Eating well can be difficult for anyone regardless of their lifestyle. However, being an over-the-road (OTR) truck driver can present some unique challenges. Being on the road all day with limited storage can make it seem like grabbing fast food is the simplest option. Luckily, healthy eating for truck drivers may be easier than you think.
Here are a few tips to eat better on the road:
Meal Plan Before Your Trip
Before you hit the road, make a plan for what you will eat. Try to include a variety of options. This helps ensure you won’t get bored and that you get enough different nutrients. You can prepare entire meals and store them in your truck’s mini-fridge. If you prefer, you cook on the road instead with a hot plate, crockpot, or another device. A mix of both approaches can also work.
Bring Healthy Snacks
In addition to meals, keep a variety of healthy snacks in your cab. This can help reduce the temptation to grab a less healthy option when you want a quick bite. Do any prep work, like slicing vegetables, ahead of time, and have smaller portion sizes. This makes it as easy as possible to get a snack when you want to.
Choose Healthier Fast Food
Even if you have food in your cab, chances are you will want to stop for fast food every once in a while. Maybe you’ve had a long day and don’t want to make anything, or maybe you’re just craving something different. Luckily, most restaurants have healthier options that you can get. For example, consider ordering grilled chicken instead of a fried option.
If you really want a particular unhealthy menu item, you can adjust your portion size. Choose a small order of fries instead of a large or get a single cheeseburger instead of a double. Even a small adjustment can make a big difference over time.
Drink Water
Staying hydrated has significant benefits for your health. It can also help you stay more alert, which is important for safe driving. Water also doesn’t have any calories, which makes it a better option than sodas or energy drinks. Keep water in your cab to sip on throughout the day and order water instead of sugary drinks when you go to restaurants.
Set Reasonable Goals
While it’s important to take steps toward a healthy lifestyle, making too many changes all at once is often overwhelming. It’s easy to get burnt out and turn back to old habits if you try to move too quickly. Instead, set smaller goals that you know you’ll be able to achieve. Continue to build on the progress you’ve made and you’ll be surprised how big of a difference it can make over time.
How to Become a Truck Driver
If you are interested in starting a trucking career, Yuma Truck Driving School can help. We offer high-quality commercial driver’s license (CDL) training.
