Strategic Snacking
As a driver, you know that there are many things, including alcohol, some prescription and over-the-counter medications, that should NOT go into your body prior to driving. Did you know your snacking choices can affect your alertness as well? Certain foods with a low-glycemic index may help to keep your blood glucose steady for up to two hours and may help increase alertness?*
What is the Glycemic Index?
The glycemic index, or GI, measures how a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood glucose. Foods are ranked based on how they compare to a reference food — either glucose or white bread. The lower a food’s glycemic index or glycemic load, the less it affects blood sugar and insulin levels. Wellness & Prevention, Inc. (A Johnson & Johnson Company) has put together a handy list of low-glycemic index foods. Use this list when shopping to stay well-stocked with strategic snacks that will support performance both on-and-off the road.
You can also visit the American Diabetes Association to find out more about the glycemic index and how it can be used to make smarter menu choices.
*Eating low-glycemic index foods is not a substitute for getting adequate sleep prior to a road trip that takes two hours or more.