#[he favors sweet fries and likes some sweet things like sugar cookie and stuff like that

[sentofight]

the entire dorm was fragrant with the sweet smells of baked goods ! one could even catch a whiff outside the building even ! a joint venture from the second year girls( yukari, fuuka, & the ever excited for any group activity; minako herself ! ) who had completely bogarted the kitchen completely for the day. the trio deciding it would be far more effective, && cheaper, to simply make all the confections they needed for valentine's day--- though it seemed as if they really just had the boys of the dorm to give any to, the rest no doubt going to themselves. a proper way to rev up galentine's day for sure !

of course, that didn't mean that there wasn't any care into those sweets that were going to their male companions. juggling fixing the various mistakes caused by fuuka, minako had taken a specific venture to make a separate set of cookies for her senpai specifically. remembering a passing comment once before that he wasn't the biggest fan of sweets, aiming to make something quasi on theme with chocolate but not so sugary that it would be a pain & a half for him. so after flipping through quite a bit of various recipes in books at the library & quite a few online on the dorm computer--- she had settled on madeleines ! the lot were more like small cakes anyways but easier to eat.

&& with that in mind she'd made sure to make the madeleines herself, little cookie sized cakes that were shaped not in their traditional shell appearance but that of a heart in honor of the holiday. of course being heart shaped was no doubt expected from the bright fool, after all she loved her senpai ! she loved junpei, she loved yukari & fuuka & everyone at the dorm ! all her friends held her heart so why shouldn't she treat them with cute little heart shaped treats ! valentine's day is about love in all it's forms ! delighted to see the batch come fresh out of the oven almost perfect, the lot was half dipped within some semisweet chocolate. half were left to dry, while half were then sprinkled with some nuts for garnish, stuck neatly( as she very, VERY meticulously made sure the pieces laid juuuuust right ) within the chocolate. the other half were then separated once more & that half got a different garnish of white chocolate lines piped thinly for decor.

once done, the madelines were gathered & wrapped up within a cute handkerchief & tied with a ribbon to be put aside so it didn't get mixed up with the other goods & sweets. everything was to be made ahead of time so that early on february fourteenth the girls rushed downstairs & put out all the various chocolates & baked goods upon the grand table within the dinning area in the lounge for everyone to partake in all day ! specific boxes from each of the girls had been placed with everyone's names upon them, each having small bits of fudge or chocolates with silly messages or drawings.

the little bundle of madelines sat upon the boxes from fuuka & yukari, but minako's gift came with a little note rather than just a name of which said:

for senpai, who is very sweet but doesn't like things that are super sweet. - arisato p.s; you have to get all of us white day gifts now haha !

The kitchen was off-limits--a war zone, none of the boys dared to step outside of the rooms, heck some decided to spend their time outside of the dorm fearing for their lives. For Akihiko, he would hate to be locked in his room for hours, so he opt to go and train. It would be a good use of his time instead of holing himself up in his room.

Akihiko went on his usual jog, met some school mates on his way, and even club mates who share similar training regimen. Hagakure visit is a must, too after a long jog.

Junpei had texted him saying that the girls had finished their culinary crimes and he can get back home. It was not like left because of them so he decided to stick around and pay a visit to Officer Kurosawa.

The golden boy was not dense as to what this day hold in meaning. He just rather feign ignorance which can help him avoid unnecessary situations. The girls in the dorm were probably make gifts--chocolate ones for the people they like? Well, he get that it is not necessarily for people you 'love' since he got some chocolates from his foster mother early this morning. How kind of her ... which is another reason he cannot fail on his mission. He is Sanada's soul now.

Going back to the dorm after bidding goodbye to officer Kurosawa, he hoped at least that someone took care of what Fuuka had ... concocted. Whoever the poor fellow will get her mystery food x, may their soul rest in pieces--peace.

The smell is enough to knock someone out with diabetes. Geez, what were they doing? "I'm back," he said swinging the door open. Seems like there were no one in the lounge. "Hm... " he walked toward the dining table where boxes of different red gradient color were placed. "Did they make all of these? Cool." eyes quickly lays on the ones marked for him. "Huh? Me?" he raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"I see. They made for all of us, huh. Well, if we all get knocked out, who is going to save us? Sigh..." what a predicament. Declining a girl's gift is like ... opening gates of hell upon yourself. He'd fight shadows day and night than being placed in a situation like this.

Thinking ...

"Doubt anything in here can kill Junpei, so we might as well have a fighting chance." pure logic, ladies and gentlemen.

"Besides, Mitsuru will do something ... I think," unless she rather see them willow in pain .... she wouldn't, would she? Sigh ...

"Argh, dang it. If it does not kill me, at least it might make me stronger," perhaps. He picked the first thing on top which was the bundle. Something was obvious that it was from leader--just the careful details yells it is Arisato. Always looking out for everyone.

"Let's see... madeleines?" His first impression was a cake or chocolate something. This was not a bad choice in all honesty. Creative and different. To be honest, he could use a little bit more sugar today after his workout but hey, these go well for breaks between studying and training in his room. Definitely, a thoughtful gift.

He picked his share and climbed up to his room to try them out. Arisato's madeleines were chef kiss. All that home economics classes seem to have paid off, huh. Hopefully, the same goes for Fuuka's stuff--and Yukari's.

A smile curled his lips upon seeing the note. Yep, that's their leader. "I do like sweet things, though. Some sweet things." he do indulge in some sweet fries from time to times. They keep the kid in his heart alive. Oh, and pancakes. Pancakes are good.

"White day gifts, huh... Geez, now that's a hard thing to do. I have to think about it from now." he placed the note on his desk to be a reminder for him to not forget about his new obligatory gifts haha. God help him to pick something back for the girls.

valentine's day | i still accept them if u send them ~ | @foolshoujo

[slocumjoe]

could i get your take on what the companions (or just my favorite boy X6's) top 10 fave candies/foods would be in a modern AU?

anon you are in luck, because I am constantly thinking about the diets and eating habits of my blorbos

The numbered list isn't in any particular order, it's just so I don't have to manually count each point

so

What the companions would eat if not in a post apocalypse

Cait; Wouldn't have a taste for fancier cuisine. Eats more...hick-ish. I can say that because I was a hick with this kind of diet, growing up. Has a taste for filling, cheap, low-effort food...think lots of fast food, but "healthier" fast food. Like Chipotle, Panera, etc. Can cook, doesn't often, but will if she has a craving. Savory or tart tastes. She tends to eat lighter than you'd expect.

Blueberry brownie anything, favors dark chocolate in general

Submarine sandwiches, anything with pickles

Key lime pie

Salt and vinegar chips and thinks critics of such chips are cowards

Peach Redbull, any energy drinks though

Storebought hummus and Doritos, has been seen eating hummus with just a spoon though

Blueberry bread pudding. Simple to make, fun to eat, very comforting. Buys her bread already stale from a local bakery, has a guy to hook her up with the old shit

Seafood chowder

Sausages in any capacity. Jerky sticks, breakfast sausage, etc. Loves chorizo.

Honey buns from the gas station

Curie; Health nut, she eats like every influencer claims they eat like. Only, Curie actually eats like that. Lots of fresh foods and whole grains, little red meat. However, Curie makes a point to have foods that other health nuts would condemn, thinks its really important to not label any food as "bad." So, she balances between health nut and normal person. Her taste leans toward bright and/or sweet. Dislikes red meat.

Salmon breakfast wraps

Tropical fruit smoothies, eats so much pineapple

Iced tea, favors raspberry. Never seen without an iced tea of some kind

Halibut tacos, likes red cabbage and a fuck ton of lemon on it. Soft shells all the way

Bananas foster

Whipped brie dip, eats it with anything but loves it on apples, basically dessert

Lemon pepper grilled chicken and rice

So many salads, loves that you can just throw shit in a bowl and call it a recipe. Likes strawberries and almonds

Lemon poppyseed muffins

Shrimp and bitter melon stir fry

Danse; mixed bag. One on hand, small town diner tastes. Simple, cheap, good ol' American food. On the other, he's doomed to be a soldier in every universe he's in, so...maybe he picks up some tastes and dishes from places he's toured. Gets a weird pallate that shoots in all directions and makes you wonder what it's like in that thick skull. One day he's a good American boy with pancakes and steak, the next he's eating cake mix dry and drinking tahini from a flask.

Anything BBQ, but a pulled pork devotee

Hot coffee so heavily creamed and sugars it looks like milk. He likes the twix combo of chocolate, shortbread, and caramel flavors

Prepackaged baked goods a la Hostess, fucks up little Debbie oatmeal cookies

Apple and pecan pie

Menemen—Turkish dish, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, bell peppers, spices to taste, and (controversially) onions. Adds sausage and cheese, eats it with a fork or spoon (its meant to be eaten with bread)

Khachapuri—Georgian cheesy bread with egg. Eats with a knife and fork. (its meant to be eaten with the bread crust)

Smores pop tarts

Beef and potato stew

Rice bowl with fried egg and avocado, bonus points if it has bacon

Straight cookie dough/brownie/cake batter, usually when he's black out drunk and cannot shame himself out of eating raw egg products.

Deacon; Very childhood comfort food. Y'know, things you had as a kid, but probably grew out of a bit? Eats out of gas stations/takeout frequently. Very open flavor pallete, has tried everything he's had the chance to. Likes one-handed food, stuff you can have the other hand free for. Doesn’t really have a 'theme', has broad horizons for his diet. Likes lighter, mild flavors, though. He eats lightly and on the go a lot.

Hot/corn dogs, taste in hot dog toppings varies

Egg salad sandwiches

French fries and vanilla ice cream, classic combo

Mango sticky rice

Cornbread with any accompaniments. Likes honey or chili, thinks if you have a drink with cornbread, you ain't a real cornhead

Penne alla vodka

Cucumber salad. This could mean a salad with cucumbers, that trending Asian recipe where you cut the cumber so its springy, or eating a cucumber like a hotdog.

