Being a long-haul trucker can be a challenging profession.
There are around 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States according to the American Trucking Association who face a number of challenges on the road, one of them an unhealthy lifestyle.
Below are some of the simple tips to help you maintain that healthy lifestyle even when on the road.
- Eat Breakfast
Trucking is a demanding job that requires a lot of time spent on the road. .
Being in good health and staying safe is important for truckers to maintain during their travels.
Skipping breakfast can lead to unhealthy eating habits later on in the day, and it can also cause fatigue and drowsiness while driving.
By starting the day with a healthy breakfast, you can stay energized and focused on the road ahead. Which can help ensure your own safety and the safety of other people on the road.
- Snack On Healthy Foods to Reduce Meal Portions
Snack on healthy foods throughout the day, which can reduce the amount of food you consume during meals.
This simple strategy can not only help you manage your weight but also prevent the onset of health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Some healthy munchies you can bring while on the road are: chickpeas, kale chips, oatmeal cookies, granola bars, edamame, protein balls, pumpkin seeds, and nuts.
- Eat Your Greens
Long-haul trucking can pose serious health and safety risks to drivers, who often spend hours on the road without access to healthy food options or regular exercise.
One way to combat this issue is to prioritize eating salad and leafy greens, which are packed with nutrients and can help improve overall health.
Some salads you can pack ahead: Cobb salad, BLT salad, chicken fiesta salad and taco salad. Check out more ideas here.
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, and muscle cramps.
By drinking plenty of water throughout the day, truckers can stay hydrated and alert behind the wheel, ensuring that they arrive safely at their destination.
- Don’t Consume More than 2 Cups of Coffee Per Day
Watch your caffeine intake. Drinking too much coffee can lead to dehydration, jitters, and difficulty sleeping.
It’s recommended that you limit your coffee consumption to no more than two cups per day to avoid these issues and keep yourself alert and focused while driving.
- Cut Soda Out Of Your Diet
Sugary drinks like sodas can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and a whole host of other health problems.
Staying hydrated is important, but water should be your primary source of fluids. Cutting out pop from your diet can help you stay healthy and energized during long hours on the road.
- Get Enough Sleep
Staying healthy and safe on the road should be a top priority for truckers to minimize fatigue and prevent accidents. One crucial tip is getting enough sleep.
The National Institutes of Health recommends adults have at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
Sleepiness and fatigue can lead to slower reaction times and impaired decision-making, which can pose a danger on the road.
By prioritizing adequate sleep, you can maintain alertness and increase safety while driving for long periods.
- Take Time to Rest Every Two Hours
Studies have shown that taking regular breaks can help reduce fatigue, which is one of the common causes of road accidents.
Regular breaks also give truckers an opportunity to stretch their muscles, hydrate, and take some time off the road, which can also help reduce stress.
- Exercise Regularly
Truckers often spend extended periods of time on the road, leading to a sedentary lifestyle that can negatively impact their health.
One important tip for staying healthy and safe on the road is to exercise regularly.
This can include stretching, walking or jogging, weightlifting with a portable gym, or even simply doing bodyweight exercises in the truck cab.
Long-haul truckers need to make exercise a priority to prevent long-term health issues and ensure they are safely operating their vehicles.
- Stay Mentally Fit
Driving for long hours on the road can be mentally exhausting for truckers. They may face various challenges such as loneliness, boredom, and stress while being away from their families for extended periods.
As a trucker, you must maintain your mental health to stay alert and focused on the road. Do activities such as listening to music, engaging in mindfulness exercises, talking to loved ones on the phone, and taking occasional breaks to refresh your mind.
Try connecting with fellow truckers on social media or attend meetups to combat loneliness and build a support system.
Maintaining a positive mindset and mental health can be key to staying safe and healthy on the road.
- Take Your Vitamins
Make sure you’re getting all the essential vitamins and nutrients your body needs. A daily multivitamin can help fill in any gaps in your diet, and vitamin C can help boost your immune system to fight off flu and colds.
- Avoid Fast Food
Long-haul truckers spend hours on the road, which can lead to unhealthy habits such as eating fast food on the go.
Eating that Big Mac on a daily basis can make you feel sluggish in the middle of the day and can also make you unfocused while driving on the road.
Instead, opt for fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins such as boiled eggs or grilled chicken. These can make you energized and focused while driving.
By taking the time to plan and pack healthy meals, long-haul truckers can maintain a healthy lifestyle while on the road.
Here are some health lunch ideas.
- Avoid Stimulants
Long-haul trucking is a demanding job that requires mental alertness and physical stamina. Staying healthy and safe on the road is crucial for truckers to perform their jobs effectively.
One tip for achieving this is to avoid stimulants like caffeine and nicotine.
While they may provide temporary boosts of energy and alertness, they can also lead to dehydration, elevated heart rates, and poor sleep patterns.
Instead, you should focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and taking breaks to rest and recharge.
Be Healthy While on the Road
By prioritizing health and well-being, truck drivers can maximize their productivity and minimize the risk of accidents or health problems on the road.
Canal Cartage ensures that truckers and other workers are in top shape in order to perform their duties efficiently and effectively.
That’s why our services are high-quality. Whether you’re looking for a warehouse or a domestic drayage, we’re always happy to help.Call us at (713) 672-1779 or start with us by getting a free quote.
