Food formula and tips for females in the front seat
With research[1] revealing that two-fifths (42 per cent) of women are unaware of the ideal foods they should eat before driving to help maintain concentration and aid alertness, Sheilas' Wheels car insurance has teamed up with Yvonne Bishop-Weston, renowned London nutritionist, to create the perfect dietary driving equation:
H2O + n3 + Fe + Mg + V (A + B1 + B12 + C) = optimum driving efficiency[2]
However, for all those women who are constantly on-the-go and find it hard enough to stick to a healthy balanced diet, let alone an equation, we've also worked with Yvonne to compile some top 'food and drink' tips to help women maintain high levels of concentration and awareness behind the wheel:
- Try to keep a supply of long-life snacks, such as seeds or mixed nuts, in your car ready for when you need that extra boost - always remember to pull over before consuming food behind the wheel though!
- Where possible, choose wholegrain starchy carbohydrates in your every day meals rather than refined white ones as they release their sugars more slowly and steadily. Wholegrain carbohydrates include brown rice, pasta and wholemeal bread
- Aim to include a protein-rich food with each meal and snack to further slow sugar release into your system. Protein-rich foods include meat, fish, beans, pulses, nuts and seeds
- Try to have breakfast within an hour of waking up to replenish low blood sugar levels from fasting over-night
- Avoid alcohol and going to sleep thirsty and dehydrated the night before driving
- Avoid long gaps between meals as hunger can lead to increased tiredness, a loss of concentration and irritability
Research highlights that today's women-on-the-go are either 'driving on empty' or quickly filling up on foods before (or during) their journey that may have a detrimental effect on their concentration and energy levels. So ladies, remember you get out what you put in and this is especially true when it comes to what you do or don't eat before taking to the driving seat.
Sheilas' Meals
For those women looking for a more substantial food fix before a long journey, we've also compiled a number of ideal breakfast, lunch and dinner driving recipes to suit all journey start times - Sheilas' Meals.
- Sheilas' Wheels used the independent online research company Fly Research who surveyed 1,024 females in the UK, from across the country aged 18 and over, between the 7th July and 10th July 2009.
- This equation is valid if it is used over a sustained period of time, not just before driving. The advice is not suggesting these vitamins and minerals should be obtained from liquid alternatives.
The advice in this press release is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, please contact your doctor if you have concerns about your health. Stimulating foods should be avoided if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure or are pregnant. There are also other health conditions which may be relevant, please check with your GP.
