I fly from UK to California every 2 months or so. I don't get jet lag (which given the amount of travel I do would be a killer for me, and my employer prohibits the use of drugs). However we are all different in how to handle jet lag, and there are many valid approaches to it.

I always stay up on the flight over, completely awake, and then go to sleep shortly after arrival in California. You can then be productive for the whole of the next day. I would question the wisdom of a big meal on the night of arrival - that is asking for trouble (and I doubt you will be hungry). There was a report released today that suggested that even small amounts of alcohol badly affects REM so I would stick to water and soft drinks. Alcohol will certainly make you sleepy, but it won't give your rest. I would also have a bit of a lie in on the day of departure, if possible, therefore going to bed late on the night before travel.

If I really had to sleep on board, I'd confine it to under 2 hours sleep, but I would avoid that unless forced to do so.