Fried mushrooms

Usually just drinks water but will have gator/powerade when he's working. Likes purple flavor

Captain crunch cereal, loves all cereal though. Prefers the kibble stuff to the berries. Starts philosophical debates about the morality of Trix commercials vs Lucky Charms commercials

Gage; His favorite foods reflect his upbringing. Coastal swamp cuisine, cheap and made in bulk. Take Danse's pallate and hyperlocalize it, and then lower the budget by a good amount. Things he grew up eating. Would gradually replace his favorites with pricier, 'less embarrassing' dishes, distances himself from his origins. However, takes care to not looked too loaded. Smokey and savory flavors are his thing, likes more spice than people expect.

Doberge cake, which is layered with pudding, often half-chocolate and half-lemon

Red beans and rice, with stewed pork if they could afford it

Blackened fish of any kind, liked it with cilantro-lime rice

Steak with potatoes and/or eggs

Chronic iced tea drinker like Curie, though he prefers the bitter kinds

Scallops

Brussels sprouts defender and will fight for their honor

Peaches

Was introduced to curry during a business meeting/outing. Could drink that shit from a glass, has it with potatoes and porkchops.

Lobster anything. This is one of those 'less embarresing' things, but he genuinely enjoys a good lobster roll. Even if he prefers a freshly-caught lobster bisque. Again, something he had growing up, something he pushes away.

Hancock; Similar to Deacon, but favors fatty, greasy food. No, it's not the drugs, that's just his metabolism. He's a skinny twink, always starving, can never put on weight. Eats as much as Danse, who is a big guy and needs more calories than most. He's really into street food and foreign dishes, won't eat at a restaurant if they speak fluent English or have good customer service. IYKYK. Very comfort food heavy, lots of "this would slap with Netflix at 2 am"

A classic oxtail, mac and cheese, and collard green take out combo

Any and all American-chinese take out, usually gets eggplant tofu with chow mein and cream cheese rangoons

"Walking tacos", those things where you open a small bag of chips and dump White People taco makings in. Probably just tips the whole thing into his mouth

Yakitori, Japanese chicken skewers, popular bar food

Bloody Mary cocktails

Pizza, will fight for the honor of pineapple. Would really be into how Brazil does pizza

Frozen yogurt and ice cream, piles with toppings

Breakfast sandwiches or wraps. Egg, meat, cheese, doesn't matter the time nor specifics.

Jam donuts, loves cherry fillings

Puppy chow/muddy buddies, chex cereal covered in chocolate and powdered sugar. Eats his weight in them if not careful

MacCready; forces himself to learn how to cook for Duncan's sake, but for himself...good God. It's horrible. Eats like garbage. Would never drink water if not to set an example. Take out, frozen food, so much candy and soda. After Duncan, broadens his horizons. Finds he really likes soups. Just throw shit in a pot and it works. Eats on a budget, so that's a life-saver. Doesn't have a preferred flavor pallete, aside from his love of candy.

Meat lover's pizza. Thinks pineapple has no place on pizza

Used to drink Mountain Dew and diet coke, replaced it with iced teas and more organic fruit juices for the sake of his teeth

Chicken soup, either from a can, or homemade. Either way, slaps. If homemade, blends veggies for a hidden veggie stock. For him, Duncan is a lot better at eating veggies, MacCready needs to trick himself.

Sour rainbow ropes

Cookie crisp cereal, thinks whoever came up with it deserved the sloppiest head. Incredible design, no notes

Cheese and sour cream chips

Famous Amos cookies

Eggo waffles

Gnocchi is God to him. Its superior to all noodles and makes your Shit In The Fridge soup 1000 times better.

Rice pudding is cheap, easy, and a surprisingly efficient sweet-tooth satisfier. Makes it with pumpkin spice mix or chocolate.

Nick; Home-cooked meals all the way. Could kill himself with cheese and die happy. Lots of easy meals and snacking so he can keep working, but will treat himself to a nice, hard-earned dinner when he has the time and energy. Likes himself the smokey, the fresh, or the sour. Probably knows all the best sub shops in the city, probably in a turf war with regulars of rival shops. Jewish delicatessens are like church to him.

Lasanga. Most of his freezer space is lasagna. Eats so much of it. He's lactose intolerant. It hurts but it hurts so good

Latkes. Fried potato things, kind of like hashbrowns, except the potato is mashed/ground instead of grated. And yes. Also pastrami. But those little potato bitches...mmmph.

Red velvet muffins with cream cheese frosting.

Fried cheese in any capacity

A prosciutto, arugula, brie, and fig sandwich

Pickled pearl onions

Cobb salad

Black coffee. Temp doesn't matter, because he's going to forget it until its room temp.

Has been known to enter fugue states and consume an absurd amount of Chicago style hot dogs

Scones or just plain bread with butter and jams

Piper; Broke college student trying to make it as a reporter. Her tastebuds are fucked, they salivate not for flavor, or texture, but for those good, good low prices. Piper's diet is almost entirely snackfood or takeout. If she ever cooks, it's for Nat. But when taking care of just herself, Piper eats from a box or bag. When she does cook, it's very simple meals. Loves her carbs and her fruit flavors

Chicken Ramen with canned chicken and frozen broccoli chucked in. Also makes this for Nat

Hot cheetos, eats with chopsticks

Spaghetti and meatballs

Fruit smoothies/smoothie bowls, blends in veggies as well for the nutrition

Coka cola and anything from Fanta, loves fruit sodas

Anything carbs and I mean that. Eats a lot of bread, pasta, cakes, potatoes...they're the sweetheart of anyone on a budget.

Buffalo cauliflower, likes it more than Buffalo chicken

Chewing gum. Fruit flavors only, hates mint gum. Likes mint elsewhere, just not in gum.

Nickle-nips and other "jelly/juice in a wax package" candies. Likes the charm of it, also, free chewing wax

Suckers/lollipops, big on hard candy in general but the stick satisfies her smoking habit.

Preston; A mix of easy depression/bulk meals and dishes from his childhood. Lots of spices, cooks with a lot of straight peppers. Tends to eat his food 'raw', not made into a dish. Again, easy and quick to eat. Also tends to buy pre-prepared stuff for the same reason, buys more fruits and veggies and just eats them straight. Doesn't care about eating healthy, he just lacks energy to cook most days.

I have no choice to explain this as it has no name. Casserole dish, layer of mashed potatoes, layer of shredded or chunked chicken, layer of white breakfast gravy or brown poultry gravy, top with drop biscuits. It's buttery, its savory, it is white as snow. Easy, cheap, one ladlefull is dinner. You'll get a few meals out of it, and it's so filling you have like, five minutes before you're stuffed. I call it gut-glue.

Dirty rice

Eggs scrambled with spinach

Jollof/jambalaya

Veggies and hummus or ranch

Various fruits and berries such as grapes, cherries, blackberries, and oranges

Shakshouka, eggs poached in spicy tomato sauce and eaten with bread

Chicken biscuits, crackers dusted with, like, chicken bouillon? They taste like a chicken Ramen packet sneezed on a ritz

Slurpees/Icees/those syruped gas station ice drinks

Straight peppers, eats bell peppers like apples. Eats pickled jalapeños and scotch bonnets to feel something. Drinks the liquid in pickle jars instead of alcohol, or mixes it with gelatin and makes pickle jello.

X6-88; Pretensious rich asshole who eats like it. He rarely cooks for himself, probably has a personal chef or something. Maybe his work has their own restaurants, like Google. Eats mostly vegetables, but his favorite foods skew from "Dubai Influencer" to "12 year old who earned too much lawn mowing money and was let loose in a convenience store." So much sugar. Willy Wonka's factory is his idea of heaven and until it exists, he's an atheist.

Raw meats. Steak and tuna tartar, sashimi, and sushi

Braised duck with cherries

Nduja, a spicy pork sausage spread, has it with flatbreads

Oysters. Eats them all fancy in public, eats them from a tin with doritos at home

Anything from Hostess, Little Debbie, those brands. Fucking anything. However, would kill a man for any kind of Swiss roll

Chocolate milk

Gummies, very picky with brands, hates the harder kinds like Haribo. Wants his gummies soft as a marshmellow

Cadbury eggs

Milano dark chocolate cookies

Gushers

[yuniesan]

The Cinderella Promise (RUCAS AU) - Chapter 5

Summary: Riley Matthews went to Las Vegas for her best friend and her Uncle’s joint Bachelor/Bachelorette party, but fearing that she would never find happiness she hides out in the hotel bar drinking away her sorrows. While there she meets a handsome stranger with a proposition that would change her life.

Billionaire Businessman Lucas Friar went to Vegas for a business meeting, but after being denied the CEO position at his family’s company, for being known as a player/heart-breaker, he comes up with a plan to win them over if only he finds the perfect “wife” to play the part.

One year was all he asked for, once the clock strikes twelve on their one-year anniversary they would go their separate ways.

But what happens with they start to fall for one another?

Chapters [0.5] [1] [2] [3] [4]

Chapter 5 – The First Night

Riley started cooking, since Lucas said he wanted his mom’s chicken fried steak she decided that she wanted to try to make it. Although she had made it before she wasn’t sure if her own recipe was going to be the same, but maybe making it would make him happy, she thought as she started on the meal. She heard the front door open and close, she wondered if Lucas went out for a minute until she heard a voice calling out.

“Dude are you cooking,” someone said as the voice got closer to the kitchen. “I remember the last time you cooked the house almost burned to the ground so just do yourself a favor and… Oh my god you’re not Lucas.”

