One of my first jobs involved covering hundreds of miles for on-site tech support. Pre smartphone.
The best thing about printed turn by turn directions is that if you miss a turn, you're pretty much screwed. They were occasionally wrong as well, listing streets that didn't exist etc.
I'd generally have a backup map as well just in case.
I've been counting calories for the last few months, and that was my big realization as well. I could have easily put down a single meal at a restaurant which is my entire (or more) daily intake now.
More than anything it's just awareness.