Does anyone have any tips to stop eating in the car?

Ive developed a habit - everytime I get into the car, I need to have something in my hand to eat.  Has anyone been able to break this problem, and know of any tricks to do it with?

start smoking

It's a marketing gimmick that works..... I got one of those car-cup-holder-shaped mega packs of Eclipse gum, 60 pieces, and when I just gotta chew in the car I snake another piece outta that handy little deal.

Ride your bike instead of driving. Or just don't bring food into the car with you.

Go ahead and eat!  Carrots, celery sticks, apples--all these things will fill you up and satisfy the snacky craving.

Take a water bottle and swig that instead of eating.

Original Post by irishbrat37:

It's a marketing gimmick that works..... I got one of those car-cup-holder-shaped mega packs of Eclipse gum, 60 pieces, and when I just gotta chew in the car I snake another piece outta that handy little deal.

This echoes what I did when I had a job that required me to be on the road several hours per day. I kept a big old pack of Fruit Stripe gum handy. It worked. The downside? Fruit Stripe flavor last about 30 seconds so I went through one of their large packs every other day! But it was better than eating "road food."

That's how a friend of mine developed gout.

Stop it. It's a nasty habit. Eating while driving is not healthy eating, it is not a meal, it is just munching for no reason. Besides, it can be very dangerous, think what happens when someone bumps into you and you choke on something! Or if you cannot grab the wheel with both hands because you are holding a pack of some low-cal worthless no-food in one hand.

Is it probably that you are nervous while driving, and find the food soothing? Do try to find out just how and why you developed this habit.

I have never eaten in any car I've ever owned, and I'm pretty sure the reason is that I like to keep my car very neat. I clean it inside and out all the time. So the idea of food getting smashed into my leather or stamped into the floor rugs, or ending up in some corner of the vehicle where it gets overlooked for eons, just disturbs me to no end. (Hmmm.... Maybe that's why I don't have kids. )

I don't know if that is helpful or not: most people aren't as fastidious about their vehicles as I am. But if being more of a neat nick manages to curb your eating habits, well.... There you are.

I think having something to drink works best.  Bring a cold bottle of water with you.  It's easy to keep snacking when you aren't paying attention to your food such as when driving, at the movies, or watching TV.  Having something to occupy your hands helps a lot which is where the water bottle comes in. 

Hmm, I never eat in the car unless its a really long journey and I have to. Are you driving or a passenger? I find it interesting that you feel compelled to eat in the car. I feel the desire to eat when Im not doing anything ie. just sitting so I get up and go to the kitchen. You can't do that in the car. Just don't take food in the car! I agree with petite_powerhouse though. My car is neat and clean. I can't stand getting into someone elses car full of crumbs and food wrappers and empty bottles - ick!

Coffee always curbs my appetite. Same with Coke zero. They fill me up and I have no desire to eat. 

Kind of an expensive option, but maybe buy a standard so that you have less hands available for holding food? lol j/k

I second realization of the dangers of eating while driving. I was once having breakfast on my way to work. I lost control of my car and almost took a spill over the edge of a connector, which would have killed me. Trust me, it could happen to anyone, regardless of how great of a driver you think you are. Not only are you not able to have both hands on the wheel, your concentration is much less on the road and more on what you're eating, or trying to unwrap, or reaching for your drink while you're still holding your food. It's just not safe.

Also, about 3 days before that accident, I had a cup of soda in my cupholder. Had to slam on the brakes and my drink fell forward into my radio and ruined it. Not a great week for my car.

I think that just some self-control would go a long way with this problem. I think most eating while driving is caused by boredom, so turn on the radio or put a book on tape on. Or anything that will take your mind off munching.

Here's one option: http://blogs.commercialappeal.com/beifuss/rus sell5.web.jpg

Fill with one of the big rice cakes. 

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!

Original Post by gingerkabureck:

start smoking

Bwahahaha, oh, man. Why is this so true?

 

Yeah, that's what I do. :( I can't drive anywhere without a cigarette.

dont take any food in the car?

I would suggest not taking food in the car as well.  ....But, (just to be facetious) how is it that you eat and shift at the same time?  Do you hold the steering wheel with the knee on your accelerator foot? ..There's no way you could hold the wheel with your clutch foot and keep the thing steady....when your foot depresses the clutch peddle, your butt would have to rise out of the seat to keep your knee on the wheel...that would be too awkward.......or do you drive a glorified golf cart like most people?  ...Automatic transmissions should be outlawed

Original Post by alanbates:

I would suggest not taking food in the car as well. ....But, (just to be facetious) how is it that you eat and shift at the same time? Do you hold the steering wheel with the knee on your accelerator foot? ..There's no way you could hold the wheel with your clutch foot and keep the thing steady....when your foot depresses the clutch peddle, your butt would have to rise out of the seat to keep your knee on the wheel...that would be too awkward.......or do you drive a glorified golf cart like most people? ...Automatic transmissions should be outlawed

Well, hmmm.... Not to confess my deepest, darkest secrets , but I can hold onto and talk on my phone while shifting and never get my knees involved at all. The car is steady as she goes. I've never, ever driven with my knees, but I can shift all the way to fourth accelerating to 60+ in five seconds—while on the phone the whole time—and never have the car show any signs of what I just did. Do I recommend this? No (nor do I do it often; no, really, I don't). But is it something of which an experienced driver of the standard is capable? Absolutely.

Or maybe it's just my car. Sometimes I'm amazed at what that thing lets me get away with.... And then again, I've never tried to do this with a hoagie in my phone hand....

i was going to say start smoking. cant belive someone actually wrote that. ha. dont start smoking. seriouslly. chew gum.

dont start smoking!!! its too expencive for one and bad for your health! i do smoke but am trying to quit..... chew gum extra gum has very few calories i think 5 per stick, or get some sugar free suckers.....  that way you have something from hand to mouth.... just watch the calories in them and dont forget to add them in your food log...

hope this helps. good luck!!