“No I’m not, but I will tell him that you don’t think he can cook,” she said with a smile. “I’m Riley.”

“Well damn sugar I never thought that I would meet you,” he said taking her hand and shaking it. “I’m Isaiah, but you can call me Zay.”

“Hi Zay,” she said looking at the lawyer in front of her. He wasn’t as tall as Lucas but he was handsome, his hair was buzzed and his smile was sweet. Yet she didn’t feel the same electricity she had whenever she was with Lucas.

“So where’s Lucas?”

“He’s in his office, he said something about contracts,” she smiled at him. “Are you staying for dinner?”

“I was actually going to crash here tonight, I’m the one working on those contracts and I need to hand them in tomorrow morning before the final meeting.”

“I’ll make extra, it should be ready in about an hour so go talk to Lucas and keep him busy so he doesn’t distract me.”

He smiled at her and nodded as he walked away. Riley didn’t think anything about it and just started making dinner.

Lucas looked at the contracts for the seventh time since he left Riley, all he could think about was finding the two guys who had done her wrong and punching them until they bleed. He couldn’t understand why he was so keen on saving her. A woman he barely knew but somehow she brought out every emotion he normally bottled inside, while calming him before he did or said anything.

“Lucas,” Zay said as he walked in through the office doors. “I never thought that you would keep the wife, what happened? Are you hiding something from me?”

Lucas knew that since Riley had told her family the story he needed to do the same, he was better at lying than she was so stretching the truth would be easy. “Sorry man, I should have told you. Hell I should have told you that I ditched you to go have drinks with her and when I told her about your idea she said that she was alright with it.”

“You’ve been hiding things from me,” Zay said acting shocked. “Is that why you didn’t want to go out with that leggy blonde the other day.”

The reason why Lucas hadn’t gone out with the blonde was because he was at the point in his life where meaningless relationships were useless, and also blondes weren’t his type, although they were Zay’s type.

“I didn’t go out with her because I was already with someone. We just wanted to keep it quiet and we’re going to continue to keep it quiet, this relationship was new and now we’ve gone and complicated it with marriage, I’m trying not to scare her off.”

“Well she’s out there cooking dinner and you eat way too much take out so I’m hoping she’s going to be a good influence on you,” he said, Lucas couldn’t help but think of Riley cooking something in an apron. She was cute and sexy at the same time so the apron would be more of a fantasy, her in it and nothing else.  “You’re heads in the gutter, I can tell.”

“Yeah whatever,” he said sliding over the contracts, he had made notes on the plane and looked through them several times since but the moment he had that conversation with Riley his mind wasn’t on work.

“Dude you wrote a million things on these, I thought you would be having a fun night with your bride instead you worked? Man what’s wrong with you.”

“Zay, you maroon I worked on the contracts on the plane, Riley was asleep the whole time and I needed something to do,” he said wanting to throw something at his friend then it hit him. “Oh and by the way don’t piss off her mother please I don’t want to have to deal with the ramifications of that.”

“How could I piss off her mother, I don’t even know the woman, hell I don’t even know your wife and we’ve been friends since we were kids.”

“Her mother is your boss, Topanga Matthews,” Lucas said watching his best friend’s horrified expression.

“My boss the shark, is the…the mother of your wife, but Riley looks as sweet as they come and her mother is a scary scary woman,” he said trying to find a way to make everything better. “I don’t want to be fired, help me not piss the woman off.”

“Don’t worry Zay,” Lucas said trying not to laugh at his friend’s horrified face. “Riley’s the sweetest person, and she won’t bad mouth you to her mother. Anyway I need you to give me the name of that P.I. that we used last year to look up my father’s widow.”

“Why?”

“Riley and I have only been together for a short time, but we decided to confess somethings to each other today after we went to get her stuff from her apartment. Anyway she told me about her exes and I want to have them checked out because they did her wrong man and I don’t want them coming back after her because she’s married to me.”

“You’re worried for her,” Zay said smiling at him. “You want to protect her, man if I had known that she would have calmed you to this point I would have found her myself and locked you in a room together.”

“Yeah yeah, whatever, I’ll give you their information tomorrow afternoon.”

“Alright man, I’ll do that and meet you in the office around one tomorrow, but I am crashing here tonight because your wife…” he laughed. “Your wife is cooking dinner and asked me if I was staying.”

Lucas wanted to hit him over the head with the papers but instead went back to work, “Just read over the notes please and tell me if there’s anything there that I should look it over again.”

“Alright,” Zay said and the two of them started working on the paper work. They reworded some parts and drafted a new contract together, an hour passed when Lucas started noticing the smell of food wafting towards the office.

“Man, I’m hungry and the smell of that food is only making it worse,” Zay said breaking Lucas’ concentration.  “I wonder if she’s done?”

“Don’t hit on my wife Zay,” Lucas said keeping his eyes on his papers. “Or I will deck you so hard you’ll end up back in Texas.”

“No I don’t want anything to do with your wife… Only her food, because it smells damn good right now. I don’t think I’ve ever smelled something so good.”

Lucas hadn’t either, no one had ever cooked for him other than the staff, his mother tried a few times but it was always chicken fried steak and sometimes it was a bad mess. He mentioned it because as bad as it had tasted when his mother had cooked it, it was still the only good memory he had of her that wasn’t tarnished by his father. He was so busy remembering the past that he hadn’t noticed that Zay had left the room.

“Damn it,” Lucas said getting up to follow.

When he walked up to the living room and saw the table had been set for three and Zay was already salivating over the food, Lucas couldn’t help but laugh. When Riley walked in from the kitchen she was wearing a simple white apron, but the fantasy that had slowly creeped up on him early had come back in full force. Her face was partly covered in flour and her eyes were bright, but all he felt was lust for the woman he married. He realized that they would be sleeping in the same bed that night and he didn’t know if he would be able to keep his hands off of her.

“Hey Lucas,” she said when she noticed him. “I made chicken fried steak, it might not be as good as what your mother made but I hope you like it.”

He couldn’t help but smile, she had made the only meal that made it feel like home just because he had asked for it.

“Riley can I pay for you to cook my lunch from now on because this tastes amazing,” Zay said his mouth full of food. “It tastes like how my grandmother made it, bless that woman’s soul, but man I miss her.”

“Who taught you to cook?” Lucas asked as he joined them at the table.

“Nobody,” she shrugged her shoulders.  “I used to cook here and there when I was growing up but when my mom got sick I started cooking every day.”

“People would pay for something that tastes this good, trust me Riley,” Zay said as he ate the southern cooking. Lucas wondered what else she could cook.

“I’ll make lunch for you both and bring it to the office tomorrow, that way I can meet your assistant,” she said smiling. Lucas knew that she wanted to find a way to get Isadora with her friend Farkle and he didn’t see any harm in letting them meet.

“Do you take requests?” Zay asked making Lucas laugh.

“Don’t worry about him Riley he just loves food, and cookies too.”

“I don’t mind, I never got to cook at the café because all of the pastries were made by the bakers who worked there so no one really tasted my food outside of my family,” she said as she served herself food. “And Zay I would take a request if you have one.”

“Southern Fried Chicken,” he said before putting more food in his mouth. “But that would be bad after eating this, so how about you surprise me with the best sandwich you can think of, and maybe some cookies too.”

Lucas slapped his friend upside his head the minute the cookies were mentioned. “Don’t push it Zay,” he said as he bit into his food. “Oh god this is good,” he said as he chewed, Riley laughed and ate her own food.

The three of them ate in silence as they savored their dinner, Zay making a comment every once and a while as he chewed. Lucas laughing, feeling almost human for the first time in a long time. When they were finished Riley automatically got up to clean but Lucas told her to take it easy. He cleaned the table and loaded the dishwasher, while she sat with Zay in the next room talking. He didn’t know about what but knowing Zay it was about the cookies, and anything else, how his friend didn’t weigh a million pounds was astonishing to Lucas.

While Lucas cleaned up Riley sat on the couch drinking a glass of wine as the fire place roared to life. Talking to Zay during dinner made her feel like she was at home with her family but now that they were alone she wanted insider knowledge on her husband. Something that no one but his best friend would know, because she needed to get to know the man she was married to.

“So Zay,” she started. “If I bribe you with cookies, my world famous double chocolate chip walnut cookies, would you tell me something about Lucas when he was a kid?”

“Oh sugar you tempt me, but that would be breaking the code,” he said trying to dodge the question.

“What if it’s just something that you two did together, I mean the man is a mystery to me most of the time but I would like to get to know something. It can be a funny story it doesn’t matter.”

“Well,” he started. Riley knew the cookies were a low blow but she had told Lucas something personal but still hadn’t gotten the same from him. “When he was little he lived in Texas with his mom, and his Pappy Joe, his grandfather, took him to a kiddie petting zoo. I went with them because my parents had to go to Arizona for something I don’t really remember. Anyway little Lucas was so excited that when we got to the goat pen to feed them Lucas had turned around at the wrong time, of course Pappy Joe had told him to never turn his back to an animal but Lucas had been bouncing around so much that he forgot. Well the goat grabbed him by the hair,” Zay started laughing as he told the story, she couldn’t help but laugh along with him. “Well the goat pulled Lucas so close because he was trying to get to the carrots in his pocket, when the goat let go of his hair he latched onto his pants and yanked them, as Lucas tried to pull himself off, but the goat pulled them off along with his underwear… I think Lucas still has the mark on his butt from the bite mark, you might have to check. Ever since then he won’t go anyway near a goat even though he loves animals.”

“Aww poor baby, I wish I could have seen that,” she said giggling thinking of a little green eyed Lucas trying to pull himself away from a goat only to lose his pants. For some reason the image in her mind went to the little boy she had met when she was little, she wondered if Lucas looked like that little boy when he was the same age.

