Q&A WITH FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR KAELI BAUMAN OF FLIGHTFŪD

It should be no surprise by now how much of a fan I am of FLIGHTFŪD. But I don’t think I’ve shared much about how much I am absolutely impressed and amazed by Co-Founder and Creator of the brand and product, Kaeli Bauman. I met Kaeli last summer in a coffeeshop while she was visiting Seattle, and I left our coffee date feeling inspired as ever. We talked a fair amount about flying (as she is an ex-flight attendant for a major airline), her beloved product, the side effects of flying in which she shared so much incredible research that pretty much blew my mind, our favorite layovers, and other jumpseat topics. I really admire her, not just for what she’s created, but for what she stands for and I am excited to share this interview with you.

What was your favorite thing about being a flight attendant? Least favorite?

My favorite thing about being a flight attendant was the flexibility in my schedule and the sense of adventure I felt every time I came to work. My first year as a flight attendant was, in particular, very memorable. It didn’t matter where I was flying to or where my layovers were, I had so much fun. The morale was really high with crew members at that time and we all had so much fun no matter where we were. I made some lifelong friends, and my time spent working as a flight attendant holds a very special place in my heart.

As many good things are, my favorite part of being a flight attendant was a double edged sword – despite loving the flexibility and travel that came with the job, I started to crave more routine and stability with my weeks. It was hard on relationships with people who weren’t in aviation – it was very much it’s own little bubble which other people didn’t understand. 

What was the inspiration behind FLIGHTFŪD?

The inspiration came from my experience working as a flight attendant and getting curious about what was happening to my body in the air. I didn’t feel great while flying and I sensed that it was taking a toll on my body. I went back to school to study holistic nutrition and did research on flying and health – this is where I discovered that there are 6 main effects of flying on the body. 

I went to several health food stores in Toronto (where I was living at the time) and on layovers in NYC and LA looking for a product which could address these 6 effects. Every store gave me 6-9 different supplements to take which wasn’t awesome because I lived out of a suitcase and was really looking for an all-in-one solution specifically for flying. This is when I decided to go out and create the product I wanted myself.

How long did it take you to do all the research you needed to get the product created?

About 3 years. There has been a lot of foundational work behind the scenes prior to our Oct. 2019 launch. Originally, it was just myself, and now there are 3 of us building the company and bringing the brand to life. I had no idea where to begin to start a food and supplement brand, so the first year was what I call a “sponge” stage – learning a lot about manufacturing, regulations, formulations, food science, supply chain, building my business acumen etc. We launched two concept products in 2017/2018 to test the product and get feedback and then officially launched at the end of 2019. 

When was the moment you realized FLIGHTFŪD could succeed?

I knew it could succeed when we started getting repeat orders. It’s one thing when someone purchases your product to try it for the first time, but when they love it and come back again, I think it really shows a successful product-market fit and validates that you are solving a problem people care about. 

What has been the biggest obstacle with launching FLIGHTFŪD?

Great question. I think an interesting challenge for FLIGHTFŪD is that we are, in a way, creating a new market. People don’t really know what is happening to their bodies when they are flying and so because of that, they aren’t actively seeking out a product to help. This means that we have to get creative with our marketing – a lot of what we do is around education.

What is your biggest tip for female entrepreneurs when starting their own company?

I have 3 tips:

  1. Make sure that your business is something you are really passionate about and which adds value. 
  2. Have a lot of patience. You’re going to have to put in a lot of work without any “reward” initially. This is the opposite of how most of us operate, we’re living in a very “instant gratification” obsessed world right now.  
  3. Practice resourcefulness and resilience. You’re going to have to get creative and scrappy, be solutions focused, and bounce back and pivot from setbacks. 

Aside from FLIGHTFŪD, what are your travel essentials?

A big scarf which can sub as a blanket, a good book, and some healthy snacks pre-packed from home. 

What foods do you eat when you fly? Is there anything you avoid?

I try to eat food which is easy to digest and packed with micronutrients. I love packing apple slices with cinnamon and cayenne pepper. I avoid meat and dairy because they tend to take longer to digest and are mucous forming. I also avoid cruciferous veggies like broccoli or cauliflower because they make be feel bloated.

Where can travelers purchase FLIGHTFŪD? 

