Road trips are always a fun adventure, allowing you to explore the country and provide an opportunity for lasting memories. But it can also be a time when people let their health slide a little bit.
Fast food, unhealthy snacks, and lots of sitting are common themes on these trips. But they don’t have to be. You can still have healthy habits on the road to keep you feeling good and contribute to long-term health.
Here are some healthy road trip habits to help you this summer:
Stay Hydrated: Travel with water bottles and a cooler instead of stopping for sodas and energy drinks.
Schedule Breaks: Blood flow can slow down when you’re sitting in the car for hours at a time. Getting out and moving around every two or three hours is a good idea. You can use the break to walk around, stretch, and go to the bathroom.
Sun Protection: You might not be at the beach yet, but that doesn’t mean the sun’s rays aren’t shining down on you. Sunburn can occur while driving on your arms and face, so use sunscreen and remember to protect your eyes with sunglasses.
Stick to Your Medication Schedule: Trips can break up a regular routine, but if you take medication to treat a chronic condition, it is important to take your medication at the right time.
Keep meds in the passenger compartment in the car, not the trunk, so they don’t get too hot and are easily accessible when needed.
Don’t Wait If a Condition Flares Up: If a symptom or issue arises related to an illness, don’t wait until you get home to have it checked. Pull over and call for help or detour to a hospital.
Use Your Smartphone to Search Grocery Stores: Avoid convenience store snacks and fast food meals on the trip. Head to the grocery store, where you can purchase fruit, veggies, nuts, and unprocessed foods to eat along the way.
With a little bit of planning, you can have a healthy road trip. Enjoy!