Ugh....traveling...

blueviolet20

Okay, so, I'm really beginning to hate traveling. Why? Because each week, I drive between 8 and 9 hours back and forth from college, and it seems like just about every time I hit the road, I also hit the snacks. Hard! And not the good ones either....I talking chips, cookies, etc. Why do I do this? Because otherwise, I have a hard time staying awake! I need something to keep me alert, and munching on stuff or drinking liquids seem to be the only things that keep me up! It's really getting to be a pain. I went way over on my calories/exchanges today, because I had such a difficult time resisting the urge to munch on the road. Does anyone have any suggestions as to better ways to keep myself awake and alert while driving?

HannahPastoor

Bump! I have a hard time driving without eating or drinking. Otherwise I get dizzy and tired....Unless the road has a ton of turns and stops then I am fine : )

CCSunlight

pack some healthy snacks! put together a bag of carrot sticks or grab a 100 calorie pack. use that time to get your daily water intake or drink something like tea. you can still snack, just snack better!

jllipson

Gum
Carrots
Celery
Apples
Grapes

Think your fruits and veggies - personally, I pack a couple packs of gum whenever I travel - essentially you are munching, but on the same item. 5 or so calories are a lot better than all the other options it sounds like you are grabbing.

fwdmotion

It is hard when eating helps you concentrate! I have this same thing when working at the computer on a hard project. What if you packed more healthy snacks, like carrot sticks, apple slices, air popped pop-corn, sugar free gum, water, etc? Not as fun as dorritos and oreos, but will still keep you awake! Do you take any breaks while driving? Maybe you can try to burn some calories by doing a little walk or something.

Starletdoe

One suggestion is to listen to audio books, either on CDs loaned from library (or on your MP3 hooked up to a USB port or whatever)...

I use this approach to remain calm & patient in traffic. Once you become interested in the book you won't mind that it takes a little longer having to stop at a light or wait for traffic to clear. It's the perfect Antidote for a long commute. I happen to have a short commute but I also read outside the car, using the MP3. (iPhone, iPod, et al)

However, re the eating part -- I like to eat in the car too, but now it's healthy stuff that I carry around in a cooler bag so that I'm not tempted by food off the list . I never leave home without lots of (healthy) food in the car so that I don’t get hungry enough to eat badly.

blueviolet20

I'm liking these ideas...healthy snacks, audio books, mid-drive exercise....they all sound good!

Pebble321

I agree with the suggestions of "healthy snacks, audio book and exercise breaks" and I would also add:
SING! Get a good mix on your ipod of songs that you can sing along to loud and proud. I am a terrible singer and don't do this if I have a passenger, but it really keeps me awake on a long drive on my own