Eating healthy food as a trucker can be hard as a result most of the truck drivers adopt unhealthy food habits which ultimately results into health problems. Although, eating healthy on the road isn’t always easy, but just because you’re always on the road traveling doesn’t mean you have to eat junk food that will leave you feeling depleted, bloated and tired. Here are some tips to eat better on the road.
Stay hydrated: The body needs water for all of its functions. Drinking plenty of water will flush your body of toxins, keep your skin fresh and suppress appetite. It will also help you avoid travel lag, symptoms of overexposure to the heat or sun and junk-food cravings. Keep a reusable water bottle in your cup holder and drink regularly, aiming for 1.5-2 litres per day. Tea, soup broths and fresh fruit are all great sources of hydration as well but limit coffee and avoid soft drinks, processed juices and energy drinks.
Timing: Eating every 3 hours is essential to maintain stable blood sugar levels. This in turn prevents energy crashes, lack of concentration, fatigue and food cravings. To ensure you can eat breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner and possibly a snack, you need to be prepared. Have food packed with you for the day if you do short trips. Pack 2 snacks and lunch. For the long haul, consider investing in a small fridge, mini slow cooker or microwave. The more food you can bring with you and prepare yourself the better. Stock your fridge with Greek yogurt, berries, sandwich meat, wraps, cut vegetables, fruit, hummus.
Protein: Eating the right amount of complete protein stabilizes blood sugar (preventing energy lags), enhances concentration, and keeps you lean and strong. Have peanut butter or eggs at breakfast, chicken or tuna at lunch, yogurt, nuts or energy bars for snacks and beans or ground beef for dinner. Cooked proteins will last 3-4 days in your refrigerator. If you are buying food at a truck stop or convenience store, look for lean protein and avoid deep-fried items.
Keep healthy snacks: Often when we’re traveling, we don’t have access to food at regular intervals. The problem is your body responds as if it’s facing a food shortage and your metabolism slows way down to prevent you from starving. To keep your mind and body humming, keep healthy snacks. Examples are almonds, raw vegetables and hummus, yogurt and berries, fresh and dried fruit, and hard-boiled eggs.
Shop Around: If you don’t have much room in your truck, you may only be able to bring 2- 3 days worth of food. Take the time to go to a store to restock your cab. It takes time but you are worth it.