Right now they can purchase online at www.flightfud.com and soon some local stockists as well. We also offer an Aviation Employee Program where flight attendants and pilots can enjoy our product at 40% off. We launched this program to make the product more affordable and accessible to them – https://www.flightfud.com/pages/aviation-employee-program.

What’s next for FLIGHTFŪD?

We’re focused on building awareness of our flagship product Inflight Elixir, but expect new food products in the future 🙂

How much of your success do you think is hard work and how much of it do you think is luck?

Love this question. Elizabeth Gilbert wrote about ideas and how they are brought to life in her book “Big Magic.” She believes that “Ideas have no material body, but they do have consciousness. Ideas are driven by a single impulse: to be made. Therefore, ideas spend eternity swirling around us, searching for available and willing human partners. When an idea thinks it has found somebody – say, you – who might be able to bring it into the world, the idea will pay you a visit.”

I fully believe that the idea to bring FLIGHTFŪD to life found me when I was at a place in life where the idea was relevant to me (working as a flight attendant) and I paid attention. So I’d say there is a bit of luck with having the idea. The important part is the execution, which is definitely hard work. I fully believe, with conviction, that you can’t “out work hard work.” So for this, I’d say FLIGHTFŪD’s success to date is 10% luck and 90% hard work. 

And with that, I will leave you with the link to support Kaeli and her amazing creation (MY absolute travel essential), FLIGHTFŪD. Try it for yourself the next time your plans call for travel. All the love and take care of that body!


OH WHAT (TO)FUN

Scrambled tofu with kale and soyrizo (from Trader Joe’s) with a side of tots. DUH.

I’ve been eating (mostly) plant based for about two months and one thing that I am LOVING is tofu. I grew up eating tofu, so it never creeped me out. I had experimented with cooking tofu before, but they were always super basic recipes and nothing as good as my mom would make. This time around, let’s just say the obsession is real. Here are 4 ways I’ve been loving having tofu.

SCRAMBLED

Can I just say I don’t even miss eggs? Not even a bit. I know. I know. I was all about my savory breakfast (most commonly eggs on avocado toast) in the morning, but a lightbulb went off when one day, I decided to experiment with tofu and turmeric. Turmeric adds the perfect golden color which mimics eggs which is borderline creepy but it seriously tastes SO GOOD. I love cooking with turmeric because of its anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s just a bonus that it helps with the aesthetic of my “eggs.” I like to play around with different spices and herbs, but here is my go to recipe:

  • 14 ounces extra firm tofu (one standard container)
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric (option to start out with 1/4 teaspoon and add little by little, especially if you are not fond of the taste of turmeric)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (I actually used Firefly Kitchens probiotic salt but sea salt will work fine!)
  1. Drain and remove excess water from the tofu by using paper towels and pressing it onto the tofu with a heavy weight (I use books).
  2. Heat up the oil on a large skillet.
  3. Lower the heat to low-medium and using a spatula, break up the tofu block into crumbles.
  4. Add spices.
  5. Mix well and bring the heat to high.
  6. Stir frequently and sauté the tofu until the color darkens and tofu gets a little crispy.
  7. Add more salt, pepper, and/or crushed red pepper (if you like it spicy) to taste.

MARINATED AND AIR FRIED

This has got to be one of my favorite things I’ve been eating, period. All you need to do is drain the water from your tofu, cut it into 1/4″ thick slices, and marinate it in whatever sauce you have in your fridge. My favorite so far has been Sriracha BBQ (literally just Sriracha mixed with barbecue sauce). After marinating for 20-30 minutes (option for longer too), I pop them in my air fryer for about 15 minutes at 400F. Every air fryer is different, so keep a close watch! When finished, the sauce should be dried and created a crispy layer. Spicy, sweet, and delicious! Perfect for buddha bowls, salads, and sandwiches.

PURÉED INTO AN AIOLI

Definitely gotta give credit to Dig Inn for this one. My absolute favorite sauce is the garlic aioli made from tofu (they’re all so good, try them all cause they are free! Bless them!). Though I haven’t tried making it myself, I always get a few when I visit them in New York and Boston so that I can add it to my bowls and salads. From there, I also got hit with an idea to create a nut-free vegan alfredo sauce using puréed tofu. I will be posting a recipe on my Instagram soon, so be on the look out!