“Zay why did you tell her that story?” Lucas said as he walked into the living room with a beer in his hand. “I hate that story.”

“Yeah I know but it’s still funny as hell, Riley you should have seen face when he lost his pants, I almost peed my pants that day it was so funny.”

“Zay get out of my house,” Lucas said, but Riley knew that he was joking. She stuck her tongue out and smiled at him.

“How about I tell you the story of how I almost drowned when I was little,” she said knowing that it wasn’t as funny unless Maya was around commenting.

“Geez, that doesn’t sound so funny,” Zay commented. Lucas looked at her with a worried face but she shook her head.

“It’s not that serious, it was Halloween, I was dressed up as a Princess, my friend was dressed as a vampire and my other friend was dressed as the bag of a ninja costume, that’s a long story but I’m going to skip it, anyway my mother had one of those bobbing for apple bowls in the middle of the living room but had never told me what to do but I wanted to try it anyway so I stuck my head in but for some reason I couldn’t grab and apple and forgot to breath while I had my head inside the water and I started to suck in the water. My friend Farkle pulled me out of the water twice because I kept trying the game, but I couldn’t figure it out.”

“Oh Riley, that’s just weird,” Zay said trying not to laugh but he couldn’t hold it in and started laughing at the two of them. “Seriously you two were made for each other, you’re the weirdest pair when you were kids.”

“Alright Zay, time for bed,” Lucas said getting up but Zay pulled him back down. “Zay it’s nearly eleven and I have a meeting at seven.”

“Fine, plus I don’t want to make a bad impression on my boss because she might kill me,” Zay said but Riley looked at him confused.

Lucas laughed and turned to her, “A quick funny Zay story, your mom is his boss.”

Riley started laughing the moment the words had left his mouth, the thought of Zay and her mother in the same office was not something she had imagined. Her mother loved her job with a passion and that passion often showed when she was working and it was frightening, but Riley saw it as empowering.

“Whatever, goodnight you two,” Zay said walking upstairs. That’s when Riley realized that she was going to sleep in the same bed as Lucas and her heart started to speed up.

He looked at her and smiled, “You don’t have to do this,” he said knowing what she had been thinking but she shook her head.

“I’ll get used to it as long as you don’t startle me in the middle of the night,” she said. “I just need to take a shower because I smell like fried food.”

Lucas left her to shower in the master bath and she was glad to be alone for once, she had taken her duffle with all of her pajamas with her, except the majority of them were silk and she didn’t know what she would do, instead she picked out the only modest looking piece out of all of them, and the one that covered the most of her. A silk romper that cut off just above her knees, it was her favorite color and she hoped it would be decent enough that it wouldn’t cause too much of an issue.

I can do this, she kept saying to herself. The two of them had only been married for a day and her mind kept going back to his perfect abs and his slight smile, and the look on his green eyes whenever he looked at her.

Oh I’m in so much trouble, she said as she finished up in the bathroom.

Lucas stood on the other side of the door changing into the only pair of pajamas that he owned, he wanted to make sure that there was enough material between the two of them. In one day the woman had already burrowed her way under his skin, she cooked his favorite meal, she opened up to him, if she smiled his body heated up thinking about how she looked at him. He defended her to her family, even though he had never done that before.

What was she doing to him? He wondered as he finished up, and grabbed some extra pillows from the closet. As he was walking towards the bed the bathroom door opened and he saw Riley standing there in a one-piece silk number and he felt his body stand at attention. She looked beautiful as her hair was pulled back and he saw the smoothness of her neck, and her long legs.

I’m in so much trouble, he thought to himself as he moved towards the bed.

“I can sleep on top of the sheet and you can sleep under it, the comforter is warm enough for me,” he said trying to give her a semblance of control over the situation. He knew that if he touched her legs at any point during the night he would lose himself. He also knew that there was no way he would be able to sleep with the extra restriction on his body.

“That’s fine with me, I usually get cold easily so…” she paused and looked up at him. “Anyway it’s fine.”

“Yeah, well I didn’t know if you liked extra pillows or anything, so I brought some out from the closet… I’m going to go brush my teeth and we can go to bed,” he said walking away as fast as he could.

The sight of her in her pajamas had awoken his lower half and he needed to calm down before he got into bed with her. He started by counting to a hundred as he brushed his teeth and washed his face. After he finished and he walked out he noticed that the lights were off except for his bedside table. Riley was asleep on her side of the bed, she must have been exhausted after the long day the two of them had. The bed was huge but she was curled up on the side as if her life depended on it and he thought it was adorable. He climbed into bed and turned off his light, it took him a while to fall asleep because he was aware of her being there but after a while exhaustion took him and he fell asleep.

[almajonesnjna]

How to Plan a Better-For-You Road Trip

Confession: Over the last four years, I haven’t spent more than four consecutive weeks in the same place. In the last six months, my husband and I have slept in more than four dozen beds in seven different countries, with most of our travels spent zig-zagging across North America (twice in three months). This equates to a whole lot of time in transit from one spot to the next. But, because we’re both avid runners and cyclists, we’re heavily invested in making our trips as healthy and activity-packed as possible, even when we’re crossing from one coast to the other.

Whether your road trip is with family or for business, lasting a few hours or a few days, here are some expert tips I’ve personally tested on short and long drives. I can guarantee implementing a few of these stay-healthy hacks will make your destination feel a whole lot better.

YOGA ANYWHERE

You might feel a little silly doing yoga while you pump gas, but your back and neck will thank you. Try a modified downward dog against any wall, says Colin Matthews from Kula Yoga Studio in Toronto. “This posture makes it easy to melt tension in the upper back and shoulders without touching the ground,” he explains.

Stand about two feet away from a wall, and place your hands on it anywhere from shoulder height to hip height (higher for tighter shoulders, lower for looser). Your hands should be shoulder-width apart or slightly wider, with fingers pointing upward and spread apart. With a slight forward tilt in your pelvis, move your hips away from the wall while pressing into your hands to keep your shoulder blades flat on your back. If you start to feel tension along your spine as you move your torso toward parallel with the floor, stop and breathe into the tension. This pose is about melting, and melting takes time and breath.

WASH YOUR HANDS

This might sound obvious, but wash your hands every chance you get, even if you’re not hitting a restroom to use the toilet. You’re touching a lot of unknown stuff on the road that other people’s hands have touched, especially pumping gas or wandering around a convenience store, so scrub as often as possible. Hand sanitizer is equally useful, so you could also keep some in your car for quick access. Trust me: It stinks to get to your destination feeling sick.

Samsung and Under Armour have collaborated to offer an authentic fitness and nutrition experience by combining Samsung’s revolutionary wearable device with Under Armour’s Connected Fitness suite of apps. Whether you’re tracking your nutrition, daily workouts or running routes, this best-in-class partnership makes it easier to reach your personal goals and achieve things you never thought possible.

PICK SMART AT GAS STATIONS

Gas stations have gotten a lot more health-conscious in recent years; it’s not all candy bars and chips anymore. Clara Norfleet, RD, recommends any type of fresh fruit.

“I also like to pick up a bag of unsalted nuts as well. The fat is satiating and filling, and it’s a good balance to the sweetness of the fruit,” she says. “If they have some type of raw veggie pack, I’d pick that up as well, and a lot of gas stations are starting to carry greek yogurt. And water! I always have water!”

Hydration is exceptionally important on road trips — and not just coffee and Red Bull. Make sure you’re sipping plenty of plain water, even if that means more pit stops. Your digestive tract will thank you.

Norfleet also adds that the occasional caloric splurge isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Your road trip should feel fun, not like an endless struggle to stay uber-healthy. That roadside ice cream stand with homemade waffle cones might just be worth pulling over — and totally memorable.

PACK YOUR SNACKS

There’s no end to pre-packaged healthy snack options for the road, but you can go budget-friendly by buying your snacks ahead of time so you’re not paying a premium for healthier options at rest areas. Health Warrior bars, for example, use pumpkin seeds and a host of antioxidant-packed ingredients to make a much healthier, but still tasty, granola bar. “They’re easy to pack in a purse, bag or side pocket; they are nutrient-dense and with minimal added sugars,” says Norfleet. “Above all, they truly taste great!”

ADD VEGGIES

Whatever meals you do end up eating — and let’s be honest, even the healthiest among us have to go for fast food sometimes — do yourself a favor and make sure there’s at least one vegetable present. Even if that means getting a side salad with your burger and fries, that’s better than nothing. 

DON’T FORGET THE PROTEIN

Finding healthy meat and protein options can be a pain, so pack an emergency protein powder supply to quickly get your protein fix. Unflavored collagen protein from Vital Proteins can be dissolved in coffee or tea for a protein boost that doesn’t add any taste.

“Protein has that extra staying power that will help us feel both full and satisfied,” adds Norfleet. “Oftentimes, carb- and fat-rich options may leave us feeling full, but hardly satisfied, and an hour or so later we find ourselves grabbing for another snack!”

KEEP TRACK OF SNACKING

When you’re on the road, it can be hard to stick to a reasonable calorie count. A donut here, a cookie there, a candy bar at 3 a.m. to stay awake … we know how it goes. Those calories, plus fast food stops and fancy coffees, can easily put you well above your daily calorie allowances.

If you find that you spend most of the drive mindlessly snacking, make it mindful by using the MyFitnessPal app to log your intake. You might be able to catch yourself reaching for the milkshake and swap it for a water instead, especially if you know you’re already at your target calorie count for the day. You’ll also be able to make sure you’re hitting your macronutrients, especially protein, and monitor things like your water and vegetable intake.

MAP IT OUT

Make your trip a little more fun by stopping in national or local parks along the way to stretch your legs and sneak in a couple miles of running or walking. Some sun exposure during a picnic lunch can also do wonders for your mood.

