As a truck driver, eating healthy on the road is not always easy. It can be difficult to prioritize healthy eating and prepping healthy meals can be a challenge. As a truck driver, you travel many miles that require long hours in the truck and multiple stops at gas stations. Due to this type of career, it can be hard to find food options that are both healthy and satisfying.
Truck drivers know all too well how hard it is to get good, wholesome meals two to three times a day. However, there are options, and with a little extra effort, healthy meal prep can be the solution! It may seem impossible to prep healthy meals that include fresh, nutritious foods due to the long inconsistent hours, but planning ahead can save you from stress and headaches.
Now that spring has arrived, there are many ways you can incorporate delicious, healthy in- season fruits and vegetables into your meals. A few different ways you can enjoy these foods are through salads, yogurt, soups, and sandwiches. Just add some fruit, such as blueberries or strawberries, to your yogurt or put cucumbers or radishes on a sandwich.
By adding in-season fruits and vegetables, you are providing your body with many health benefits, including the following.
Mixed Berries and Fresh Fruits
Fresh fruits provide many health benefits that consist of a combination of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Bananas are an excellent choice for drivers because they are high in potassium, which helps fight fatigue and leg cramps. Another great option is apples because they help boost your immune system. If you have a sweet tooth, mixed berries and fresh fruits are a great alternative to candy and other sweet treats. They will fulfill your cravings but help you stay away from the sugar crash that comes with a lot of snacks high in sugar. Most truck stops have a variety of fresh fruit options, so you’ll never run out! Just a few in-season fruits you are bound to find include:
- Honeydew
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Kiwi
- Apricots
Vegetables
Just like fresh fruits, vegetables are another excellent choice of food to keep on hand while traveling. They also provide great health benefits including high fiber content. High fiber foods will help you feel fuller longer and stop you from overeating. Incorporating leafy greens into your everyday meals will increase your focus on the road. They are a good source of Vitamin K, which prevents certain age-related conditions. Leafy greens also help decrease cholesterol and preserve your eyesight. A couple examples you could try would be broccoli salad or cucumber salad. Broccoli is rich in minerals, nutrients, and fiber. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in nutrients. Enjoy as many fresh salads as you’d like, but keep in mind to skip salad dressings with high sugar and fat. Instead, go for a vinaigrette or balsamic dressing with olive oil. Some in-season vegetables to keep on hand include:
- Cucumbers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Asparagus
- Tomatoes
- Bell peppers
Being a truck driver, driving long hours daily is not an easy career. There’s no room for added stress, such as making sure you eat healthy. By planning ahead and making sure you have a good stash of fresh fruits and vegetables, you can ensure your sedentary profession will not prevent you from being healthy. Not only do these food choices keep you healthy, but they also help you remain focused and energized for your long trips.
