequent flyers are now skipping it altogether—and claiming they feel better for it. Travel writer Caroline Morse Teel swears by fasting during flights as her personal jet lag cure. The idea is simple: eat a healthy meal before takeoff, avoid in-flight food and drink (aside from water), and then eat again only after landing, timed to the local schedule.

There’s science behind the hack. Research from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center suggests that circadian rhythms are influenced by when food is consumed, meaning travelers may be able to “reset” their internal clocks by aligning meals with their destination’s time zone. Beyond jet lag relief, fasting in the air may also ease digestion, reduce bloating, and make that first meal upon arrival taste all the better.

As more travelers experiment with the method, fasting is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about—and debated—ways to beat jet lag.