TOFURKY DELI SLICES

Perhaps not the “healthiest” by any means, but easy, and such a great alternative when all you want is a sandwich or wrap with something to complement all the veggies. I’ve been a fan of Tofurky deli slices for quite some time, but have just recently grown such an appreciation for it since going plant based. Not only is it affordable, but I actually love the way it tastes. I love the texture. Because it is a processed food, I try to have it in moderation. But either way, I am so grateful there is a great plant based alternative for sandwich lovers!

Hope this inspires you to try something new, even if it’s not tofu! All the love!

INVEST IN YOURSELF

Exploring the night market in Hoi An, Vietnam

Not until just recently, it was almost a little taboo to do things for yourself. To take time to meditate in the morning or time the time and money to pamper yourself. Did mental health days even exist?! I think self care is so important and here are some of my key items I think are worth investing your time and money into when caring for yourself.

Gym Membership or Gym Equipment

Whether you’re into yoga, spin, prefer to workout at home, or enjoy a variety of fitness activities (check out ClassPass), you are investing in yourself and your health. So own it and go on with your bad self!

Supplements

I’m talking adaptogens, collagen, probiotics, etc. These are all things that will benefit you in the long run. I’m personally taking a multivitamin to supplement my plant based diet and they’re not the cheapest, but they are worth every penny.

Skincare

My skincare regimen is so sacred to me and I’m not mad about it. I choose to invest in locally made and nontoxic serums and my skin has never looked or felt better. I highly recommend @herbivorebotanicals to anyone looking to switch things up! I would also recommend looking into nontoxic makeup. It can be pricey, but chemicals in makeup and nail polish can be very damaging to your body over time.

Hobbies

Whatever it is that sets your soul on fire, do that. Love cooking? Take a cooking class! Enjoy trail running? Make the time for it! You are so deserving of fun things.

A Good Walking Shoe

Honestly though. Think about your poor feet and how far they’ve taken you thus far. It’s time we take care of em. New Balance makes some great ones and I can always find them at the Rack for a great deal. But it’s definitely worth the splurge to get a style that suits you.

Therapy

Not only is it worth the money, but it’s worth your TIME. I am a bit of a hypocrite here though, because going to therapy is something that has been on my back burner to do list for far too long. Let’s be accountability buddies and make it a goal to meet with one next year. 

Cocofloss

THIS IS NOT A JOKE. Perhaps this is my personal opinion because oral hygiene is so important to me. So aside from an electric toothbrush (also an essential), I think investing in a good floss is also something to consider. This is going to sound gross, but just think of all the plaque lingering on and in between your teeth. My teeth have never been so clean after using Cocofloss and I will never go back.

Closet Essentials

Think timeless pieces and also items that you wear often. For me, that’s a pair of black Chelsea boots. A travel friendly backpack. A pair of blue jeans so comfortable you can also wear them as as a non-revenue passenger. Workout pants. It’ll be different for you, but just consider investing in quality pieces. Not only is it more sustainable, but it will actually save you money and time in the long run too.

Travel

So I am totally biased here but I truly believe that so much growth (and honestly LIFE) happens in traveling, especially alone. It’s not always affordable to travel, so I recommend setting financial goals to keep yourself on track with saving to make the trip. It’s also not a bad idea to start with a smaller trip. One of my favorite U.S. cities worth visiting is Austin, TX and it is pretty affordable! Keep your eyes peeled for flash deals on flights and hotel too. Hotel Tonight is also a great resource for more affordable last minute accommodations.

This is my own personal list. Honorable mentions: dirty dozen six organic foods, your living space and what goes in it to bring you peace and joy, and BOOKS! What’s on yours? All the love.

BEST OF VEGAN CHEESE

vegan charcuterie board from Rebel Cheese in Austin, TX – a vegan deli

Cheese is probably my favorite food of all time but unfortunately, my sensitivity to dairy makes it hard to enjoy it without stomach pains. Oh the joys of getting older!! FORTUNATELY though for us, there are so many alternatives out there now. It’s amazing and honestly mind blowing. Here are the best of the best!

Kite Hill Cream Cheese

My first love. This almond milk based cream cheese has the texture of cream cheese and the taste will have you wondering if you accidentally had the real thing. I am obsessed with the jalapeño flavor!

Miyoko’s Kitchen Cheese Wheel

An absolute MUST for any vegan OR non-vegan charcuterie board. The flavors are absolutely insane and they are the true reason why I could do without real cheese. The double cream chive, garlic herb, and sundried tomato garlic are all BOMB.

