Surviving Our Services - SOS
We are all aware of the familiar blue signs that line our motorways, signalling for drivers to re-fuel, visit the loo, have a bite to eat and drink before hitting the road again. When you think about the many incidents that happen on the road, it is acceptable to say that our intake of food and drink are essential to drivers always being alert and in their best state of mind. Why is it that little care is given to what food items are purchased and consumed during this all important stop? You will notice on the above blue sign that a neat little knife and fork are displayed, How many people actually use those items when they stop to eat at the services? I've rarely seen anyone sit down and devour a cheap fast food meal with cutlery. Fast food is usually scoffed quickly, barely allowed to digest before a prompt return to the car swallowing large amounts of sugar filled soft drink in an attempt to get rid of the heartburn incurred from the rushed meal. This often results in a further pitstop at another motorway services in order to relieve a full bladder.
If money was no object then in Natural Food Finder dreamland we would love to have our sign neatly displayed at upcoming service stops to highlight where high quality food could be purchased. Can you imagine it? Natural Food Finder services? Maybe Hugh Fearnley & Jamie Oliver could team up and design a brand of reliable, quality, convenient food to fuel us along our journey!
Sadly, the truth is people are rarely deterred with what is already on offer. Usually after tiredness sets in and tempers have frayed by the time you give in and stop at a services, hunger levels are high and food choice and quality are certainly not. Your food radar is set to find the quickest energy fix to satisfy those overwhelming feelings.
We do not have to be subjected to this difficult scenario. Of course we acknowledge our avid Food Finder fans share our way of thinking. So with that in mind, here are a few suggestions when you know a trip you are taking will likely require a stop along the way.The first thing to remember is to eat a high quality meal before you set out. A hearty breakfast will help, such as soaked organic porridge cooked with full fat organic / raw milk and topped with maple syrup and cream. A good old Organic full English breakfast is another satisfying option. Where possible a cool box full of your own high quality, favourite food items will allow the service stops to be for use of the public conveniences and not for food. Bearing in mind much of the poor quality food is marked up considerably you are likely to save your self a small fortune.
If you have not been able to plan in advance it's important to note that even when you have reached desperation point on the road, fast food outlets are NOT the only option. We would suggest you take advantage of the quickly expanding M&S Simply Food stores that are appearing at many motorway services. We do not endorse the brand as you can still buy high sugar sweets and drinks and other snacks that will not sustain you nor provide a sound nutrient base at Simply Food. However, they do carry some better options that will provide some decent sustenance and will likely keep you going for the journey. Consider choices like:
- Vanilla whole milk or Coconut smoothie
- British Scotch eggs
- Salmon, pastrami, or ham slices
- Snack size cheeses
- Greek yoghurt
- Salted nuts
- Banana
- Plain butter flapjack
- Bottle of mineral water
If you are not travelling a route where these outlets are available and you need to stop then think carefully about what you select. Try to include some natural fats and protein in your food and don't just rely on sugary sweets, drinks and crisps. Sometimes you will be faced with a situation where you are trying to select something from the 'best of the worst'. Remember from a health perspective when you eat well at least 80% of the time on these rare occassions you will manage. In these circumstances standard salted peanuts, snack size cheeses, a piece of fruit and butter flapjack have come to the rescue on occassion until I could find something better.
Happy travelling, well it will be when we eat better food!
