Beat Jet Lag!

Changing time zones is one of the most difficult adjustments for the Road Warrior.  And nothing is more hazardous to your health, no less your career, than that brain-dead jet-lagged nodding out in a business meeting or mission-critical event.  But a few simple steps help you lick it and stay on top of travel-induced fatique.

1.  Start taking Echinacea.  It boosts your immune system.  Before you head for the airport, pop three of them.  Take three more with your last sips of water or beverage just before landing.  Take three on arising your first morning.  Otherwise, one or two a day will do it.

2.  Landing early in the morning “their time”?  Eat a high-protein breakfast promptly.  Eggs with ham, bacon, sausage; cottage cheese; drink a glass or two of milk instead of fruit juice.  This is your occasion for a ham & cheese omelet.  Skip the hash browns, cereal, muffins, or other carbohydrates – limit one slice of toast without jam on the carbs.

3.  Make lunch light.  Cottage cheese, salad with grilled chicken breast – stick to fresh salads and other veggies and protein.  Skip the carbs again.

4.  Make dinner carbohydrate rich.  Spaghetti, Singapore noodles, fried rice, baked potato, even a pile of pancakes.  Carbs set you up for sleep!  Feel free to indulge in a high-carb dessert like cake on your first night in your new time zone.

You probably need another day on this protein early, carbs later plan to more fully adjust.  Especially if your switch is three or more time zones.  Just remember, protein helps you stay awake, carbs help you sleep.  Monitoring your diet will help you keep your head from crashing into your PowerPoint presentation and wrecking your trip.

May your road rise up to meet you!

Ann