As a trucker, you understand firsthand how different your job is compared to other careers. You sit for long periods of time, just to sit in your rig some more. Your hours are odd, you deal with a lot of stress, and it can be difficult to find time to maintain a healthy lifestyle. That is why it is so important that you make your health a priority when on the road. Even though the opportunities may be few and far between, taking advantage of gas and lunch breaks, drop-offs and pickups can help you achieve a more active lifestyle.
How to stay trucker fit:
- Snack smart.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Stay active.
Snack smart.
It is almost impossible if not impossible to “cook” something healthy while on the road but you can make smart food choices while on the clock. Bringing healthy snacks such as nuts, protein bars, carrots, apples, or peppers are great things to have alongside you in your rig as you get hungry. Also, keep in mind that most restaurants have a healthy option that you can choose. Making small changes in your diet will help keep you full and keep your waistline down while traveling.
Drink plenty of water.
Did you know that our bodies are made up of about 60% water? That is over half! That is why it is so important that you get the recommended amount of water each and every day. While some foods do contain water it is usually not enough to hydrate your body. Carry around a water bottle that you can fill up to save on plastic. Also, drinking water will help you feel fuller and you will skip out on the high-calorie sugary sports drinks and sodas.
Stay active.
Sitting down all day is a sure-fire way to feel drained at the end of the day. Staying active doesn’t mean you have to spend hours in the gym, but it does mean that you are making an effort to keep your body moving when you are not driving your rig. Be sure to take advantage of your pit stops along the way and get out and walk. Walking the parking lot or doing pushups while waiting for your gas to pump is a great way to get your blood pumping.
A healthy lifestyle is achieved through dedication. As a driver, you may find it difficult to stick to a healthy diet and exercise plan. But, setting goals to slowly cut out the bad foods and incorporate more exercise into your daily plan is a great way to live a longer and happier life!