Luckily, it’s never been easier to find the closest park along your route. Thanks to the in-route search on the Google Maps app, it’s easy to look up nearby parks. Just put in your destination, pull up the route and then hit the search button. After that, type in ‘national parks’ and all of those along the route will pop up.

You can also use the MapMyRun or MapMyWalk apps to find routes nearby to get in a quick jog or stroll. Even if you have 15 minutes, it’s better than nothing!

STRETCH EVERY CHANCE YOU GET

Jacques DeVore, cycling coach and the author of “Maximum Overload for Cyclists,” is a huge fan of the walking lunge for opening hips and building strength. Whenever you have a minute outside of the car, instead of walking to the restroom, lunge your way there. You’ll look goofy but your hip flexors will be psyched.

“Movement Matters” author Katy Bowman echoes this sentiment and urges people to move as often as possible, in as many ways as possible. So even if you’re not a yoga expert or a serious runner, doing basically any kind of stretch or movement can help shake everything out and decompress after all that sitting. 

PICK HOTELS WITH POOLS, PLAYGROUNDS AND GYMS

If you can’t find details about hotels online, call the front desk to check what kind of facilities they offer. Bringing the kids along? Look for hotels with pools or playgrounds attached so the kids can burn off some of that pent-up energy. The last thing you want to do is drive 12 hours, then be stuck in a hotel room with two kids jumping on the bed trying to blow off steam.

A fitness center is another great thing to look for since you may not be in the hotel during daylight hours, and a super-quick late-night or early morning workout before hitting the road is better than nothing.

PACK A QUICK-GRAB WORKOUT BAG

As you’re packing, put your workout gear in a separate bag and keep it handy. Having easy access to your workout clothes, running shoes, deodorant, a towel and some wipes makes a morning sweat session much simpler — and more likely to happen. Pulling suitcases out of the van and digging for your sneakers can quickly wreck any motivation to move, but it’s easily avoidable.  

Written by Molly Hurford, a writer who spends most of her time living out of suitcases and chasing the best races, rides, runs, swims and whatever other outdoor adventures she can find. Follow her travels and adventures on Twitter and Instagram.

The post How to Plan a Better-For-You Road Trip appeared first on Under Armour.

http://ift.tt/2vbf1ny

[neilmillerne]

How to Plan a Better-For-You Road Trip

Confession: Over the last four years, I haven’t spent more than four consecutive weeks in the same place. In the last six months, my husband and I have slept in more than four dozen beds in seven different countries, with most of our travels spent zig-zagging across North America (twice in three months). This equates to a whole lot of time in transit from one spot to the next. But, because we’re both avid runners and cyclists, we’re heavily invested in making our trips as healthy and activity-packed as possible, even when we’re crossing from one coast to the other.

Whether your road trip is with family or for business, lasting a few hours or a few days, here are some expert tips I’ve personally tested on short and long drives. I can guarantee implementing a few of these stay-healthy hacks will make your destination feel a whole lot better.

YOGA ANYWHERE

You might feel a little silly doing yoga while you pump gas, but your back and neck will thank you. Try a modified downward dog against any wall, says Colin Matthews from Kula Yoga Studio in Toronto. “This posture makes it easy to melt tension in the upper back and shoulders without touching the ground,” he explains.

Stand about two feet away from a wall, and place your hands on it anywhere from shoulder height to hip height (higher for tighter shoulders, lower for looser). Your hands should be shoulder-width apart or slightly wider, with fingers pointing upward and spread apart. With a slight forward tilt in your pelvis, move your hips away from the wall while pressing into your hands to keep your shoulder blades flat on your back. If you start to feel tension along your spine as you move your torso toward parallel with the floor, stop and breathe into the tension. This pose is about melting, and melting takes time and breath.

WASH YOUR HANDS

This might sound obvious, but wash your hands every chance you get, even if you’re not hitting a restroom to use the toilet. You’re touching a lot of unknown stuff on the road that other people’s hands have touched, especially pumping gas or wandering around a convenience store, so scrub as often as possible. Hand sanitizer is equally useful, so you could also keep some in your car for quick access. Trust me: It stinks to get to your destination feeling sick.

Samsung and Under Armour have collaborated to offer an authentic fitness and nutrition experience by combining Samsung’s revolutionary wearable device with Under Armour’s Connected Fitness suite of apps. Whether you’re tracking your nutrition, daily workouts or running routes, this best-in-class partnership makes it easier to reach your personal goals and achieve things you never thought possible.

PICK SMART AT GAS STATIONS

Gas stations have gotten a lot more health-conscious in recent years; it’s not all candy bars and chips anymore. Clara Norfleet, RD, recommends any type of fresh fruit.

“I also like to pick up a bag of unsalted nuts as well. The fat is satiating and filling, and it’s a good balance to the sweetness of the fruit,” she says. “If they have some type of raw veggie pack, I’d pick that up as well, and a lot of gas stations are starting to carry greek yogurt. And water! I always have water!”

Hydration is exceptionally important on road trips — and not just coffee and Red Bull. Make sure you’re sipping plenty of plain water, even if that means more pit stops. Your digestive tract will thank you.

Norfleet also adds that the occasional caloric splurge isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Your road trip should feel fun, not like an endless struggle to stay uber-healthy. That roadside ice cream stand with homemade waffle cones might just be worth pulling over — and totally memorable.

PACK YOUR SNACKS

There’s no end to pre-packaged healthy snack options for the road, but you can go budget-friendly by buying your snacks ahead of time so you’re not paying a premium for healthier options at rest areas. Health Warrior bars, for example, use pumpkin seeds and a host of antioxidant-packed ingredients to make a much healthier, but still tasty, granola bar. “They’re easy to pack in a purse, bag or side pocket; they are nutrient-dense and with minimal added sugars,” says Norfleet. “Above all, they truly taste great!”

ADD VEGGIES

Whatever meals you do end up eating — and let’s be honest, even the healthiest among us have to go for fast food sometimes — do yourself a favor and make sure there’s at least one vegetable present. Even if that means getting a side salad with your burger and fries, that’s better than nothing. 

DON’T FORGET THE PROTEIN

Finding healthy meat and protein options can be a pain, so pack an emergency protein powder supply to quickly get your protein fix. Unflavored collagen protein from Vital Proteins can be dissolved in coffee or tea for a protein boost that doesn’t add any taste.

“Protein has that extra staying power that will help us feel both full and satisfied,” adds Norfleet. “Oftentimes, carb- and fat-rich options may leave us feeling full, but hardly satisfied, and an hour or so later we find ourselves grabbing for another snack!”

KEEP TRACK OF SNACKING

When you’re on the road, it can be hard to stick to a reasonable calorie count. A donut here, a cookie there, a candy bar at 3 a.m. to stay awake … we know how it goes. Those calories, plus fast food stops and fancy coffees, can easily put you well above your daily calorie allowances.

If you find that you spend most of the drive mindlessly snacking, make it mindful by using the MyFitnessPal app to log your intake. You might be able to catch yourself reaching for the milkshake and swap it for a water instead, especially if you know you’re already at your target calorie count for the day. You’ll also be able to make sure you’re hitting your macronutrients, especially protein, and monitor things like your water and vegetable intake.

MAP IT OUT

Make your trip a little more fun by stopping in national or local parks along the way to stretch your legs and sneak in a couple miles of running or walking. Some sun exposure during a picnic lunch can also do wonders for your mood.

Luckily, it’s never been easier to find the closest park along your route. Thanks to the in-route search on the Google Maps app, it’s easy to look up nearby parks. Just put in your destination, pull up the route and then hit the search button. After that, type in ‘national parks’ and all of those along the route will pop up.

You can also use the MapMyRun or MapMyWalk apps to find routes nearby to get in a quick jog or stroll. Even if you have 15 minutes, it’s better than nothing!

STRETCH EVERY CHANCE YOU GET

Jacques DeVore, cycling coach and the author of “Maximum Overload for Cyclists,” is a huge fan of the walking lunge for opening hips and building strength. Whenever you have a minute outside of the car, instead of walking to the restroom, lunge your way there. You’ll look goofy but your hip flexors will be psyched.

“Movement Matters” author Katy Bowman echoes this sentiment and urges people to move as often as possible, in as many ways as possible. So even if you’re not a yoga expert or a serious runner, doing basically any kind of stretch or movement can help shake everything out and decompress after all that sitting. 

PICK HOTELS WITH POOLS, PLAYGROUNDS AND GYMS

If you can’t find details about hotels online, call the front desk to check what kind of facilities they offer. Bringing the kids along? Look for hotels with pools or playgrounds attached so the kids can burn off some of that pent-up energy. The last thing you want to do is drive 12 hours, then be stuck in a hotel room with two kids jumping on the bed trying to blow off steam.

A fitness center is another great thing to look for since you may not be in the hotel during daylight hours, and a super-quick late-night or early morning workout before hitting the road is better than nothing.

PACK A QUICK-GRAB WORKOUT BAG

As you’re packing, put your workout gear in a separate bag and keep it handy. Having easy access to your workout clothes, running shoes, deodorant, a towel and some wipes makes a morning sweat session much simpler — and more likely to happen. Pulling suitcases out of the van and digging for your sneakers can quickly wreck any motivation to move, but it’s easily avoidable.  

Written by Molly Hurford, a writer who spends most of her time living out of suitcases and chasing the best races, rides, runs, swims and whatever other outdoor adventures she can find. Follow her travels and adventures on Twitter and Instagram.

The post How to Plan a Better-For-You Road Trip appeared first on Under Armour.

http://ift.tt/2vbf1ny

[ruthellisneda]

How to Plan a Better-For-You Road Trip

Confession: Over the last four years, I haven’t spent more than four consecutive weeks in the same place. In the last six months, my husband and I have slept in more than four dozen beds in seven different countries, with most of our travels spent zig-zagging across North America (twice in three months). This equates to a whole lot of time in transit from one spot to the next. But, because we’re both avid runners and cyclists, we’re heavily invested in making our trips as healthy and activity-packed as possible, even when we’re crossing from one coast to the other.

