by Jake Tully
(Los Angeles, CA, USA)
When you're on the road, it's understandable - there is a distinct lack of food options when you are doing your best to get to your destination on time. Compound that with a lack of sleep, a lack of storage, and more often than not a lack of area to prepare food, and a driver can truly be up the creek.
There are a slew of news stories profiling driver nutrition and how to improve health on the road. While these stories likely mean well and surely have some valuable information contained within them, they are somewhat idyllic solutions for an otherwise unforgiving industry.
The reality is likely not that drivers are slobs determined to perpetuate unhealthy lifestyles against all odds - they are just losing more and more healthy resources in an indsutry that has done relatively little to help promote individual health on the road. When a person has to be in-cab for seemingly days on end may not even encounter a grocery store much less anywhere that sells produce, what options does a driver have?
It truly is a personal commitment that is no easy feat. However, there are a few suggestions that can help make substantial changes in the lifestyle and health of a driver.
1. Stock Up In Advance, If Possible
More than anything, the way to maximize one's health on the road comes back to seizing the opportunities when they arise. If you come across a market, grocery store or post that has healthy options, buy in bulk at the time to prepare for multiple meals. Many rigs nowadays are outfitted with mini-fridges or other cooler systems to perserve non-perishables. It's unecessary for drivers to live off canned food and bags of chips when there are options to keep fresh food around in one's truck.
2. Snack, But Snack With The Best
Many articles and blogs seem to condemn drivers for having the urge to snack simply becuase they are stationary. Considering our bodies require a certain amount of calories depending on our size and age, it's draconian to insist that snacking out to be outlawed. If done correctly, there are very few health penalities one can incur. Drivers are encouraged to stock up on high-protein snacks with low sodium and saurated fats - in other words, snacks that will actually keep you full.
Trail mix is an excellent option for those on the go as are many
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