Miyoko’s Kitchen Mozzarella

IT MELTS. I REPEAT. IT MELTS. This cheese is my favorite to top on pizzas and tastes amazing in Caprese salads too!

Spero Goaty Chevre

If you’re a goat cheese lover, you are freaking welcome. One of the best plant based cheeses I have ever had, period. Clean ingredients. Win, win, win!

Field Roast Creamy Original Chao Slices

One of my favorite plant based sliced cheeses. I prefer to have it melted in a sandwich versus cold but still good either way!

Violife Just Like Smoked Provolone Slices

Super tasty hot or cold. Kind of crazy how they nail the taste of Provolone.. just not gonna question it.

Kite Hill Ricotta

I find that vegan ricotta is one of the easiest cheeses to make, but if you don’t have the time, this one is a WINNER. Taste and texture on point.

Rind Paprika Brie

The ONLY reason why this isn’t at the top of the list is because it’s so hard to get your hands on. I tried it for the first time at Rebel Cheese, a vegan deli shop (equipped with vegan charcuterie boards) in Austin and I just can’t stop thinking about it. I have been dying for a Brie that actually tastes like Brie, and well, this is it.

Siete Spicy Blanco Cashew Queso

The name speaks for itself. It’s spicy and delicious and the list of ingredients is one of my favorite things about this brand. Absolutely ZERO fillers and junk!

The Honest Stand Cheddar Style Dip

WOW. JUST WOW. My favorite lazy day mac and cheese recipe has been brown rice elbows, two large spoonfuls of this dip, a splash of non-dairy milk, salt, and pepper. You won’t believe your eyes or your taste buds!

Hope this wasn’t too CHEESY. If you’re skeptical, just give one of these a try. I promise your mind will be blown. All the love!

FOODS I EAT AND AVOID WHEN I FLY

The facts are facts. You bloat when you fly. It was kind of eye opening for me when I was a brand new flight attendant and a senior mama pointed out a water bottle to me and said something along the lines of, “see that? That’s your body right now,” as the water bottle expanded before our eyes. I realized then that I am sacrificing a lot for this job. Being punished for eating veggies and hummus? ABSURD. But this is my life, and I want to share with you what I eat and avoid when I fly to feel good when I land.

EAT EAT EAT

  • GREENS! This one is kind of a no brainer. There are so many vitamins we get from greens so whether it’s a $10 green juice from the airport, packed salad from home, or greens tablets (Amazing Grass makes great ones), get em in!
  • Berries. They are full of vitamins and are such a hydrating fruit. Perfect to snack on midflight.
  • Citrus. Vitamin C + hydration. Winner winner chicken dinner.
  • Melon. Another hydrating fruit. Noticing a pattern here?
  • Cucumber. Eat you water!
  • Charcoal. Detoxify as you fly.
  • Ginger. Ever notice why ginger ale is such a popular beverage on flights? It’s great for your tummy! Bring ginger tea to avoid all the sugar.
  • Turmeric. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, I like to sprinkle a bit over veggies (+black pepper to activate the curcumin) or have a golden milk latte midflight!
  • No-legume dips. Listen. I love hummus as much as the next person. In fact, so much that I will sacrifice stomachaches for it sometimes. But the more I fly, the more I realize it’s not worth it, especially not on long flights. I’d rather opt for other dips that are just as good! Bitchin Sauce and Baba Ghanouj are some of my favorites! Kite Hill makes awesome dairy-free dips too.
  • Coconut water. It’s got a lot of electrolytes and great for extra hydration.
  • Kraut. Your digestive system gets confused when you fly, so one of the best things you could do is pay extra attention to your gut!
  • Gluten free oats. I love having oats because it leaves me feeling satiated which keeps me from mindless snacking. (Pro tip: prep your oats in a jar, then ask your flight attendant for hot water! That way you can create your own dream oats and avoid added sugars.)

AVOID AVOID AVOID

  • Legumes. It’s tragic, I know. Especially being plant based. Beans, lentils, chickpeas – I’ll see you when I land.
  • Cruciferous vegetables. Now this is just cruel. We are being punished for eating veggies and it sucks. But here’s the thing – broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, arugula, and cauliflower have fibers and raffinose which cause extreme bloating. And that is no bueno when you fly.
  • Carbonated beverages. I stopped drinking soda awhile ago, but I also stopped drinking sparkling water a little bit ago because of the bloat caused by little air bubbles. Think about it. You’re basically drinking air!
  • Dairy. I don’t consume dairy often anyway, but I especially try to avoid it when I fly because it upsets my stomach.

