So first leg of my road trip journey was from San Antonio, Texas to Mankato, MN. 24 hours almost!
So what have I learned as a bariatric patient going on a car road trip...
First and foremost, and one of the things I wish I had followed better:
I definitely did NOT drink enough water. I have a feeling this would have made the trip a bit easier. Would it have made it a bit longer with all the pee breaks? Probably, but I wold have probably felt better and possibly more awake than I did. Here is a little pic of how water helps you function, and yes it helps with the brain very much!!
I luckily did not graze however, my meals were on the go and consisted mainly of protein bars and P3 packs. DO NOT DO THIS! This probably also contributed to my general feeling of crap and sleepiness. Make sure that your meals consist mainly of protein and veggies! One great meal is a protein shake AND it hydrates you. DRINK FLUIDS! Have I mentioned that yet? LOL
We went into a small walmart along the way just to get out and walk around and wake up for a bit. A long trip is havoc on the body and the mind. Remember, our bodies need to get up and exercise and burn off that food we are eating. Sitting in a car is not a good thing for those three meals we must eat.
One great thing about road trips is there are always things to stop and see along the way. A great site to find these destinations is called RoadTrippers. You put in your route and it will show you all the places around where you will be driving. Including the odd and weird stuff.
I was lucky enough at the beginning to be good for the first 12-16 hours ( I have no idea how) but if you feel sleepy get out of the car and move or take a little nap. Your passengers AND the other cars around you will thank you for their safety.
So what have I learned as a bariatric patient going on a car road trip...
First and foremost, and one of the things I wish I had followed better:
HYDRATION!!!!!
I definitely did NOT drink enough water. I have a feeling this would have made the trip a bit easier. Would it have made it a bit longer with all the pee breaks? Probably, but I wold have probably felt better and possibly more awake than I did. Here is a little pic of how water helps you function, and yes it helps with the brain very much!!
Stop and actually eat three healthy meals. DO NOT GRAZE.
I luckily did not graze however, my meals were on the go and consisted mainly of protein bars and P3 packs. DO NOT DO THIS! This probably also contributed to my general feeling of crap and sleepiness. Make sure that your meals consist mainly of protein and veggies! One great meal is a protein shake AND it hydrates you. DRINK FLUIDS! Have I mentioned that yet? LOL
Take frequent breaks to get out of the car and stretch.
We went into a small walmart along the way just to get out and walk around and wake up for a bit. A long trip is havoc on the body and the mind. Remember, our bodies need to get up and exercise and burn off that food we are eating. Sitting in a car is not a good thing for those three meals we must eat.
One great thing about road trips is there are always things to stop and see along the way. A great site to find these destinations is called RoadTrippers. You put in your route and it will show you all the places around where you will be driving. Including the odd and weird stuff.
IF you get tired take a break and nap.
I was lucky enough at the beginning to be good for the first 12-16 hours ( I have no idea how) but if you feel sleepy get out of the car and move or take a little nap. Your passengers AND the other cars around you will thank you for their safety.
CARRY CASH FOR TOLL ROADS!!
While we had a toll pass for Texas, we had NO IDEA there was a toll road from Oklahoma to Missouri. We learned this the hard way, had to turn around and get cash, then drive back to it. One thing to do is to research ahead of time to see IF your trip will have some then bring the appropriate amount. Luckily, we have cash for the way back LOL.
A tip from another trippers site. FOLLOW THE BILLBOARDS!
Some of the best little hidden places are found this way. We found a great Amish store this way on the Iowa/Missouri border. We got a bunch of great jarred fruits and things from this store and at a great price. Who knows what cool places and adventures these signs may lead you to.
Check in at all the Cool and Weird places that you drive by!
Facebook will constantly update these as you drive. Just make sure the driver isn't on the phone doing this. NOT SAFE PEOPLE!!
Before you even leave your house for the road trip.....Make a list and check it twice!
I wish we had done this. We forgot my daughter's shoes for the wedding, now we have to go and spend more money to go get her another pair. Lists are a great thing. Make them LOL
And lastly, TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES!
Til Next Time!!
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