For the typical owner-operator, time is money, and a healthy lifestyle for truck drivers isn’t exactly a priority. Healthy food options have not always been easy to find, with fast-food restaurants and truck stops located near highways. Modern convenience has certainly made quick and filling food readily available at every opportunity.
Even in the health-conscious society of today, nutrition and dieting can become an afterthought when you have a fast-paced, competitive profession. However, there are alternatives to fast food and roadside buffets. With some planning, it isn’t challenging to find healthy food and healthy meals for truck drivers.
Healthy Eating Alternatives and Tips
The most obvious place to start is inside your own truck. If you do not have an onboard refrigerator, there are several healthy items to have on hand that do not require refrigeration. Stock up on healthy snacks that will help keep you energized and satisfy your hunger. Examples of non-refrigerated items include:
- Walnuts
- Nuts
- Peanut Butter
- Trail Mix
- Dried Fruit
- Nut Butter
However, if you do have a refrigerator, some healthy food choices include:
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
- Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Bottled Water
- Hummus
- Salad
- Fat-Free Yogurt
- Greek Yogurt
Preparing light, healthy meals at home can help when you are hauling closer to home. Not only having healthy eating habits ensuring you get a good night’s sleep can help you feel energized when hauling.
When you are out on the road, snacking on unhealthy food will not cut it; you will eat more junk food without realizing it and likely have a stomach ache. Fast food restaurants and truck stops can cause stomachaches, but be mindful of your menu options, such as avoiding fried or fatty foods and sugary drinks such as soda and energy drinks. If you like meats, then go with baked or grilled choices.
More truck stops and fast-food restaurants are becoming aware that healthy food options must be available for truck drivers. You can check online for places that offer healthy alternatives and plan your stops around them.
Once you begin eating healthier meals, you will start feeling better and have more energy, whether you are on a short or long haul. Your health should be your top priority. Learning how to eat healthy can be challenging at first, but once you get on a healthy diet and stick to it, it will be easy, and you will feel better.
Healthy eating habits for truck drivers are a priority for reputed nationwide trucking companies, transportation logistics providers, and freight dispatching companies such as Landstar.