I should also add that I am not a nutritionist or a professional. For the past five years, my body has been a real life experiment and this is just what works for me. Also note that you should drink A LOT of water. More than you think you’d need. I also love to add FLIGHTFŪD to my water when I fly! I’ve noticed that when I take it, I land less bloated and fatigue. It’s like magic. As always, I hope this helps!! All the (gut) love.

TRAVEL SMART FOR THE HOLIDAYS

‘Tis the season! Between family, friends, work, and extra time to vacation, we’re here, there, and everywhere. I love working this time of year because it warms my heart seeing families reunited. Hearing stories about why people are traveling: whose grandparents we’re visiting to introduce baby to or what our unaccompanied minors are most looking forward to when visiting dad. It’s so special to be a small part of the journey. This time of year also brings new travelers and I just thought I’d share some tips to traveling smart this time of year (but also all the time).

  • Get to the airport early to fill your water bottle, get food, and use the restroom all before your flight. Plus, it’s nice to not be rushed!
  • Plan ahead if you have dietary restrictions and/or allergies. Pack what works for you and never assume the airport/airline will have a gluten free, vegan, kosher, nondairy, keto, whole 30, etc option.
  • Ask friends for music, podcast, movie, and book recommendations and come prepared with pre-downloaded material. Don’t forget your headphones!
  • Give yourself more than enough time for connecting flights to save yourself the stress later.
  • Essential oils work wonders for nausea, stomachaches, headaches. Just be mindful of others.
  • Have empathy and patience for airport employees, airline employees, your fellow travelers, and yourself. You don’t know what someone is going through and everyone will be much happier that way.
  • Stay hydrated and bring your favorite snacks!
  • Pack leftovers after visiting family and friends. You’re allowed to bring any food items with the exception of things like yogurt and soup.
  • Please and thank you goes a long way. Be courteous with your seat mate, cab drivers, hotel staff, flight attendants, gate agents, and TSA agents. So many people sacrifice family time to work during the holidays.
  • Don’t forget to pack your vitamins! Keeping your routines consistent is important especially to combat jet lag.
  • Extra supplements I like to take while flying are: Flight Fūd (inflight elixir, helps fight fatigue, jet lag, and other negative side effects of flying), greens tablets (I like the ones from Amazing Grass, Nuun (boost of hydration), and ginger tea to help aid digestion. These are not necessary but I’ve noticed a difference in how I feel when I land especially after long flights.
  • If you are an anxious flyer, check out my previous blog post written for anxious flyers here.

As always, I’m here for you! You can best reach me via DMs at @kaleintheclouds. Fly safe, fly happy, and fly smart. All the love.

SUPPLEMENTS ON THE FLY

I love taking care of my body by getting lots of sleep and eating tons of veggies – but when I fly? Let’s just say my body needs a little extra TLC. Between working redeye flights and living half of my life at 30,000 ft., I find myself feeling sleep deprived, bloated, fatigue, lethargic, and stressed. All of these symptoms can put me in a little funk, and that’s not okay! I am a happy person and I want to keep it that way.

I started experimenting with supplements about a year ago. I tried everything from charcoal pills, digestive enzymes, and probiotics in all shapes and sizes (pill form, plant based yogurts, kombucha, etc.). I couldn’t find a routine that would stick and it was hard to determine what fixed what. I also feel like I was constantly being my own guinea pig based on random bits of information that I would receive from other flight attendants, blogs, and influencers.

I was really intrigued to try some of Body Bio‘s supplements for one main reason: it’s backed by science. I LOVE SCIENCE. There’s nothing better than seeing scientific evidence backing why something works versus hearing someone rave about a product “just because.” Body Bio proudly announces on their website’s homepage that they have 45 years of research behind their product development, and rightfully so! Because they are a science and research-based company, many physicians back their products.

