Working for a freight carrier means you will be sitting most of the day while driving a truck, operating a train or even piloting an airplane. Research has shown that this kind of sedentary lifestyle can be detrimental to your health because it is directly associated with weight gain, high blood pressure and diabetes. In addition, the choice of food while on the road is limited to fast food and Waffle House-type restaurants that serve high cholesterol, starchy fare. Fortunately, staying healthy on the road can be accomplished by following some simple dietary guidelines and regularly participating in a simple exercise routine.
Tips for On the Move Good Health
Having a mini-refrigerator or large cooler in the cab with you that is stocked with healthy food will prevent you from pulling into the next McDonald’s or Burger King you see while driving on the highway. Your heart and waistline will love you for eating these foods instead:
Deli-sliced turkey on whole wheat bread sandwiches with mustard
Bananas, apples and oranges
Carrot sticks with low fat dip
Yogurt
Low-fat chocolate milk
Pretzels
Lean meats will provide you with protein and energy while fruits and vegetables supply your body with complex carbohydrates necessary to maintain an active metabolism which helps to continue to burn fat even while sitting.
Moderation and Moving
No one can eat healthy all the time, so when you do get a craving for something sugary or greasy, it is OK to eat it as long as you eat in moderation. Deprivation will only lead to an intense desire to binge on drive-thru food or Little Debbie snacks so don’t deny yourself if you want a guilty pleasure every now and then. However, this healthy diet will only benefit your body if you use the down-time opportunity at rest stops or truck stops to get out and jog or walk around the area several times. Some truck stops have even been incorporating small workout areas for truckers in which to exercise when spending the night
In addition, keeping small exercise equipment with you while driving such as hand weights or a stair-stepper can motivate you to work out whenever you have time away from your cab.
