#Japan #Tokyo #DriveRecovery #AtsumiMayumi #NexcoEast

Drive Recovery Meals: The Perfect Break for Long Drives

As we approach this year's Silver Week, many are excited to hit the road for travel or family visits. After an extended gap of 11 years, this holiday offers ample opportunity for long drives. However, prolonged driving can be physically taxing, making it all the more essential to take regular breaks to recharge and refresh.

Recognizing this growing need for recovery among drivers, Nexco East Japan, based in Minato, Tokyo, is introducing a new initiative called "Drive Recovery Meals" starting September 19, 2023. This innovative concept, supervised by registered dietitian Mayumi Atsumi, aims to enhance drivers' well-being through carefully curated meals available at Service Areas (SAPA) along various expressways. These dishes are categorized based on four essential criteria designed to cater to the nutritional needs of drivers on long journeys.

Why Drive Recovery Meals?

Long-distance driving can lead to fatigue both physically and mentally. As such, taking a break to refuel the body with delicious and nourishing food is imperative. The Drive Recovery Meals initiative addresses this by providing menu options that help drivers not just maintain energy but also enjoy the experience of stopping at SAPA.

The Four Guidelines for Meal Selection

Under the supervision of Atsumi Mayumi, the Drive Recovery Meals are classified based on:
1. Energy Recovery: Meals focusing on replenishing lost energy through carbohydrates.
2. Muscle Recovery: Protein-rich options aimed at easing muscle fatigue.
3. Hydration: Hydrating meals and drinks that combat dehydration on long trips.
4. Mental Clarity: Dishes designed to enhance focus and alertness during drives.

Sample Menu Items

While specific menu items and detailed descriptions are available in the attached documents, expect to find a healthy and delightful range of options that rotate regularly, ensuring each stop can offer something new and exciting.

Locations Offering Drive Recovery Meals

Drive Recovery Meals will be available across 38 specific locations:

• - E5: Dohoku Expressway, Waki PA, Sunagawa SA
• - E4: Tohoku Expressway, Chojaharas SA, Kunimi SA, Adatara SA, Iwate Mountain SA, Maesawa SA, Hasuda SA, Hanyu PA, Sano SA, Nasu Kogen SA
• - E6: Joban Expressway, Tomobe SA
• - E51: Higashi Kanto Expressway, Shisui PA
• - E17: Kanetsu Expressway, Takasaki SA, Kamisato SA, Echigo Kawanaka SA
• - E8: Hokuriku Expressway, Yoneyama SA
• - E19: Nagano Expressway, Obasute SA
• - E18: Joshinetsu Expressway, Yokokawa SA (both directions)

Initiative Duration

The Drive Recovery Meals will be available from September 19, 2023, to November 23, 2023. Don’t miss this excellent opportunity to enjoy a healthy culinary experience while driving!

Meet the Creator

Mayumi Atsumi:

• - CEO of Smile Meal, Registered Dietitian, Food Producer, Health Food Navigator®.
• - With extensive experience in food management in various settings, she has founded Smile Meal to create food that promotes health and well-being and supports corporate health initiatives. Her expertise extends to healthy eating guidance for dining out, and she actively engages in public speaking and media appearances.
• - She has published numerous works, including several cookbooks that revolve around nutritious recipes.

Enjoy Your Road Trip

At Nexco East Japan's service areas and parking areas, efforts are underway to make highway travel enjoyable with promotions highlighting the theme