So, I decided to be my own guinea pig again. This time, with more confidence and hope! A couple of weeks ago, I received my Foundational Kit in the mail and have been using them ever since. The products I’ve been implementing into my daily routine are:

  • Sodium Butyrate: detoxifier of ammonia and neurotoxins to promote digestion and a healthy liver
  • Balance Oil: healthy Omega fats to aid heart and brain health
  • PC (Phosphatidylcholine): produces liposomes in the body which supports brain function and memory

All of these three key supplements combined are able to support me during times of stress while working 2 jobs and constantly being on the go, and most importantly, aiding my “permanent bloat.” Here are the main differences that I’ve noticed:

  • LESS BLOAT!!!! This is HUGE for me. As a flight attendant, I’ve joked about accepting the fact that I will be permanently bloated, but all the while being somewhat serious about it too. Since using Sodium Butyrate on a regular basis and ESPECIALLY while flying, I’ve noticed a drastic difference in how I feel. My stomach doesn’t hurt as much and I’m not as uncomfortable and inflamed when I fly. That said, I still have been avoiding processed foods (especially foods high in sodium), been drinking lots of water, and avoiding carbonated beverages. It also helps to chew slower when you eat to aid your digestion.
  • More clarity. Balancing two jobs is not easy, but I’m handling it like a pro thanks to PC and balance oil. I’m usually a bit disorganized and scatterbrained, but I feel like I’ve been able to handle keeping a booked schedule pretty well. Instead of spacing out and stressing about what I have to do, I’ve turned to meditation and creating an abundance of to do lists.
  • Less stress. With more clarity and feeling better physically, I’ve been less stressed. Stress is linked to so many diseases and illnesses. Personally, I feel like staying calm and stress-free is the key to living a positive and healthy life.
  • More energy. I’ve been able to get up earlier to get my day started and getting so much done before going to work, which makes me feel super productive and happy!
  • Better communication. Sometimes, I might need some help with words or I’m unsure of how to approach a situation, but lately, I’ve been able to communicate pretty well. I’ve been able to crank out business e-mails, as well as strengthening my problem solving skills at work with both jobs.
  • Detoxify. This is not a benefit I can see or feel, but based on research and knowing what these properties are meant to do, I know that these supplements are helping detoxify my body from toxins from flying. As a flight attendant, I am exposed to a crazy amount of toxins IE: radiation, so I’m glad to know that these supplements are naturally detoxifying my body!

It’s safe to say, I’m really happy with my results so far and I plan on taking these supplements to aid my mental and physical health for a long time. I’m so glad that there are products out there (BACKED BY RESEARCH!) made to make my life as a flight attendant just that much more enjoyable! I hope you find this useful and that you can try it out for yourself to see the difference it can make. If you want to learn more, click here! All the love!

POST FLIGHT SELF CARE

Traveling is probably my most favorite thing to do in the world, but flying is EXHAUSTING. As a flight attendant, I fly more than the average person and after years of doing this, I’ve finally figured out what works for me. I am also going to be sharing ideas via my Instagram friends too!

  • Going outside for some fresh air. I always feel so much better going outside after a long flight! Think about that recycled air – yikes!
  • Grounding. This is a new concept for me, but I am loving it! Grounding means to walk around outside BARE FOOT. Sounds weird, but it’s seriously the coolest and most relaxing feeling.
  • Hydrate. I like to stay hydrated while I fly, and luckily enough, being stuck in the middle or window seat is not an issue. Just remember to continue drinking water post flight because flying is super wearing on your body! The best way to “detox” is to hydrate. You don’t need fancy wellness shots, I swear.
  • Stay active while still listening to my body. After flying, most days I crave a walk or a good sweaty workout in the gym. Other days, I just want to crawl into bed. I try my best to honor my body.
  • Eating a nourishing meal and anti-inflammatory foods. Flying can mean snacking on things you don’t usually eat, and THAT’S OKAY. But after flying, I like to try and make sure that I am taking care of my body by consuming foods that make me FEEL GOOD. For me, that’s hydrating foods (cucumber, tomatoes, watermelon) and anti-inflammatory foods (greens, veggies cooked with turmeric and black pepper, nuts). I also love having smoothies after flights because it’s easier to digest.
  • Gua sha! I love to gua sha every morning but lately I’ve been using my gua sha after flights as well. It gives me a good reason to wash my face, apply nourishing skin serums and oils, then giving my face a little TLC. Gua sha is known to relieve pain, tension, and puffiness!

