On motorcycle road trips, is it impossible to make healthy eating your sidekick? Oftentimes when we hit the road, it seems as though we have to sacrifice nutritional value for convenience. However, do we really have to settle for fried chicken, fried hamburgers, French fries, and fried pork rinds? Although eating healthy foods while on motorcycle road trips can be challenging, it is not impossible. Here are some basic tips to help you stay on your diet, while on the road:
1. Eat grilled foods and salads at fast food restaurants
The good news is that many fast food restaurants today are providing customers with healthy choices. It is highly advisable that you avoid fried meats, whether it is beef, chicken, or fish. Instead, select grilled versions, and limit the amount of mayonnaise and sauces on such sandwiches. Salads are another healthy choice, though keep in mind that dressings can be laden with fat. Fortunately, many fast food restaurants provide a "light" dressing that is significantly lower in calories and fat.
2. Bring your own healthy snacks
Unfortunately, you are somewhat limited in what foods you can bring on a motorcycle road trip, due to space constraints. However, you still have several options for healthy snacks. Consider packing your motorcycle luggage with items such as:
• dried fruit
• energy bars
• fresh fruit
• sunflower seeds
• trail mix
Also, make sure to tote plenty of water and natural fruit juices with you, as your exposure to the wind can result in significant dehydration.
3. Try to avoid junk food
We know that junk food is unhealthy, but it tastes so good! Junk foods laden with salt, sugar, and fat, are convenient and can be quite inviting after spending hours cruising down country roads. However, keep in mind that your body uses up a significant amount of energy (and water) during a motorcycle road trip. The "garbage in-garbage out" rule applies here. By making healthy choices for our meals and snacks, we can keep our bodies energized, and our brains sharp. Sure, it would not hurt to binge once a day. However, the bulk of your diet should be as healthy as possible.
4. Limit your junk food to one serving per day
To satisfy your craving for the junk food "food group," limit your intake to one serving per day. However, it is advisable that you set limits to how "junky" the food can be. For instance, you could limit the number of calories it can have, require it to have a substantial amount of vitamins and minerals, or allow absolutely no trans-fat. For instance, buying a small bag of low-fat potato chips and a sport drink is not the healthiest choice you can make for a snack, but it is not the worst one you could make either.
Hitting the road on a motorcycle road trip does not mean that your health has to take a hit as well. By taking some simple precautions, you can make your trip as healthy as it is thrilling.
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4 Easy Tips For Eating Healthy During Motorcycle Road TripsBy Jenny Carson
Please stay alert and take notice! The following information could be life-saving. Long-distance motorcycle road trips provide an array of benefits. There is the open road, the panoramic views, and the feeling of truly "getting away from it all." However, before you strap on your gear, including a helmet, jacket, riding pants, and motorcycle bikes, be aware of one of the biggest enemies of long-distance motorcycling: exhaustion. Motorcycling exposes you to the elements and can be quite fatiguing. Here are some tips to keep the sandman at bay as you hit the roads:
1. Be aware of the danger of fatigue
For motorcycle trips lasting at least three days, fatigue becomes a major factor. The good news is that in general, fatigue is less of a factor in motorcycle accidents, as it is in automobile accidents. However, exhaustion still exists as a major factor in lengthy motorcycle trips. It is important to:
• know your body's requirements for sleep
• be aware of signs of exhaustion that your body gives
• take appropriate action when you are drowsy
2. Plan to get enough sleep
This seems like an obvious objective, but it can be quite challenging. Many people set a departure time for their road trips, and set it at the same wake-up time as roosters. It is advisable not to set a departure time. Instead, before departing on your trip, get to bed early enough and do not set a departure time. Waking up by unnatural means (i.e. alarm clock or a bucket of water in your face) means that you did not get an ample amount of sleep. Also, make sure to get a full-night's sleep every day on the road. If that is not possible, sleep well every two or three days.
3. Adapt your body to the long journey
You may need to adapt your body to long rides. Unless you take lengthy motorcycle rides during the week, or ride your motorcycle every day, your body is not accustomed to the rigors of long trips. In fact, your muscles will speak for themselves within the first full day or two of riding. It is advisable to take a break each 1-2 hours, to make the transition smooth.
3. Be ware of your "tired times."
The research of sleep experts has indicated that we experience "tired times" every cycle of 12 hours. Typically, this happens between 3:00 and 5:00 in the morning and evening. In the early morning, you are probably sleeping during that timeframe. Meanwhile, in the afternoon consider taking a break at that time. Catch a catnap, eat a snack, etc.
4. Wear comfortable gear
One way to keep exhaustion at bay is to wear comfortable gear. In particular, ensure that your helmet and motorcycle boots (such as Harley Davidson boots), fit snugly but not too snugly.
A long road trip on your motorcycle can be one of the greatest thrills of your life. However, make sure to take certain precautions, to minimize exhaustion and accidents due to exhaustion. Stay alert and alive!
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How to Battle Exhaustion During Long Motorcycle Road Trips By Jenny Carson