Picture this scenario: you’re on a long drive and you stop at a gas station or convenience store to refuel your car and take a break.

As you walk down the snack aisle, you’re bombarded with an array of sweet and salty treats that are packed with calories. Despite your best intentions to maintain a healthy diet, you can’t resist indulging in a bag of chips or a candy bar.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people succumb to the temptation of calorie-laden snacks during pit stops, even though they know they shouldn’t. So, why do we do it?.

We Crave Instant Gratification

One of the biggest reasons why we choose calorie-laden snacks during pit stops is because we crave instant gratification. When we’re on a road trip or in the middle of a long drive, we’re often tired, hungry, and stressed.

We want something that will give us a quick energy boost and make us feel better right away. Unfortunately, many of the snacks available at convenience stores and gas stations are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, which can give us a temporary rush of energy but leave us feeling even more tired and sluggish in the long run.

Instead of giving in to the temptation of these snacks, try to plan ahead by packing healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, and granola bars before you hit the road.

These snacks will give you sustained energy and help you avoid the crash that often comes with consuming high-sugar snacks.

We’re Influenced by Advertising

Another reason why we choose calorie-laden snacks during pit stops is because we’re influenced by advertising.

Convenience stores and gas stations strategically place high-calorie snacks at eye level and in prominent locations to entice customers to buy them. We’re bombarded with advertisements for sugary drinks, salty chips, and chocolate bars, which can be hard to resist.

Try to be aware of these advertising tactics and avoid looking directly at the snack aisle. Instead, focus on buying what you really need, like water, fruit, or unsalted nuts.

We’re Bored

When we’re on a long drive, we often get bored and start looking for ways to pass the time. One of the easiest ways to do this is by snacking.

Unfortunately, this often leads us to reach for unhealthy snacks that are high in calories, like chips, cookies, and candy bars.

To avoid boredom snacking, try to find other ways to occupy your mind. You could listen to an audiobook, podcast, or music, or play a game with your travel companions.

We’re Stressed

Long drives can be stressful, especially if we’re running behind schedule or encountering traffic. When we’re stressed, our bodies release the hormone cortisol, which can increase our appetite and cravings for high-calorie snacks.

To combat stress snacking during pit stops, try to practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. You could also try drinking a cup of herbal tea or taking a short nap to help release tension.

We’re Not Paying Attention to Portion Sizes

One of the biggest mistakes we make when snacking during pit stops is not paying attention to portion sizes. We often buy a large bag of chips or candy bar, thinking that we’ll be able to control our portions, but end up eating the whole thing.

To avoid overeating, try to buy smaller portion sizes or share a snack with a travel companion. You could also try to portion out snacks ahead of time and only bring a small amount in the car with you.

We’re Dehydrated

Dehydration can often be mistaken for hunger, which can lead to unnecessary snacking during pit stops. When we’re dehydrated, we feel thirsty and hungry at the same time, which can lead us to reach for calorie-laden snacks instead of water.

To avoid dehydration, make sure to drink plenty of water before and during your long drive. You could also bring a refillable water bottle with you in the car.

We’re Not Prepared

One of the biggest reasons why we choose calorie-laden snacks during pit stops is because we’re not prepared. We’re often in a rush to get back on the road and don’t have time to pack healthy snacks or plan ahead.

To avoid this, try to plan your stops in advance and pack healthy snacks ahead of time. You could also research the best healthy options available at convenience stores and gas stations before your trip.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why we choose calorie-laden snacks during pit stops, but the good news is that there are also many strategies we can use to avoid them.

By planning ahead, being aware of advertising tactics, and paying attention to our bodies, we can make healthier choices when we’re on the road.