Calculator Inputs
Formula Used
Preparation pattern: Destination breakfast date minus four days equals feast day one. Then use fast, feast, and final fast.
Day mapping: D-4 = Feast, D-3 = Fast, D-2 = Feast, D-1 = Fast, D0 = Break Final Fast.
Time shift: Destination UTC offset minus origin UTC offset. The result is normalized between -12 and +12 hours.
Flight time: Arrival time converted to UTC minus departure time converted to UTC.
Hydration target: Flight hours multiplied by your selected milliliters per hour.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your origin and destination cities.
- Add the UTC offsets for both places.
- Select your destination breakfast time after arrival.
- Add departure and arrival times.
- Choose caffeine use and meal preference.
- Press the calculate button.
- Review the schedule above the form.
- Download the CSV or PDF for travel planning.
Example Data Table
| Trip | Direction | Destination Breakfast | D-4 | D-3 | D-2 | D-1 | D0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago to London | Eastbound | 08:00 | Feast | Fast | Feast | Fast, caffeine evening | High protein breakfast |
| London to Los Angeles | Westbound | 07:30 | Feast | Fast | Feast | Fast, caffeine morning | High protein breakfast |
| Dubai to Singapore | Eastbound | 08:30 | Feast | Fast | Feast | Fast, caffeine evening | Local meals continue |
Argonne Anti-Jet-Lag Diet Planning Guide
Overview
The Argonne Anti-Jet-Lag Diet is a planning method for long trips. It uses meal timing to help the body notice a coming time change. The classic pattern is simple. You feast, fast, feast, and fast before the destination breakfast. Then you break the final fast at that breakfast time.
Calculator Purpose
This calculator turns that pattern into a clear travel schedule. It asks for origin details, destination details, travel direction, caffeine use, and meal preferences. It then creates daily meal guidance. Feast days use protein at breakfast and lunch. Dinner becomes carbohydrate focused. Fast days stay light. The final day also changes caffeine timing.
Safety Notes
The tool does not diagnose or treat illness. It only organizes the published diet idea into practical reminders. People with diabetes, pregnancy, eating disorders, kidney disease, or prescribed meal plans should ask a clinician before fasting. Children and frail travelers also need personal advice.
Timing Method
Good results depend on realistic timing. Pick the breakfast you plan to eat after arrival. That meal becomes the reset point. Work backward four days from it. Follow the meal type for each day. Keep water available, especially during flying. Avoid alcohol during the flight when possible. Sleep until destination breakfast if the flight length allows it.
Advanced Options
Use the advanced fields to adapt the plan. Set a fast day calorie target. Add protein and carbohydrate goals. Choose caffeine rules. Add hydration notes. The output also gives a travel shift estimate. Larger time shifts usually need stricter planning.
Exports and Habits
The calculator supports exports for trip folders. Download the CSV for spreadsheets. Use the PDF button for a printable handout. The example table shows how common eastbound and westbound trips can look.
Remember that jet lag is affected by light, sleep, stress, flight length, and health. Meals are only one cue. After arrival, eat by local time. Get daylight during the day. Keep naps short. Move gently if energy allows. These habits support the food schedule and make the plan easier to follow.
Store the result with tickets, lodging details, and meeting times. Share it with companions before departure. A shared plan reduces confusion. It also helps families choose restaurants, snacks, and rest breaks without guessing. Use the checklist again when planning the return journey safely home.
FAQs
What does this calculator create?
It creates a four-day feast and fast plan ending with destination breakfast. It also gives caffeine, hydration, and meal guidance.
Is this calculator medical advice?
No. It is only a planning tool. Ask a qualified clinician before fasting if you have medical concerns.
Which breakfast time should I enter?
Enter the local breakfast time you plan to follow at your destination after arrival.
What is a feast day?
A feast day uses high protein breakfast and lunch. Dinner should be higher in carbohydrates to support sleep timing.
What is a fast day?
A fast day uses light meals, such as fruit, soup, salad, toast, or broth. Keep calories modest.
How does the caffeine rule work?
Early prep days allow caffeine from 3 PM to 5 PM. Final day timing changes by direction.
Can I export the schedule?
Yes. Use the CSV button for spreadsheet data. Use the PDF button for printing.
Who should avoid fasting?
Pregnant travelers, children, frail adults, and people with diabetes, eating disorders, or prescribed diets should avoid unsupervised fasting.