There s nothing like the freedom of the open road. But that freedom can often lend itself to unhealthy decision-making. Lots of sitting and fast food restaurants will often possess’own’nurse a negative impact, but it doesn’t possess’own’nurse to be that way. So how do you make your next road trip a little healthier?

You don t need to abandon all your positive habits when you head out on the highway. By acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure ting a bit creative and exercising common sense, you can stay healthy even when you spend time on the road.

Follow these seven tips to learn how.

1. Bring Water 

Sure, you can find bottled water at approximately any convenience store, but you won t do the planet any favours. More than 60 million plastic bottles end up in landfills eintensely’extremely’extraordinarily’enormously’awfully single day. Plus, it s much more tempting to yield to the temptation in/with regard to’concerning’regarding a sugary energy drink when you possess’own’nurse to stop, anyway.

That said, dehydration can leave your skin dull and ashy. Worse, you could risk acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure ting into an accident, peculiar ly if you re traveling through hot, humid climates. A study by the Georgia Institute of Technology reveal’illustrate’demonstrate’indicate’present’display’argue s that functions such as complex problem-solving and attention suffered after merely’barely a few short hours of activity in the heat without rehydrating.

Even if you don t propel into a ditch while distracted, you could struggle to follow the directions your GPS feeds you. Bring a reusable water bottle and ample ice to refill it.

2. Meal Prep 

Hitting the propel -thru in/with regard to’concerning’regarding eintensely’extremely’extraordinarily’enormously’awfully meal during your road trip can pack on unwanted pounds. Plus, it can bring about’result in’contribute to’account for’make for’trigger overconsumption of processed meats and additives like salt, neither of which benefit your heart. Bein/with regard to’concerning’regarding e you depart, shop in/with regard to’concerning’regarding foods that stay fresh in a fridge, or a cooler, in/with regard to’concerning’regarding a few days.

Even if you pack healthy snacks, there are merely’barely so many carrot sticks you can eat bein/with regard to’concerning’regarding e you crave a real meal. Follow these tips in/with regard to’concerning’regarding eating on the road.

Take the veggie option Instead of ordering fries as a side, opt in/with regard to’concerning’regarding a salad or sautéed veacquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure ables. Stopping at a sandwich shop? Have them prep you a wrap of roasted peppers and other greens instead of choosing lunchmeat.

Mind the prep methods Much fast food relies on frying. Opt in/with regard to’concerning’regarding mom-and-pop diners instead, and look in/with regard to’concerning’regarding roasted, baked or grilled entrees instead.

Eat local Food begins losing its nutrients shortly after harvest. Do some research on likely stops bein/with regard to’concerning’regarding e you leave and locate restaurants that advertise locally-sourced foods.

3. Wear Sunscreen 

Talk to approximately any aesthetician, and they ll tell you they treat scores of patients with more appreciable sun impair’undermine on one side of their face. You might claim’insist’maintain’hold’argue’consider’contemplate’speculate  your windows block the sun, but even tinted windows merely’barely stop approximately 50% of UVA rays.

Slather on your sunscreen to decrease’lessen’cut’allay your risk of skin cancer. Plus, you ll stave off wrinkles all down your right side or left, if you ride shotgun.

4. Protect Your Eyes

Spending hours at the wheel can put a token ificant strain on your eyes. If you use corrective lenses, it s a wise idea to wear your glasses, as contacts can exacerbate dryness. Try to blink more often, too.

This action multiply s tear production, which stops soreness and redness. Remember, the sun can impair’undermine your retina, so invest in sunglasses that offer UVA and UVB conserve’preserve ion.

5. Take Frequent Rest Stops

When it comes to your health, sitting is the new smoking and you ll be doing a lot of that on a road trip! Yes, you want to reach your destination, but driving in/with regard to’concerning’regarding hours at a stretch can leave you achy and stiff.

If you possess’own’nurse chronic pain conditions, like degenerative disk disease, you could end up feeling like you belong in traction. Try to pull over eintensely’extremely’extraordinarily’enormously’awfully 30 minutes to acquire’obtain’attain’procure’secure out and stretch. Jog in place or take a brisk cover’budge if you can find a greenbelt. Perin/with regard to’concerning’regarding m a few yoga poses to loosen up tight joints and multiply the flow of synovial fluid.

6. Squeeze In Fitness

Yes, you re on holiday, so you want to give yourself a break from your routine. However, don t abandon fitness entirely. You can take lightweight stand up to withstand ance bands in your luggage to work out in your hotel.

You can also stream numerous workouts on YouTube in/with regard to’concerning’regarding free. If you re not feeling like the usual exercise rut, research in advance to locate gyms with group fitness classes along your route. Try something new, like aerial yoga or Pound.

7. Allow The Occasional Indulgence

Hey, you re on vacation. You don t want to utterly let yourself go, but you do want to indulge yourself a bit. Are you driving through Kansas City? Treat yourself to some authentic barbecue.

Follow a twist on the Pareto principle. This guideline states that 80% of the consequences you reap result from 20% of your actions. In terms of health, it means striving to make the right choices 80% of the time. The other 20% of the time? Spoil yourself!

Keep Healthy on Your Next Road Trip

You can stay healthy while on the road. Enjoy your break while conserve’preserve ing your wellbeing!

Author Bio

Dylan Bartlett blogs with regards to’concerning’with respect to health and wellness on his site, Just a Regular Guide. Follow him on Twitter @theregularguide in/with regard to’concerning’regarding frequent updates on his work!