(NC) Heading out on the open road to your favourite destination is both relaxing and exciting. But depending on the distance, the drive can also mean cramped legs, a sore back from sitting so long and not-so-healthy snacks at stops along the way.
If this sounds like you on your last road trip, don’t be too hard on yourself because you’re not alone. It turns out 40 per cent of Canadians fall out of step with their healthy routine during vacations, according to the Centrum Small Steps Survey. But this doesn’t have to be the case. Try these health hacks for your next long drive, whether it’s to the cottage or across the country.
1. The fresher the better: Pick up fresh produce from roadside farmer’s markets to keep on hand for snacking in the car along the way. Fresh vegetables and fruits bought at farmer’s markets often have more nutrients because less time out of the earth means more nutrients are retained.
2. Keep your cool: A cooler in your trunk allows you to pack healthy options like hummus and carrots or yogurt. Combined with a bag of snacks including dried fruit, nuts or granola, you’ll have a variety of healthy options on the road. Your snack bag is also a great spot to keep your bottle of multivitamins — that way they’re handy and in sight, so you’ll remember to take them. “This is really the time you need a multivitamin the most,” says Theresa Albert, a Toronto-based nutritionist. “With the changes in diet, sleep habits and environment that a vacation brings, taking a multivitamin is a great way to ensure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals you need while travelling.”
3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Drinking water will not only prevent dehydration, but you’ll be less likely to get drowsy during your drive. Keep a bottle with cold water on hand and view bathroom breaks as a chance to move around and stretch your muscles.
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