Whether your road trip is with family or for business, lasting a few hours or a few days, here are some expert tips I’ve personally tested on short and long drives. I can guarantee implementing a few of these stay-healthy hacks will make your destination feel a whole lot better.

YOGA ANYWHERE

You might feel a little silly doing yoga while you pump gas, but your back and neck will thank you. Try a modified downward dog against any wall, says Colin Matthews from Kula Yoga Studio in Toronto. “This posture makes it easy to melt tension in the upper back and shoulders without touching the ground,” he explains.

Stand about two feet away from a wall, and place your hands on it anywhere from shoulder height to hip height (higher for tighter shoulders, lower for looser). Your hands should be shoulder-width apart or slightly wider, with fingers pointing upward and spread apart. With a slight forward tilt in your pelvis, move your hips away from the wall while pressing into your hands to keep your shoulder blades flat on your back. If you start to feel tension along your spine as you move your torso toward parallel with the floor, stop and breathe into the tension. This pose is about melting, and melting takes time and breath.

WASH YOUR HANDS

This might sound obvious, but wash your hands every chance you get, even if you’re not hitting a restroom to use the toilet. You’re touching a lot of unknown stuff on the road that other people’s hands have touched, especially pumping gas or wandering around a convenience store, so scrub as often as possible. Hand sanitizer is equally useful, so you could also keep some in your car for quick access. Trust me: It stinks to get to your destination feeling sick.

Samsung and Under Armour have collaborated to offer an authentic fitness and nutrition experience by combining Samsung’s revolutionary wearable device with Under Armour’s Connected Fitness suite of apps. Whether you’re tracking your nutrition, daily workouts or running routes, this best-in-class partnership makes it easier to reach your personal goals and achieve things you never thought possible.

PICK SMART AT GAS STATIONS

Gas stations have gotten a lot more health-conscious in recent years; it’s not all candy bars and chips anymore. Clara Norfleet, RD, recommends any type of fresh fruit.

“I also like to pick up a bag of unsalted nuts as well. The fat is satiating and filling, and it’s a good balance to the sweetness of the fruit,” she says. “If they have some type of raw veggie pack, I’d pick that up as well, and a lot of gas stations are starting to carry greek yogurt. And water! I always have water!”

Hydration is exceptionally important on road trips — and not just coffee and Red Bull. Make sure you’re sipping plenty of plain water, even if that means more pit stops. Your digestive tract will thank you.

Norfleet also adds that the occasional caloric splurge isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Your road trip should feel fun, not like an endless struggle to stay uber-healthy. That roadside ice cream stand with homemade waffle cones might just be worth pulling over — and totally memorable.

PACK YOUR SNACKS

There’s no end to pre-packaged healthy snack options for the road, but you can go budget-friendly by buying your snacks ahead of time so you’re not paying a premium for healthier options at rest areas. Health Warrior bars, for example, use pumpkin seeds and a host of antioxidant-packed ingredients to make a much healthier, but still tasty, granola bar. “They’re easy to pack in a purse, bag or side pocket; they are nutrient-dense and with minimal added sugars,” says Norfleet. “Above all, they truly taste great!”

ADD VEGGIES

Whatever meals you do end up eating — and let’s be honest, even the healthiest among us have to go for fast food sometimes — do yourself a favor and make sure there’s at least one vegetable present. Even if that means getting a side salad with your burger and fries, that’s better than nothing. 

DON’T FORGET THE PROTEIN

Finding healthy meat and protein options can be a pain, so pack an emergency protein powder supply to quickly get your protein fix. Unflavored collagen protein from Vital Proteins can be dissolved in coffee or tea for a protein boost that doesn’t add any taste.

“Protein has that extra staying power that will help us feel both full and satisfied,” adds Norfleet. “Oftentimes, carb- and fat-rich options may leave us feeling full, but hardly satisfied, and an hour or so later we find ourselves grabbing for another snack!”

KEEP TRACK OF SNACKING

When you’re on the road, it can be hard to stick to a reasonable calorie count. A donut here, a cookie there, a candy bar at 3 a.m. to stay awake … we know how it goes. Those calories, plus fast food stops and fancy coffees, can easily put you well above your daily calorie allowances.

If you find that you spend most of the drive mindlessly snacking, make it mindful by using the MyFitnessPal app to log your intake. You might be able to catch yourself reaching for the milkshake and swap it for a water instead, especially if you know you’re already at your target calorie count for the day. You’ll also be able to make sure you’re hitting your macronutrients, especially protein, and monitor things like your water and vegetable intake.

MAP IT OUT

Make your trip a little more fun by stopping in national or local parks along the way to stretch your legs and sneak in a couple miles of running or walking. Some sun exposure during a picnic lunch can also do wonders for your mood.

Luckily, it’s never been easier to find the closest park along your route. Thanks to the in-route search on the Google Maps app, it’s easy to look up nearby parks. Just put in your destination, pull up the route and then hit the search button. After that, type in ‘national parks’ and all of those along the route will pop up.

You can also use the MapMyRun or MapMyWalk apps to find routes nearby to get in a quick jog or stroll. Even if you have 15 minutes, it’s better than nothing!

STRETCH EVERY CHANCE YOU GET

Jacques DeVore, cycling coach and the author of “Maximum Overload for Cyclists,” is a huge fan of the walking lunge for opening hips and building strength. Whenever you have a minute outside of the car, instead of walking to the restroom, lunge your way there. You’ll look goofy but your hip flexors will be psyched.

“Movement Matters” author Katy Bowman echoes this sentiment and urges people to move as often as possible, in as many ways as possible. So even if you’re not a yoga expert or a serious runner, doing basically any kind of stretch or movement can help shake everything out and decompress after all that sitting. 

PICK HOTELS WITH POOLS, PLAYGROUNDS AND GYMS

If you can’t find details about hotels online, call the front desk to check what kind of facilities they offer. Bringing the kids along? Look for hotels with pools or playgrounds attached so the kids can burn off some of that pent-up energy. The last thing you want to do is drive 12 hours, then be stuck in a hotel room with two kids jumping on the bed trying to blow off steam.

A fitness center is another great thing to look for since you may not be in the hotel during daylight hours, and a super-quick late-night or early morning workout before hitting the road is better than nothing.

PACK A QUICK-GRAB WORKOUT BAG

As you’re packing, put your workout gear in a separate bag and keep it handy. Having easy access to your workout clothes, running shoes, deodorant, a towel and some wipes makes a morning sweat session much simpler — and more likely to happen. Pulling suitcases out of the van and digging for your sneakers can quickly wreck any motivation to move, but it’s easily avoidable.  

Written by Molly Hurford, a writer who spends most of her time living out of suitcases and chasing the best races, rides, runs, swims and whatever other outdoor adventures she can find. Follow her travels and adventures on Twitter and Instagram.

The post How to Plan a Better-For-You Road Trip appeared first on Under Armour.

http://ift.tt/2vbf1ny

[johnclapperne]

How to Plan a Better-For-You Road Trip

Confession: Over the last four years, I haven’t spent more than four consecutive weeks in the same place. In the last six months, my husband and I have slept in more than four dozen beds in seven different countries, with most of our travels spent zig-zagging across North America (twice in three months). This equates to a whole lot of time in transit from one spot to the next. But, because we’re both avid runners and cyclists, we’re heavily invested in making our trips as healthy and activity-packed as possible, even when we’re crossing from one coast to the other.

Whether your road trip is with family or for business, lasting a few hours or a few days, here are some expert tips I’ve personally tested on short and long drives. I can guarantee implementing a few of these stay-healthy hacks will make your destination feel a whole lot better.

YOGA ANYWHERE

You might feel a little silly doing yoga while you pump gas, but your back and neck will thank you. Try a modified downward dog against any wall, says Colin Matthews from Kula Yoga Studio in Toronto. “This posture makes it easy to melt tension in the upper back and shoulders without touching the ground,” he explains.

Stand about two feet away from a wall, and place your hands on it anywhere from shoulder height to hip height (higher for tighter shoulders, lower for looser). Your hands should be shoulder-width apart or slightly wider, with fingers pointing upward and spread apart. With a slight forward tilt in your pelvis, move your hips away from the wall while pressing into your hands to keep your shoulder blades flat on your back. If you start to feel tension along your spine as you move your torso toward parallel with the floor, stop and breathe into the tension. This pose is about melting, and melting takes time and breath.

WASH YOUR HANDS

This might sound obvious, but wash your hands every chance you get, even if you’re not hitting a restroom to use the toilet. You’re touching a lot of unknown stuff on the road that other people’s hands have touched, especially pumping gas or wandering around a convenience store, so scrub as often as possible. Hand sanitizer is equally useful, so you could also keep some in your car for quick access. Trust me: It stinks to get to your destination feeling sick.

Samsung and Under Armour have collaborated to offer an authentic fitness and nutrition experience by combining Samsung’s revolutionary wearable device with Under Armour’s Connected Fitness suite of apps. Whether you’re tracking your nutrition, daily workouts or running routes, this best-in-class partnership makes it easier to reach your personal goals and achieve things you never thought possible.

PICK SMART AT GAS STATIONS

Gas stations have gotten a lot more health-conscious in recent years; it’s not all candy bars and chips anymore. Clara Norfleet, RD, recommends any type of fresh fruit.

“I also like to pick up a bag of unsalted nuts as well. The fat is satiating and filling, and it’s a good balance to the sweetness of the fruit,” she says. “If they have some type of raw veggie pack, I’d pick that up as well, and a lot of gas stations are starting to carry greek yogurt. And water! I always have water!”

