With long stretches of highway and limited options, it can be easy to forget the importance that National Nutrition Month has on truckers. However, with obesity and heart disease rates at an all-time high for drivers, it has never been more important to consider reevaluating those quick diet decisions. To help you keep it healthy, Gray Transportation has the answers you need about achieving a beneficial lifestyle on the road.
What can I bring on the road that is healthy but won’t spoil?
As a truck driver, you will need to plan ahead. By packing meals and snacks that are better for you, you’ll be able to help maintain your weight. Bringing fruits as a snack is always a good idea, but if you’re afraid of them spoiling, you can bring canned fruits that are in their own natural juice with no added sugar. Anything whole grain is an important alternative to white breads, and tuna or sardines also come canned so they won’t spoil. You could also eat high fiber cereal. Make sure to drink more water and slow down on the sodas and energy drinks.
What are some appliances I can use to create my own healthy foods?
Try using appliances like portable coolers, lunchbox cookers, electric skillets, and mini slow cookers. While you drive, your dinner can be cooking so that it is ready for you when you have a break. Try using slow cooker liners to make cleanup easier. Electric pressure cookers are also a good utensil because you can cook potatoes, rice, oatmeal, and soups all in minutes.
How do I lose weight since I’m on the road all of the time?
Losing weight can be hard when you’re constantly driving. One way to help yourself with this issue is to count your calories. By limiting your intake, you can decrease snacking and allow your body to burn excess fat for energy. Additionally, try eating four to five smaller portioned meals per day instead of two or three main meals. This will help decrease extra calories and can give you the chance to plan healthier options instead of trying to find three big meals to fill you up. To combat inactivity, try exercising at pit stops by doing five to ten minutes of brisk walking to keep your body healthy.
How or where do I start when trying to become healthier?
When deciding to make a change, finding out where to start is always the hardest part. We recommend keeping it small. Switch out some unhealthy meals or snacks with healthier food groups and slowly try to eat smaller amounts at mealtimes. Don’t drink caffeine before going to bed and be sure to make time for a healthy breakfast. By incorporating these reasonable changes, you can make a big difference in your overall well-being.
At Gray Transportation, we put the health and safety of our drivers above the rest. Contact us with any questions or apply for one of our job positions today.