Fuel Up for Freefall: What to Eat Before You Go Skydiving

Key Takeaways
Pre-jump fuel is crucial! Yes – you should eat before skydiving, it’s just important to choose the right foods, at the right time. What to eat before skydiving: light and balanced meals! One of our best skydiving tips to avoid skydiving nausea is staying satiated.

Are you wondering, “Should I eat before skydiving?” Yes! Eating before skydiving is a necessity. This question isn’t a matter of if but rather what and when. Food nourishes our minds and bodies, and equips us to take on all-encompassing tasks, such as skydiving. 

Why Should You Eat Before Skydiving? 

Eating before skydiving is crucial because it helps to stabilize your blood sugar. Blood sugar drops can impair reaction time and concentration, which are pretty critical for a fun skydive. Lower blood sugar can also result in dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and a general feeling of ickiness – all of which you don’t want on one of the best days of your life (your first skydive)! 

Can you skydive if you’re diabetic? The high-adrenaline nature of skydiving combined with altitude changes and physical exertion can cause some changes in blood sugar. Many people who live with Type I and Type II diabetes enjoy skydiving on the regular, but if it’s of concern to you, touch base with your doctor before booking your jump.

What Should You Eat Before Skydiving? 

What is the best food to eat before flying through the sky? Whatever you normally eat, but in moderation. The day of your skydive is not the best time to attempt the All-Star Special at Waffle House, ya know? So, if your usual breakfast is 20 blueberry pancakes, get that number down to 10 on jump day.

Here are some great options for food on the day of your skydive:

• Protein: turkey sammies, yogurt, eggs
• Complex carbs: potatoes, whole grains (get those Wheaties!), fruit
• Healthy fats: nut butters, nuts, avocado

Feeling too nervous to get anything down? Snacks are your best friend! Quick and easy bites, such as crackers, protein bars, nuts, and fruit are great options to graze on throughout the day of your jump. 

Pro tip: try drink your energy through a straw! No, not an energy drink, but something satiating – like a smoothie. Drinking through a straw is a trick that makes it easier to  ensure you get the nutrients you need despite the pre-jump jitters. 

When Should You Eat Before Skydiving? 

Eat about two hours before your skydive. A larger meal should be consumed around two hours before your skydive, while smaller portions or snacks can be eaten closer to the time of the jump. 

However, everyone is different! If you know your body takes about three hours to feel steady after eating, then adjust your eating accordingly. Similarly, if you feel great 20 minutes after eating, eating an hour before your jump may be the way to go. The most important thing is that you eat something.

What Should You Not Eat Before Skydiving? 

What should you avoid before skydiving when it comes to food? Super heavy, greasy, or spicy foods. Remember, we’re about to jump out of an airplane, your body has enough going on, it doesn’t need anything extra! 

What about coffee? We love a morning cup of Joe just as much as the next guy, and some caffeine on the day of your skydive is just fine. We suggest not drinking coffee or energy drinks in excess, as they can elevate your heart rate on top of the already-exciting experience. Again, if your body isn’t used to caffeine consumption, don’t make your skydiving day the first time you try it out. 

Can you eat anything after you skydive? Absolutely! Post-jump is the best time to indulge in celebratory foods and adult beverages. 

Speaking of … can you drink alcohol before skydiving? No shot! Consuming alcohol within 8 hours before a skydive isn’t just a strong recommendation, it’s illegal. In the moment, alcohol delays our reaction time, which (like a steady blood sugar) is important for skydiving. And after the fact, alcohol can leave us feeling pretty green, and experiencing a dreaded hangover while falling through the sky at 120 mph sounds like a nightmare.

Preventing Nausea When Skydiving 

It’s not common to experience nausea while skydiving, but people who suffer from motion sickness may encounter the dreadful feeling of an upset tummy. The good news? The chance of feeling nauseous is easily mitigated and can nearly be totally eliminated! 

Our best tip? BREATHE, and stay fed and stay hydrated. Many people who are scared to become ill while taking the leap are convinced that not eating may help them. This is a huge misconception! Not eating throws your body out of whack and can actually heighten your chances of feeling icky during or after a skydive.

Quick Tip: Should I Eat Before Indoor Skydiving? 

Yes! When it comes to eating before indoor skydiving, the same rules apply: eat light and balanced meals an hour or so before your flight time.

Preparing Your Body For Skydiving: Eat Smart, Jump Happy 

How do I prepare my body for skydiving? Rest, hydrate, and eat as you normally would in moderation. You got this! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Ready to schedule your skydive? Book your jump online today! Blue skies!