Are you a long haul truck driver who spends a lot of time on the road? Do you wish there were ways to eat well and stay healthy while away from home? Fortunately for you, there are. With the right planning, determination, and self-discipline, you can incorporate healthier foods into your diet while traveling and can even learn simple workout and exercise moves you can do in your truck. Take a look at some of the tips below to begin living a healthier, more energized life on the road.
Make Smarter Food Choices
Just because you travel a lot doesn’t meet you have to hit up a fast food drive-thru or live off of processed gas station snacks. With the right amount of planning, you can stock up on more nutritious foods at your local grocery store, or even grocery stores throughout your route to restock on supplies. Many grocery stores have large enough parking lots to accommodate tractor trailers, so there is really no reason not to stock up on foods like bagged salad, pre-washed and pre-cut fruits and vegetables, bagged nuts, and other healthier food choices.
Incorporate Exercise into Your Breaks
Even truck drivers have to rest at some point, so why not squeeze in a bit of exercise before turning in for your next nap? We’re fortunate to live in a time that offers a variety of convenient travel-sized exercise gear, such as folding bikes and free weights that are easy enough to stow away in your sleeper compartment or passenger seat. While you stop at a rest area or truck stop for a break or nap, bust out your bike and do a few laps around the parking lot. Many rest area parking lots are spacious enough for you to work up a sweat and stretch your legs. Not in the mood for a bike ride? Lifting free weights is also an effective form of exercise. You can even pack your running shoes and go for a short jog or power walk when you stop for breaks. That said, there are many ways to live an active lifestyle while working as a truck driver. It just takes a bit of creativity and motivation to get going.
Don’t Skimp on Sleep
You can eat well and exercise, but if you’re not getting enough quality sleep, you’re likely to still feel sluggish and tired, so much so that you might not be able to find the motivation to exercise. To ensure you get quality sleep on the road, make sure your sleeping compartment is outfitted with a comfortable pillow, mattress, and blankets. And if you’re someone who requires a bit of white noise to sleep, consider purchasing a travel-sized fan or noise maker. Whatever you purchase to make your sleeping compartment more relaxing and comfortable will go a long way in helping you get the sleep you need to stay healthy, alert, and motivated to make healthier choices.
These are only a few ways you can stay healthy while on the road. What advice would you add?