Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a key part of living a long and happy life. Unfortunately, workloads, family obligations and social life can often hinder attempts at living the healthiest life possible. This is especially true for those working a job that requires them to be traveling on a regular basis, such as that of a truck driver. With the quick and cheap option of fast food around every corner, it’s easy to get sucked into a regular diet of cheeseburgers, French fries and milkshakes. But healthy eating habits can be easier to develop than you may think. Take a look below for some tips on how to eat right while on the road:
Plan ahead – If you are going to be on the road for days on end, it can help to spend some time prepping for your drive. Pack a cooler of healthy snacks such as nuts, fruits and veggies, and yogurt. Beef jerky is a great and healthy option if you are looking for something a bit more substantial. Simply packing food items to munch on ahead of time can help you avoid the snack counter at the next truck stop.
Set aside time for exercising – As a truck driver, you spend all day sitting behind the wheel. Although it may be difficult, try setting aside at least a half hour a day and devote it to something active. Even if it’s just a walk, getting out and moving around can do wonders for your physical and mental health.
Think of alternatives – Sometimes, fast food joints are unavoidable. Do some research ahead of time to find out the healthiest options at favored rest stops. Whether you switch out that burger for a salad or switch from regular to diet soda, fast food restaurants are making strides at offering healthier alternatives that still offer the efficiency of a quick meal on the go.
Drink lots of water – More often than not, those hunger pangs you feel are actually due to thirst. Keeping well hydrated is key to maintaining a properly working system and saves you from eating when you aren’t really hungry. Although the bathroom stops may be a bit more frequent, your body will thank you in the long run.
Apps – Take advantage of the wonderful world of health apps on your phone. Apps like MyFitnessPal tell you how many calories you should be consuming each day based on your activity level. Additionally, you can keep a food diary that will calculate your daily calorie consumption based on the food you’re eating.
Although eating right and developing healthy eating habits can require a lot of effort up front, the long term outcome can be worth it. This is especially true in an industry where it isn’t always easy to eat right while on the road. If you have any questions regarding healthy eating tips for truck drivers, or have any additional input, please give us a call. We take our employee’s health seriously and encourage you to do the same.
