Have you ever thought about how what you eat before a long drive can impact your driving performance and safety on the road? Don’t underestimate the power of nutrition when it comes to driving.

A well-balanced, nutritious diet can improve your focus, alertness, reaction time, and overall driving ability. In contrast, a poor diet can lead to fatigue, distraction, and even accidents. Read on to learn more about how your pre-trip diet affects your driving performance and what you can do to ensure that you’re driving at your best.

The Importance of a Nutritious Pre-Trip Diet

It’s no secret that what you eat affects how you feel. A healthy, balanced diet gives your body the nutrients it needs to function at its best, including your brain function.

The better your brain function, the better you can perform behind the wheel. On the other hand, a poor diet can lead to sluggishness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

For this reason, it’s vital to pay attention to your diet before a long drive to ensure you’re getting the right nutrients for optimal mental and physical performance.

What to Eat Before Driving

The key to a good pre-trip diet is to eat a balanced meal that includes protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fiber. A typical example would be a breakfast-like meal that includes eggs, whole wheat toast, avocado, and fruit.

Here are some other ideas to consider:.

Protein

Protein is essential for maintaining alertness and concentration, which is crucial when driving. Great sources of protein include:.

Lean meats such as chicken and turkey
Eggs
Low-fat dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese
Nuts and seeds
Legumes such as beans and lentils

Complex Carbohydrates

Complex carbohydrates provide the body with a slow and steady release of energy, which is ideal for a sustained period such as long drives. Complex carbohydrates include:.

Whole-grain bread, pasta, and rice
Sweet potatoes
Squash
Corn
Beans and legumes

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats are essential for brain health and can help keep you mentally alert and focused during your drive. Some healthy fat options include:.

Avocado
Olive oil
Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds
Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna
Coconut oil

Fiber

Fiber is essential for gut health and can help prevent digestive issues that may distract you while driving. Foods high in fiber include:.

Fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Lentils and beans
Nuts and seeds
Chia seeds

What to Avoid Before Driving

While it’s critical to eat the right nutrients before a long drive, it’s also important to avoid certain foods that can negatively impact your driving ability. Avoid the following:.

Junk food, fast food, and highly processed foods
Foods high in simple carbohydrates and sugar
Foods high in saturated and trans fats
Alcohol
Energy drinks

The Bottom Line

What you eat before driving can affect your driving performance and safety. Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet can improve your focus, alertness, and reaction time, while a poor diet can lead to sluggishness, distraction, and even accidents.

Always aim for a balanced meal that includes protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fiber. And, don’t forget to avoid junk food, fast food, and highly-processed foods to help ensure you’re at your best when behind the wheel.