Recent studies have predicted that tourism and international travel is set to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2023.
As part of the ONE Championship’s commentary team, I frequently jet over to Southeast Asia for our events.
These are flights in excess of 18-20 hours.
Factor in check-in lines at the airport, and security and you’re looking at nearly a day’s worth of travel each trip.
There are a ton of challenges related to long-distance travel. Eating healthy and inexpensively is one that I covered recently.
It was a great discussion and I highly recommend you give it a listen.
The other problem is jetlag.
Despite alternating between time zones so regularly, my body clock has yet to adjust. And I doubt it ever will.
Inspired by my recent conversation with Cody, I fired up Google, hoping to find a remedy for my jetlag.
Today, I’m sharing what I’ve found – the Argonne Diet.
What is the Argonne Diet?
The Argonne Diet is a scientifically-backed eating plan designed to help military personnel cope with jet lag and improve their overall health and wellness.
First developed by the Argonne National Laboratory in the 1940s, the diet has been used by military personnel and CIA operators for decades to manage the effects of long-distance travel, particularly jet lag.
The Argonne Diet involves eating foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins, which are essential for maintaining energy levels, promoting mental clarity, and reducing fatigue.
Additionally, the diet emphasizes the consumption of foods that are high in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, to boost the immune system and reduce oxidative stress.
How does the Argonne Diet Help to Combat Jetlag?
The Argonne Diet works by providing your body with the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants it needs to function at its best.
The specific foods recommended have been selected for their ability to support your body’s natural circadian rhythms, boost energy levels, and improve mental clarity, which can help combat the symptoms of jet lag.
Your breakfast should include high-protein foods such as eggs, whole grains, and fruits or vegetables. They sustain your energy and help maintain blood sugar levels throughout the day.
For lunch and dinner, focus on consuming lean protein, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables. This supplies your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly and supports your immune system.
Additionally, snacking on foods high in antioxidants, such as nuts, seeds, and fruits, can help your body combat the oxidative stress that can occur when traveling long distances and crossing time zones.
Avoid consuming caffeine and sugar in the evenings, as these substances can disrupt sleep patterns and make it harder for your body to adjust to a new time zone.
How to use the Argonne Diet
- Work out what time you’ll be having breakfast at your destination
- Feast–Fast–Feast–Fast for the four days before your destination’s breakfast time
- Days 1/3 Feast: High protein breakfast and lunch, high carbohydrate dinner
- Days 2/4 Fast: Light salads, soups, fruits, and juices
- At your destination’s breakfast time, break the fast with a high-protein meal.
- Continue with your destination’s usual mealtimes normally
The basics of this diet are simple. By fasting, you’re allowing your body clock to reset. So, when you reach your destination and have breakfast, your body readjusts to the new zone.
Argonne Diet recipes you can eat
I’ve put together a short list of ready-to-eat meals that you can either prepare or cook if you’re on a budget.
Breakfast options
- Veggie-packed omelette: Whisk together eggs and pour into a hot, greased pan. Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, and cook until set.
- Whole grain waffles with fresh fruit: Make whole grain waffles according to package instructions and top with fresh fruit such as berries or sliced bananas.
Lunch options
- Grilled chicken salad: Grill chicken breasts and chop into bite-sized pieces. Serve over a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of dressing.
- Quinoa and black bean bowl: Cook quinoa according to package instructions and mix with canned black beans, diced tomatoes, avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Snack options
- Antioxidant-rich smoothie: Blend frozen berries, spinach, almond milk, and a scoop of protein powder until smooth.
- Fresh fruit with almond butter: Slice a banana or apple and top with a spoonful of almond butter.
- Roasted nuts: Toss almonds, walnuts, or cashews with a sprinkle of salt and roast in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Dinner options
- Grilled salmon with roasted vegetables: Grill salmon fillets and serve with roasted vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, and Brussels sprouts.
- Chicken stir-fry with brown rice: Cook diced chicken and mixed vegetables in a stir-fry pan, and serve over brown rice.
- Lentil soup with a side salad: Heat lentil soup and serve with a mixed greens salad.