Other suggestions via IG friends:

  • “I drink a lot of coconut water to replenish electrolytes lost from working! And take a hot shower and relax with essential oils”
  • “Go to the gym and sweat it all out!”
  • “Throw on a face and hair mask, dance it out, journal, and hot shower”
  • “Epsom salt bath and legs up on the wall. Non negotiable”
  • “Shower and then read a good book”
  • “HYDRATE. And shower”
  • “Put on fresh sheets if I’m going home!!”
  • “Go for a long walk outdoors”
  • “I drink sooo much water when I get home after my trips and try to do yoga or exercise!”
  • “Wine. Lots of it.” (same)
  • “Shower!! I always feel so greasy after flights especially long ones”
  • “Thinking about what’s good to eat there!!” (also same)
  • “Drink loads of water and use rose toner spray. Eeeeks dry skin”
  • “Cryotherapy- esp helps with jet lag”
  • “Shower and skin care routine!”
  • “Sleep. I also like journaling and meditating, and skincare”
  • “Immediately unpack, do laundry, and get things put back where they belong”
  • “Take a nap! Because I probs needed 2 Xanax and a wine to get on the plane in the first place” (lol you go brave little toaster!)
  • “Def get fresh air, try to put my toes in the sand/ocean”

Hope this helps, my little gypsies! Safe travels and all the love.

FLIGHT ATTENDANT MUST HAVES (FOOD/HEALTH)

We all know how exhausting flying can be. Imagine doing it for a living!! Yep, I chose this life and I have no regrets. But that doesn’t mean I don’t get tired, fatigue, or jet lagged. There is no magic pill when it comes to traveling and every trip is different. Here are some things I like to keep on hand to make life a little easier, smoother, and more stress-free.

  • coffee – 3am wake ups are no joke. I love Bulletproof’s cold brew because it’s convenient, hassle free, SUGAR FREE but still tasty, and their packaging is recyclable which is super important to me.
  • greens – preferably in tabs because they pack well. I love the ones from Amazing Grass!
  • collagen sticks – I take collage daily because it helps with my joints (I like to run and do HIIT workouts) and because I open so many soda cans, I need my nails to be hella strong.
  • ginger and peppermint tea – both aid digestion. Flying always throws my digestion off.
  • healthy snacks – this goes without saying. Fruits, veggies, nuts, the less processed the better! But sometimes I will opt for a high fiber, high protein bar with low sugar.
  • charcoal pills – helps with bloating on the plane.
  • propolis throat spray – to help prevent sickness! I use it the second I feel off.
  • apple cider vinegar – so many benefits to taking ACV daily! I always have some in a little reusable jar.
  • adaptogens – I love carrying ashwagandha on me. It really helps me cope with stress!

*pro tip: stay hydrated, chew slowly, avoid carbonated beverages, and only eat when you’re hungry to avoid bloat! Our bodies bloat naturally when we fly but doing these things will prevent from maximum bloatage.

Hope you found this useful! All of the love and safest of travels!

THE WHOLE 30: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

mason jar meal with sautéed bok choy in coconut aminos, red bell pepper, carrots, roasted sweet potato, baked salmon, roasted zucchini, and microgreens

As a disclaimer, this is me sharing MY personal experience (word vomit style). I am not saying that you will feel this way if/when you try the Whole 30. Everybody is different and reacts to things differently!

THE GOOD GOOD

I loved eating WHOLESOME, REAL foods. It was nice to cut the processed foods and snacks and focus on eating foods that we grow.

The creativity I gained from this experience was incredible. I felt uninspired with my food prep, Instagram posts, and meals in general, so using ingredients like coconut aminos, watermelon radish, and edible flowers made cooking exciting again.

I noticed that after the Whole 30, my taste was enhanced. Everything tasted so flavorful and so sweet!

I saved SO much money not eating out and not drinking alcohol!

I realized I don’t need alcohol to have fun, even when hanging out with my flight crew on layovers! Also felt REALLY GOOD not having alcohol for 30 days!

I noticed that getting out of bed was easier! I woke up with a good amount of energy in the morning which made me feel really good!

It made me realize how sugar is snuck into so many things – condiments, protein bars, juices, etc. I’ve always checked labels even before doing the Whole 30, but I became more knowledgeable and investigative when it came to unfamiliar ingredients.

THE NOT SO GOOD

I became obsessive. Just as a little back story, I have a little bit of an obsessive personality. Whether it be a hobby or food trends, I get sucked in easily and become.. well.. obsessed. I was obsessed with the food restrictions and became fixated on what I could and couldn’t have. That was awful for my mental state. I never seemed satisfied with what I was having if I was actually craving pizza or a cookie.

