One of the biggest complaints from drivers is that it’s hard to eat well on the road. The choices are limited and mostly unhealthy, fast food, or fried food. It’s hard enough to control your weight when you have a sedentary job, but combine that with poor eating choices and you have a real issue. So how can you combat the problem? Eating healthy on the road shouldn’t be that hard! Maintaining a nutritious diet while navigating the highways and byways presents a unique set of challenges, but it’s far from impossible. Eating healthy on the road requires a blend of preparation, smart choices, and a commitment to prioritizing your well-being even when options seem limited. With a few adjustments and a bit of know-how, travelers can transform their eating habits to fuel their bodies effectively, ensuring energy and health are kept in peak condition no matter where the road takes them.
Eating Healthy on the Road Tips:
- Plan for the road: Prepare healthy meals ahead of time and place them in tupperware for easy storage. Make sure they are small portions that can be microwaved and eaten easily.
- If you have limited storage in your cab’s fridge, try purchasing a cooler (such as a YETI) to keep food fresh for days.
- Have plenty of water on hand. If plan water is not for you, try flavoring it with fresh fruit. La Croix is also a great option (it’s sodium and sugar free but has the bubbles like soda.)
- Place healthy snack in small baggies for easy and fast accessibility. This will help keep hunger pangs down and decrease the likelihood of making bad food choices.
- If you don’t have a microwave, consider buying a small one for the cab. Some seen drivers keep mini grills in their cab as well.
Here’s a small grocery list of portable, healthy items for the road:
Dried, whole, or cut fruit
Carrot sticks
Sliced cucumber
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Celery
Sunflowers seeds (low sodium)
Walnuts
Almonds
Peanuts
Pistachios
Olives
Hummus
Yogurt
Whole grain breads and pastas
Quinoa
Low fat/low sugar granola
Low sodium pouches of tuna or salmon
Peanut and almond butter
Canned beans
Low sugar granola bars.
…A little meal planning can go a long way! Embracing the journey towards maintaining a nutritious diet while on the move is not just about overcoming challenges; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes health, vitality, and the joy of experiencing life’s adventures without compromising on well-being. As we conclude our exploration of “eating healthy on the road,” remember that every small, healthy choice adds up to significant benefits over time. With the right mindset and a bit of planning, you can enjoy the journey just as much as the destination, fueled by the best nutrition possible.
Dawn Harrison – CDL Wellness Coach