Hydration is exceptionally important on road trips — and not just coffee and Red Bull. Make sure you’re sipping plenty of plain water, even if that means more pit stops. Your digestive tract will thank you.

Norfleet also adds that the occasional caloric splurge isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Your road trip should feel fun, not like an endless struggle to stay uber-healthy. That roadside ice cream stand with homemade waffle cones might just be worth pulling over — and totally memorable.

PACK YOUR SNACKS

There’s no end to pre-packaged healthy snack options for the road, but you can go budget-friendly by buying your snacks ahead of time so you’re not paying a premium for healthier options at rest areas. Health Warrior bars, for example, use pumpkin seeds and a host of antioxidant-packed ingredients to make a much healthier, but still tasty, granola bar. “They’re easy to pack in a purse, bag or side pocket; they are nutrient-dense and with minimal added sugars,” says Norfleet. “Above all, they truly taste great!”

ADD VEGGIES

Whatever meals you do end up eating — and let’s be honest, even the healthiest among us have to go for fast food sometimes — do yourself a favor and make sure there’s at least one vegetable present. Even if that means getting a side salad with your burger and fries, that’s better than nothing. 

DON’T FORGET THE PROTEIN

Finding healthy meat and protein options can be a pain, so pack an emergency protein powder supply to quickly get your protein fix. Unflavored collagen protein from Vital Proteins can be dissolved in coffee or tea for a protein boost that doesn’t add any taste.

“Protein has that extra staying power that will help us feel both full and satisfied,” adds Norfleet. “Oftentimes, carb- and fat-rich options may leave us feeling full, but hardly satisfied, and an hour or so later we find ourselves grabbing for another snack!”

KEEP TRACK OF SNACKING

When you’re on the road, it can be hard to stick to a reasonable calorie count. A donut here, a cookie there, a candy bar at 3 a.m. to stay awake … we know how it goes. Those calories, plus fast food stops and fancy coffees, can easily put you well above your daily calorie allowances.

If you find that you spend most of the drive mindlessly snacking, make it mindful by using the MyFitnessPal app to log your intake. You might be able to catch yourself reaching for the milkshake and swap it for a water instead, especially if you know you’re already at your target calorie count for the day. You’ll also be able to make sure you’re hitting your macronutrients, especially protein, and monitor things like your water and vegetable intake.

MAP IT OUT

Make your trip a little more fun by stopping in national or local parks along the way to stretch your legs and sneak in a couple miles of running or walking. Some sun exposure during a picnic lunch can also do wonders for your mood.

Luckily, it’s never been easier to find the closest park along your route. Thanks to the in-route search on the Google Maps app, it’s easy to look up nearby parks. Just put in your destination, pull up the route and then hit the search button. After that, type in ‘national parks’ and all of those along the route will pop up.

You can also use the MapMyRun or MapMyWalk apps to find routes nearby to get in a quick jog or stroll. Even if you have 15 minutes, it’s better than nothing!

STRETCH EVERY CHANCE YOU GET

Jacques DeVore, cycling coach and the author of “Maximum Overload for Cyclists,” is a huge fan of the walking lunge for opening hips and building strength. Whenever you have a minute outside of the car, instead of walking to the restroom, lunge your way there. You’ll look goofy but your hip flexors will be psyched.

“Movement Matters” author Katy Bowman echoes this sentiment and urges people to move as often as possible, in as many ways as possible. So even if you’re not a yoga expert or a serious runner, doing basically any kind of stretch or movement can help shake everything out and decompress after all that sitting. 

PICK HOTELS WITH POOLS, PLAYGROUNDS AND GYMS

If you can’t find details about hotels online, call the front desk to check what kind of facilities they offer. Bringing the kids along? Look for hotels with pools or playgrounds attached so the kids can burn off some of that pent-up energy. The last thing you want to do is drive 12 hours, then be stuck in a hotel room with two kids jumping on the bed trying to blow off steam.

A fitness center is another great thing to look for since you may not be in the hotel during daylight hours, and a super-quick late-night or early morning workout before hitting the road is better than nothing.

PACK A QUICK-GRAB WORKOUT BAG

As you’re packing, put your workout gear in a separate bag and keep it handy. Having easy access to your workout clothes, running shoes, deodorant, a towel and some wipes makes a morning sweat session much simpler — and more likely to happen. Pulling suitcases out of the van and digging for your sneakers can quickly wreck any motivation to move, but it’s easily avoidable.  

Written by Molly Hurford, a writer who spends most of her time living out of suitcases and chasing the best races, rides, runs, swims and whatever other outdoor adventures she can find. Follow her travels and adventures on Twitter and Instagram.

The post How to Plan a Better-For-You Road Trip appeared first on Under Armour.

http://ift.tt/2vbf1ny

[joshuabradleyn]

How to Plan a Better-For-You Road Trip

Confession: Over the last four years, I haven’t spent more than four consecutive weeks in the same place. In the last six months, my husband and I have slept in more than four dozen beds in seven different countries, with most of our travels spent zig-zagging across North America (twice in three months). This equates to a whole lot of time in transit from one spot to the next. But, because we’re both avid runners and cyclists, we’re heavily invested in making our trips as healthy and activity-packed as possible, even when we’re crossing from one coast to the other.

Whether your road trip is with family or for business, lasting a few hours or a few days, here are some expert tips I’ve personally tested on short and long drives. I can guarantee implementing a few of these stay-healthy hacks will make your destination feel a whole lot better.

YOGA ANYWHERE

You might feel a little silly doing yoga while you pump gas, but your back and neck will thank you. Try a modified downward dog against any wall, says Colin Matthews from Kula Yoga Studio in Toronto. “This posture makes it easy to melt tension in the upper back and shoulders without touching the ground,” he explains.

Stand about two feet away from a wall, and place your hands on it anywhere from shoulder height to hip height (higher for tighter shoulders, lower for looser). Your hands should be shoulder-width apart or slightly wider, with fingers pointing upward and spread apart. With a slight forward tilt in your pelvis, move your hips away from the wall while pressing into your hands to keep your shoulder blades flat on your back. If you start to feel tension along your spine as you move your torso toward parallel with the floor, stop and breathe into the tension. This pose is about melting, and melting takes time and breath.

WASH YOUR HANDS

This might sound obvious, but wash your hands every chance you get, even if you’re not hitting a restroom to use the toilet. You’re touching a lot of unknown stuff on the road that other people’s hands have touched, especially pumping gas or wandering around a convenience store, so scrub as often as possible. Hand sanitizer is equally useful, so you could also keep some in your car for quick access. Trust me: It stinks to get to your destination feeling sick.

Samsung and Under Armour have collaborated to offer an authentic fitness and nutrition experience by combining Samsung’s revolutionary wearable device with Under Armour’s Connected Fitness suite of apps. Whether you’re tracking your nutrition, daily workouts or running routes, this best-in-class partnership makes it easier to reach your personal goals and achieve things you never thought possible.

PICK SMART AT GAS STATIONS

Gas stations have gotten a lot more health-conscious in recent years; it’s not all candy bars and chips anymore. Clara Norfleet, RD, recommends any type of fresh fruit.

“I also like to pick up a bag of unsalted nuts as well. The fat is satiating and filling, and it’s a good balance to the sweetness of the fruit,” she says. “If they have some type of raw veggie pack, I’d pick that up as well, and a lot of gas stations are starting to carry greek yogurt. And water! I always have water!”

Hydration is exceptionally important on road trips — and not just coffee and Red Bull. Make sure you’re sipping plenty of plain water, even if that means more pit stops. Your digestive tract will thank you.

Norfleet also adds that the occasional caloric splurge isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Your road trip should feel fun, not like an endless struggle to stay uber-healthy. That roadside ice cream stand with homemade waffle cones might just be worth pulling over — and totally memorable.

PACK YOUR SNACKS

There’s no end to pre-packaged healthy snack options for the road, but you can go budget-friendly by buying your snacks ahead of time so you’re not paying a premium for healthier options at rest areas. Health Warrior bars, for example, use pumpkin seeds and a host of antioxidant-packed ingredients to make a much healthier, but still tasty, granola bar. “They’re easy to pack in a purse, bag or side pocket; they are nutrient-dense and with minimal added sugars,” says Norfleet. “Above all, they truly taste great!”

ADD VEGGIES

Whatever meals you do end up eating — and let’s be honest, even the healthiest among us have to go for fast food sometimes — do yourself a favor and make sure there’s at least one vegetable present. Even if that means getting a side salad with your burger and fries, that’s better than nothing. 

DON’T FORGET THE PROTEIN

Finding healthy meat and protein options can be a pain, so pack an emergency protein powder supply to quickly get your protein fix. Unflavored collagen protein from Vital Proteins can be dissolved in coffee or tea for a protein boost that doesn’t add any taste.

“Protein has that extra staying power that will help us feel both full and satisfied,” adds Norfleet. “Oftentimes, carb- and fat-rich options may leave us feeling full, but hardly satisfied, and an hour or so later we find ourselves grabbing for another snack!”

KEEP TRACK OF SNACKING

When you’re on the road, it can be hard to stick to a reasonable calorie count. A donut here, a cookie there, a candy bar at 3 a.m. to stay awake … we know how it goes. Those calories, plus fast food stops and fancy coffees, can easily put you well above your daily calorie allowances.

If you find that you spend most of the drive mindlessly snacking, make it mindful by using the MyFitnessPal app to log your intake. You might be able to catch yourself reaching for the milkshake and swap it for a water instead, especially if you know you’re already at your target calorie count for the day. You’ll also be able to make sure you’re hitting your macronutrients, especially protein, and monitor things like your water and vegetable intake.

