During this period of departure on vacation, all the elements must be taken into account before getting behind the wheel, notably food. A clinical study made it possible to identify the foods which favor deconcentration and which are therefore to be avoided before embarking on the road.

Perhaps you are going to take the holiday departure route this summer? Beware, in this case, of drowsy driving which remains the leading cause of death on the highway. Therefore, the choice of diet should not be overlooked, since eating while driving can sometimes make you want to sleep. Thanks to volunteers who tested several foods before settling on a simulator, a prevention insurance clinical study was able to define the ideal menu to keep your eyes open on the road.

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Do not exceed 500 calories

As a starter, opt for cucumbers, radishes or tomatoes. Main dish: white fish or chicken breast with lentils. Finally for dessert, opt for a kiwi or a brugnon and a square of dark chocolate. All washed down with large glasses of water. Here is the ideal menu before getting behind the wheel which should not exceed 500 calories.

"First point: opt for foods rich in water and drink at the same time. Second point: eat only easily digestible foods. Third point: the glycemic index of each food must remain low so as not to have a peak sugar and a pump behind. Do not hesitate to add a little bitterness and acidity because it stimulates ", explains doctor Frédéric Saldmann, who led the study. 

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More calories, fewer reflexes

Except that in reality, bad habits die hard for many drivers. "On the road, I eat hamburgers and after this meal I want to sleep," says a driver at Europe 1. "Generally, for me, it's a sandwich, crisps and other sweet sodas to have a little fun on the road, "says another with a smile. 

However, the other advantage of following a balanced diet rich in water, is being able to stay energized while driving and keep all your reflexes. With a 500 calorie meal, it will take 2.50 meters to brake. As for with three times more calories in the belly, it will take 10 meters.

Vigilance, therefore, while the extended weekend of July 14 is announced red in Île-de-France and orange everywhere else this Friday.