Going on a road trip?
Going on a road trip? The long hours of sitting in your car and eating all the greasy fast food can derail the diet of even a hardcore diet freak. You might have been on the best diet ever - eating vegetarian, low cal, low fat and low carb foods. But the minute you hit the road, with no access to your local grocery shop, your diet will go on a totally different trip. You will end up subsisting on fatty junk food and your daily exercise routine will just fly out of your car window!
Eat healthy, stay active
But, with a little bit of planning, you can eat healthy, stay active and have a good time on the road trip without piling up kilos. Here's what you need to do - Make a list of all the essentials that you need to carry along with you on the road trip. Take as much fresh fruits and vegetables as you can carry. Also, instead of those oily parathas, steam a batch of idlis. As idlis are double boiled and oil free, it is not just filling but also healthy food during travel. Also don't forget to carry bottled water.
Healthy food
If you are stopping over at a highway restaurant for breakfast, order an omelet with vegetables in it instead of a malasa dosa or stick to the standard idly and sambar/chutney. After breakfast, if you are craving for something sweet, reach out to the fruit basket in your car instead of a doughnut from the nearby pastry shop. First because it's not so healthy and second because it could be way past its expiry date!
Exercise breaks
If you are on a particularly long road trip, make it a point to stop and stretch your legs. You could also make this your exercise break. You could even go exploring by foot if there is a town close by. This will take care of your workout you skipped at the gym.
Anti-nausea medicines
If long drives make you nauseous, be sure you carry the anti-nausea medicines along so that you enjoy the trip and let others enjoy. You don't want be making unscheduled stop-overs to throw up.
Hygiene Tips
There is nothing complicated about hygiene tips when you are on a road trip. It's mostly common sense:
· Washing hands: While on a road trip, wash your hands as often as possible, after touching anything that someone else has touched - after using the toilet, before eating, after eating, after fondling an object 'de art at a souvenir shop, public phone or ATM. While doctors agree that you can get rid of all germs by washing your hands with hot water and soap, sometimes, especially on road trips this is not an option. In such cases, your best bet would an alcohol-based sanitizer.
· Face: You might be on a vacation, but the Sun is not. So, remember to carry an effective sunscreen and a moisturizer or a lotion which is a combination of both. Also, since walking into washrooms for a face wash is not possible, carry facial cleansing tissues. These are alcohol and soap free, don't require water and clean your face just like water does.
· Clean nails: Keep your nails short and clean them whenever they are dirty, as you might end up swallowing the germs inside your nails leading to infections. We know sharing is good, but do not share your towel with anyone, especially on a road trip.
Stay hydrated
Stay hydrated: Drink water, lots of water. This will keep your urinary tract healthy.
Light-weight clothes
· Wear light-weight clothes: Wearing light, airy clothes will keep you from chafing and overheating. Also, avoid wearing synthetic underwear. Stick to cotton as they are light and dry almost instantly. In addition, carry talcum powder to keep your feet and underarms fresh and dry.
· If you plan to wear shoes instead of thongs or floaters while on the road trip, make sure you carry at least two extra pair of socks as you don't want the entire car to stink. Keep these tips in mind, have fun and a safe and healthy road trip!
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