MAP IT OUT

Make your trip a little more fun by stopping in national or local parks along the way to stretch your legs and sneak in a couple miles of running or walking. Some sun exposure during a picnic lunch can also do wonders for your mood.

Luckily, it’s never been easier to find the closest park along your route. Thanks to the in-route search on the Google Maps app, it’s easy to look up nearby parks. Just put in your destination, pull up the route and then hit the search button. After that, type in ‘national parks’ and all of those along the route will pop up.

You can also use the MapMyRun or MapMyWalk apps to find routes nearby to get in a quick jog or stroll. Even if you have 15 minutes, it’s better than nothing!

STRETCH EVERY CHANCE YOU GET

Jacques DeVore, cycling coach and the author of “Maximum Overload for Cyclists,” is a huge fan of the walking lunge for opening hips and building strength. Whenever you have a minute outside of the car, instead of walking to the restroom, lunge your way there. You’ll look goofy but your hip flexors will be psyched.

“Movement Matters” author Katy Bowman echoes this sentiment and urges people to move as often as possible, in as many ways as possible. So even if you’re not a yoga expert or a serious runner, doing basically any kind of stretch or movement can help shake everything out and decompress after all that sitting. 

PICK HOTELS WITH POOLS, PLAYGROUNDS AND GYMS

If you can’t find details about hotels online, call the front desk to check what kind of facilities they offer. Bringing the kids along? Look for hotels with pools or playgrounds attached so the kids can burn off some of that pent-up energy. The last thing you want to do is drive 12 hours, then be stuck in a hotel room with two kids jumping on the bed trying to blow off steam.

A fitness center is another great thing to look for since you may not be in the hotel during daylight hours, and a super-quick late-night or early morning workout before hitting the road is better than nothing.

PACK A QUICK-GRAB WORKOUT BAG

As you’re packing, put your workout gear in a separate bag and keep it handy. Having easy access to your workout clothes, running shoes, deodorant, a towel and some wipes makes a morning sweat session much simpler — and more likely to happen. Pulling suitcases out of the van and digging for your sneakers can quickly wreck any motivation to move, but it’s easily avoidable.  

Written by Molly Hurford, a writer who spends most of her time living out of suitcases and chasing the best races, rides, runs, swims and whatever other outdoor adventures she can find. Follow her travels and adventures on Twitter and Instagram.

The post How to Plan a Better-For-You Road Trip appeared first on Under Armour.

http://ift.tt/2vbf1ny

[albertcaldwellne]

How to Plan a Better-For-You Road Trip

Confession: Over the last four years, I haven’t spent more than four consecutive weeks in the same place. In the last six months, my husband and I have slept in more than four dozen beds in seven different countries, with most of our travels spent zig-zagging across North America (twice in three months). This equates to a whole lot of time in transit from one spot to the next. But, because we’re both avid runners and cyclists, we’re heavily invested in making our trips as healthy and activity-packed as possible, even when we’re crossing from one coast to the other.

Whether your road trip is with family or for business, lasting a few hours or a few days, here are some expert tips I’ve personally tested on short and long drives. I can guarantee implementing a few of these stay-healthy hacks will make your destination feel a whole lot better.

YOGA ANYWHERE

You might feel a little silly doing yoga while you pump gas, but your back and neck will thank you. Try a modified downward dog against any wall, says Colin Matthews from Kula Yoga Studio in Toronto. “This posture makes it easy to melt tension in the upper back and shoulders without touching the ground,” he explains.

Stand about two feet away from a wall, and place your hands on it anywhere from shoulder height to hip height (higher for tighter shoulders, lower for looser). Your hands should be shoulder-width apart or slightly wider, with fingers pointing upward and spread apart. With a slight forward tilt in your pelvis, move your hips away from the wall while pressing into your hands to keep your shoulder blades flat on your back. If you start to feel tension along your spine as you move your torso toward parallel with the floor, stop and breathe into the tension. This pose is about melting, and melting takes time and breath.

WASH YOUR HANDS

This might sound obvious, but wash your hands every chance you get, even if you’re not hitting a restroom to use the toilet. You’re touching a lot of unknown stuff on the road that other people’s hands have touched, especially pumping gas or wandering around a convenience store, so scrub as often as possible. Hand sanitizer is equally useful, so you could also keep some in your car for quick access. Trust me: It stinks to get to your destination feeling sick.

Samsung and Under Armour have collaborated to offer an authentic fitness and nutrition experience by combining Samsung’s revolutionary wearable device with Under Armour’s Connected Fitness suite of apps. Whether you’re tracking your nutrition, daily workouts or running routes, this best-in-class partnership makes it easier to reach your personal goals and achieve things you never thought possible.

PICK SMART AT GAS STATIONS

Gas stations have gotten a lot more health-conscious in recent years; it’s not all candy bars and chips anymore. Clara Norfleet, RD, recommends any type of fresh fruit.

“I also like to pick up a bag of unsalted nuts as well. The fat is satiating and filling, and it’s a good balance to the sweetness of the fruit,” she says. “If they have some type of raw veggie pack, I’d pick that up as well, and a lot of gas stations are starting to carry greek yogurt. And water! I always have water!”

Hydration is exceptionally important on road trips — and not just coffee and Red Bull. Make sure you’re sipping plenty of plain water, even if that means more pit stops. Your digestive tract will thank you.

Norfleet also adds that the occasional caloric splurge isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Your road trip should feel fun, not like an endless struggle to stay uber-healthy. That roadside ice cream stand with homemade waffle cones might just be worth pulling over — and totally memorable.

PACK YOUR SNACKS

There’s no end to pre-packaged healthy snack options for the road, but you can go budget-friendly by buying your snacks ahead of time so you’re not paying a premium for healthier options at rest areas. Health Warrior bars, for example, use pumpkin seeds and a host of antioxidant-packed ingredients to make a much healthier, but still tasty, granola bar. “They’re easy to pack in a purse, bag or side pocket; they are nutrient-dense and with minimal added sugars,” says Norfleet. “Above all, they truly taste great!”

ADD VEGGIES

Whatever meals you do end up eating — and let’s be honest, even the healthiest among us have to go for fast food sometimes — do yourself a favor and make sure there’s at least one vegetable present. Even if that means getting a side salad with your burger and fries, that’s better than nothing. 

DON’T FORGET THE PROTEIN

Finding healthy meat and protein options can be a pain, so pack an emergency protein powder supply to quickly get your protein fix. Unflavored collagen protein from Vital Proteins can be dissolved in coffee or tea for a protein boost that doesn’t add any taste.

“Protein has that extra staying power that will help us feel both full and satisfied,” adds Norfleet. “Oftentimes, carb- and fat-rich options may leave us feeling full, but hardly satisfied, and an hour or so later we find ourselves grabbing for another snack!”

KEEP TRACK OF SNACKING

When you’re on the road, it can be hard to stick to a reasonable calorie count. A donut here, a cookie there, a candy bar at 3 a.m. to stay awake … we know how it goes. Those calories, plus fast food stops and fancy coffees, can easily put you well above your daily calorie allowances.

If you find that you spend most of the drive mindlessly snacking, make it mindful by using the MyFitnessPal app to log your intake. You might be able to catch yourself reaching for the milkshake and swap it for a water instead, especially if you know you’re already at your target calorie count for the day. You’ll also be able to make sure you’re hitting your macronutrients, especially protein, and monitor things like your water and vegetable intake.

MAP IT OUT

Make your trip a little more fun by stopping in national or local parks along the way to stretch your legs and sneak in a couple miles of running or walking. Some sun exposure during a picnic lunch can also do wonders for your mood.

Luckily, it’s never been easier to find the closest park along your route. Thanks to the in-route search on the Google Maps app, it’s easy to look up nearby parks. Just put in your destination, pull up the route and then hit the search button. After that, type in ‘national parks’ and all of those along the route will pop up.

You can also use the MapMyRun or MapMyWalk apps to find routes nearby to get in a quick jog or stroll. Even if you have 15 minutes, it’s better than nothing!

STRETCH EVERY CHANCE YOU GET

Jacques DeVore, cycling coach and the author of “Maximum Overload for Cyclists,” is a huge fan of the walking lunge for opening hips and building strength. Whenever you have a minute outside of the car, instead of walking to the restroom, lunge your way there. You’ll look goofy but your hip flexors will be psyched.

“Movement Matters” author Katy Bowman echoes this sentiment and urges people to move as often as possible, in as many ways as possible. So even if you’re not a yoga expert or a serious runner, doing basically any kind of stretch or movement can help shake everything out and decompress after all that sitting. 

PICK HOTELS WITH POOLS, PLAYGROUNDS AND GYMS

If you can’t find details about hotels online, call the front desk to check what kind of facilities they offer. Bringing the kids along? Look for hotels with pools or playgrounds attached so the kids can burn off some of that pent-up energy. The last thing you want to do is drive 12 hours, then be stuck in a hotel room with two kids jumping on the bed trying to blow off steam.

A fitness center is another great thing to look for since you may not be in the hotel during daylight hours, and a super-quick late-night or early morning workout before hitting the road is better than nothing.

PACK A QUICK-GRAB WORKOUT BAG

As you’re packing, put your workout gear in a separate bag and keep it handy. Having easy access to your workout clothes, running shoes, deodorant, a towel and some wipes makes a morning sweat session much simpler — and more likely to happen. Pulling suitcases out of the van and digging for your sneakers can quickly wreck any motivation to move, but it’s easily avoidable.  

Written by Molly Hurford, a writer who spends most of her time living out of suitcases and chasing the best races, rides, runs, swims and whatever other outdoor adventures she can find. Follow her travels and adventures on Twitter and Instagram.

The post How to Plan a Better-For-You Road Trip appeared first on Under Armour.

http://ift.tt/2vbf1ny