Food on the move
The facts
- Surprisingly few people think about the effect food has on their driving ability, but what we eat can have a huge impact on concentration level - and on overall well-being, which is especially important for regular road users.
- Boredom, convenience and nagging children are just some of the reasons drivers indulge in unhealthy, high-calorie foods on the road.
RAC have produced a 'Food on the Move' study, looking at the eating habits of motorists when they're driving. Registered dietician and consultant nutritionist, Sian Porter, carried out the research at 11 service stations along the M1.
Key findings of the study
- One in ten motorists admit to feeling lethargic on long road trips.
- 84% of drivers leave service stations without feeling refreshed.
- Over half (55%) of motorists enjoy sugary snacks when on the road, leaving them tired, hungry and unable to concentrate.
- 41% of motorists choose fast food. These meals are more likely to be rejected by the stomach, leaving drivers feeling dizzy and sick as the food quickly passes through them.
- A massive 74% of motorists choose unhealthy convenience food over healthier options.
- 54% of drivers blame the lack of healthy options for their unhealthy food habits.
- 32% of motorists eat junk food because they're bored.
- 11% of drivers say bad food is a key part of a road trip.
- 74% of parents often treat children to unhealthy food during long car journeys.
- 30% buy fast food as a means of keeping kids' bad behaviour at bay.
RAC's position
We worked with Sian Porter, the dietician who carried out our survey, to put together some top tips for motorists:
- Make time for small, regular meals. Large heavy meals can leave you feeling sluggish, sleepy and uncomfortable.
- If you're having a sandwich, go for bread with seeds or grains. Look for wholegrain, sourdough, rye, granary or a tortilla wrap. Choose healthy fillings, like lean meat or low-fat cheese.
- Have a piece of fruit, a fruit salad or a low-fat yoghurt, or choose a currant bun or fruit loaf instead of sweets, pastries and doughnuts.
- Drink water or low-fat milk. Small amounts of caffeine can perk you up but too much can leave you feeling jittery, with poor concentration.
- Long periods without food, followed by a large meal that's rich, spicy, fatty or acidic can lead to indigestion - as can eating too fast, poor posture when eating, stress and anxiety.
Get in touch
RAC Press Office
Vicki Burn
01603 684224
vicki.burn@aviva.co.uk
June 2009