How to Eat Healthy for the Long Haul

Being a long-haul truck driver has many benefits and is a dream job for many people. Being out on the open road, seeing new places and people every day, and not having to work in a cubicle are just a few of the many reasons people are drawn to the career.

One drawback, however, is the toll that a sedentary job can take on your health. We've talked about how to stay physically active on the road before, but today we want to discuss how to eat healthy for the long haul.

Pack a Cooler

The easiest way to ensure that you get healthy food is to pack a cooler. Today's new rotational molding coolers have dramatically better insulating qualities than previous options. In fact, many coolers now boast the ability to keep things cold for up to 48 hours or more. If you have a cross country run, pack multiple meals and snacks to ensure that you have enough for several breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

Invest in divided plastic containers that keep foods separate while allowing you to pack food from all the food groups. If you aren't sure what to pack, just do an online search for meal prep ideas and you will find many new ideas that you can prep before your next haul.

Add Protein

Eating protein is important for everyone, and it helps curb your appetite. Adding a little extra protein to your day can help you fight off that urge for a candy bar later. Luckily, you can also easily add protein to your coffee as well. You can add coconut cream, ghee, or even protein powder to your coffee to squeeze in a few extra grams of protein.

Choose Wisely

When your cooler is empty or you feel like dining out, it helps to have a plan in advance and to choose wisely. You can find healthy options in many places, including:

• Grocery store. While you don't have a way to cook, an upscale grocery store with a salad bar can help you eat healthy. Fill your container up with salad, veggies, nuts, and seeds. Use cheese and dressing sparingly.
• Truck stop. The options at truck stops, gas stations, and convenience stores have improved over the years. Look for pre-packaged nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. You may even find string cheese, hard-boiled eggs, or fresh fruit.
• Vending machine. If the only thing you can find is a vending machine, you still have choices. Items like licorice have very low fat content, while bars with nuts offer a few extra protein grams.

If you don't have healthy food and snacks packed, there are good choices out there for you on the road.

Time It Right

There are many theories on how often you should eat. Whether you believe in fasting for 16 hours or eating every two or three hours, eat breakfast. It really is the most important meal of the day. Not only will it get you fueled up and started in the right direction, but it can also help fend off type 2 diabetes and other health issues down the road.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but especially for over-the-road truck drivers. You can easily fall into the habit of drinking copious amounts of soda or, worse, energy drinks, but the long-term effects on your body are not worth it. A better plan is to drink water and lots of it. Women should drink about 11 cups of water, while men should consume an average of 16 cups per day.

Just like your 18-wheeler, your body needs fuel. You can't fill up on junk food and expect to make it through your shift, however. Having good, nutrient-rich food is a necessity, but it can be hard to come by on the open road. Follow these healthy eating tips to stay healthy for the long haul.