I ate SO MUCH SUGAR. I don’t normally have a ton of sugar on an every day basis. My smoothies mostly contain steamed then frozen veggies and starting my day with a high protein/fiber/fat/greens smoothie really keeps me on track with a low sugar diet. Since I didn’t get to start my days this way, I ended up consuming a lot of fruit. I also snacked on dried fruit in between meals and having them for dessert too. I noticed the sugar was breaking me out and made me want more sugar too.

I ate more than I should have. I feel like I was ALWAYS snacking. I don’t know if it’s because I was constantly thinking about food or what, but I noticed that I ate more than I normally do.

Social gatherings were sometimes hard. It got easier and easier to hangout with friends and crews without eating the chips and salsa everyone else was having, but sometimes you just to be included. Hard to admit, but food IS so social.

Eating out was really annoying. Making a million food modifications and asking what was in the salad dressing made me feel really annoying and a hassle to work with. I always ended up tipping extra!

Having to explain what the Whole 30 was to people could sometimes be difficult. “Are you doing it to lose weight?” was one of the most annoying questions I got. It was also hard to explain why I was doing it since I ate Whole 30-esque to begin with.

As a recipe developer, I missed baking and creating recipes with “non Whole 30 compliant” ingredients.

THE IN BETWEEN

My crew cooler staples: Chomp bars, Lara bars (dangerous- tried to have them in moderation/half a bar at a time), Epic bars, baby carrots, an assortment of nuts, GT’s kombucha (the only kombucha I could find without any added sugars), Suja green juice, tea (so much tea), nut butter, apples, collagen peptides packs, cucumber slices, avocado.

I started drinking coffee again in place of my natural pre-workout in the morning (it has stevia in it). I noticed that my body responded well to it! I usually had it with a splash of homemade almond milk or coconut milk, and sometimes a scoop of collagen.

The words “it’s only 30 days” really kept me going!

I’d HIGHLY recommend doing the Whole 30 with someone you are close with/live with! The support is what kept me going but it definitely would have been a lot more fun and easier if I was cooking all of my meals with someone else and had someone to relate with on a daily basis.

FAVORITE MEALS CREATED ON THE WHOLE 30

BREAKFAST

breakfast plate with an egg frittata, greens, roasted purple sweet potatoes, and berries
egg bake with pasture-raised eggs, zucchini, purple radish, brussel sprouts, snow peas, and avocado
sweet potato toast with roasted japanese sweet potato, smashed avocado, watermelon radish, a pasture raised egg made omelet, smoked salmon, microgreens, and kraut
shakshuka with pasture-raised eggs, brussel sprouts, purple sweet potato, tomato sauce, avocado, watermelon radish, cilantro, and cashew cheeze sauce drizzle

LUNCH

sweet potato bun sliders with turkey burgers, red onion, kraut microgreens, dill, and a side salad
a giant salad made with mixed greens, sweet potato ribbons, chicken sausage, purple radish, hemp seed crusted avo, dill, and edible flowers
grown up kid snack plate with almond flour crusted air fried chicken nuggets, kale salad, sweet potato fries, zucchini fries, and avocado
a niçoise inspired salad with arugula, jammy egg, smoked salmon, roasted sweet potato, cherry tomatoes, kraut, olives, sautéed green beans, and lemon

DINNER

vegetable stir fry with green beans, brussel sprouts, red onion, watermelon radish, zucchini noodles, mushrooms, and microgreens with a creamy almond butter tahini sauce
sweet potato lasagna made with thinly sliced sweet potato, zucchini, almond ricotta, chicken sausage, marinara sauce, microgreens, and edible flowers
pan seared salmon with roasted sweet potato, mushrooms, crispy brussel sprouts, microgreens, side salad, kraut, and pumpkin seeds
fajita bowl with cauliflower lime rice, ground turkey, mushrooms, arugula, red peppers, microgreens, and edible flowers

For recipes and more, visit my Instagram feed at @kaleintheclouds

I hope this gave you a little insight of what being on the Whole 30 could be like! I would encourage it if you are rely heavily on processed foods AND have a relatively healthy relationship with food. I realized that for me, intuitive eating is so important and more my style. All the love!