I don't really have much choice about taking food: it's a precaution against meals I can't eat (either because they're inedible or because of various allergies to which the special meals list does not cater). I prefer, if possible, durable and flat foods - so beef jerky, dried mango, tortillas/wraps. If I have salad left in the refrigerator on the day I leave, i bring that (without dressing). Being able to eat first in the airline club helps, of course, but that's not going to get you through an 11-hour flight.

wg