Tips for Digestive Health on a Road Trip

I received compensation from Bayer Consumer Health, makers of MiraLAX® to write this post. MiraLAX® is a laxative used to treat occasional constipation. All opinions are entirely my own. #ReLAXOnTheGo #CollectiveBias

As a frequent traveler, I know how hard it can be to eat right while traveling. Road trips in particular can be the most difficult. When you are taking a road trip, you may not be eating the best food or drinking enough. Too much snacking and roadside fare can be hard on your digestive system.

Tips for Digestive Health on a Road Trip

As a mom, I’ve been known to sacrifice my own dietary needs in order to make my family happy. With my sensitive stomach, one wrong meal can throw my entire system out of whack. Because we road trip so much, I’ve had to learn to adopt certain eating habits. These practical tips can help make the ride a lot smoother for moms who are like me.

Have a Healthy Breakfast Before You Go

Before you head out on the road, consider having a healthy breakfast at home. Fill your body with foods that will keep you full and energized. Fresh fruit, eggs and foods made with whole grains are just a few suggestions. Plus if you eat at home, you’ll be less likely to stop for a rest stop breakfast. That’s a win for both your wallet and your stomach.

Should your road trip include a stopover, you can pack items to make yourself breakfast before hitting the road again. Some hotels will offer a continental breakfast which could also be a good option.

Bring Sensible Snacks

We always make sure to bring a variety of snacks with us on the road. In my experience it’s best to stay away chips and candy as they can do more harm than good. Instead we opt to bring snacks with nutritional value. Our soft sided cooler is filled with snacks such as cereal bars, applesauce pouches, oranges, snack mixes, pretzels and nuts. In our cold cooler we pack cheese sticks, yogurts, baby carrots and grapes.

Hydrate

Dehydration is the culprit for a range of different health issues. The lack of water can also cause your digestive system to “back up”. Keep a refillable water bottle or stock your cooler with bottled water to keep yourself cool and hydrated. The only downfall is you’ll probably need to take more potty breaks. But, in my opinion, it beats the alternative.

Eat Where You Know

A road trip is not the right time to try new and different foods. As I get older, I never know how my body is going to react to something new. Instead, opt to seek out family favorites when choosing a place to eat. Then you’ll know which meals will play nice with your system. However, although familiar, it’s best to avoid fast-food outlets. While these places are comforting, they can be high in fat and calories. These places always seem like a good idea at the time, but not so much later on.

Pack a Picnic

Packing a picnic lunch or dinner is not only a guaranteed way to get the healthy foods you need, but it’s a fun way to take in the sights. Plus it’s also a better alternative to stopping for fast-food. Bring along bread, peanut butter, jelly, hummus, cold cuts or veggies to make sandwiches at rest areas. Use this time to stretch your legs and get some much needed time out of the car.

MiraLAX® Mix-In Pax®

Should the unexpected bout of occasional constipation arise, there’s a travel companion you shouldn’t leave home without. MiraLAX® Mix-In Pax are easy to take and are easy on your body. Throw some in your family medicine bag and you’re ready in case “things” happen.

MiraLAX® works with your body’s natural process to provide effective relief from occasional constipation. Because it works with the body, MiraLAX® provides a gentle experience, and doesn’t cause harsh side effects. MiraLAX® is different from stimulant laxatives. Stimulant laxative pills make your body go by forcefully stimulating the nerves in your colon. MiraLAX® works with the water in your body to hydrate, soften, and ease, unblocking your system naturally. Use as directed.