Did you know that truck drivers are twice as likely to be obese compared to the average American? Life on the road is tough. Sitting for long hours with limited food options can make it difficult to eat healthy on the road.
Eat Healthy on the Road
Food is your body’s fuel to get you through the day. When you are eating carb-heavy, sugar-filled snacks and drinks, it’s natural for your body to feel tired which impacts your overall health. The truth is, it can be much easier to grab a burger and fries – but eating healthy doesn’t have to be difficult! Here are 5 tips to help you eat healthy the next time you are on the road.
1. Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is one of the best ways to help you make healthier decisions on the road. Before a long trip, head to the grocery store and pick up healthy foods that are easy to assemble, or ready to eat. Here are some suggestions for your grocery list:
- Pre-washed greens
- Fruits including oranges, apples, or bananas
- Grilling meats
- Rotisserie chicken
- Low-sodium canned soup
- Canned beans and tomatoes
2. Cut the Sugar
Now before you panic, I’m not saying cut out ALL sugar. Just try to reduce the amount of sugar you consume. Skip those sugar-filled drinks such as soda, sweetened tea, and coffee. While cutting out coffee may not be a feasible option, try cutting back on sugar or cream (or if you’re brave enough, drink your coffee black).
Remember, everything in moderation! You can still treat yourself, but pay attention to what you are eating. Try higher protein and healthy fats, they help make you feel full longer and it’s especially good for improving your ability to concentrate, reduce brain fog, and boost your energy levels.
3. Snack Often and Snack Smart
While snacking can be bad for you, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, research shows that while you’re on the road or traveling it’s better to have 5-6 small meals a day rather than 3 larger meals. Avoid that food coma by snacking on these items throughout the day:
- Protein bars
- Beef jerky or pepperoni
- Cut up vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, celery
- Fruit
- Pre-popped popcorn
- Nuts including almonds, pistachios, cashews
- Fresh fruit
- Natural peanut butter
- Hummus
- String cheese
- Whole grain crackers
4. Healthier Options at Restaurants
Sometimes, you just want to take a break
and enjoy a good meal, or fast food is the best option available to you. Luckily, restaurants and fast food joints now offer healthier options and have recently added
the amount of calories to help you make
better decisions. Just remember that small changes count! Next time you’re at a restaurant consider making these changes:
- Swap out the regular bun for a low-carb friendly lettuce bun
- Choose grilled meats rather than fried
- Substitute fries for a salad
- More vegetables, less carbs
5. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Research shows that the average adult should be consuming 8 glasses of 8 oz water every day, they call this the “8 x 8 rule.” Although staying hydrated on the road can be difficult, it’s important that you don’t become dehydrated. Not only is dehydration extremely unhealthy, it’s dangerous and can impact reaction time, focus, fatigue, and mood.
How BigRoad Can Help
You have enough to worry about while on the road. Let BigRoad help you achieve ELD compliance with our simple, affordable, and flexible solution! Plus, when you purchase a DashLink ELD now, we’ll give you 3 MONTHS FREE!