Trucking Lifestyle Tips: Eating Healthy IS Possible!

Life as a truck driver is fun, challenging, and lucrative. But it isn’t known for being the healthiest occupation. Fast food and snacks at truck stops are easy options when you’re hungry, but they don’t have to be your only options!

Tips for cooking in your truck

Even if you have to be on a strict schedule, you can still find time to cook yourself some healthy meals. You will save money and even time in some cases. It will take some prep and planning, but it will be worth it in the end. Here are some tips to help you start cooking healthy, tasty meals!

Choose the right cooking equipment and supplies

Before you start cooking in your truck, you have to have the right equipment. There are a lot of products available, including many made specifically for truckers. Here are just a few to consider.

• Mini fridge
• Microwave
• Portable stove
• Slow cooker
• Hot pot
• Rice cooker

You need supplies to cook too. These include storage, utensils, cleaning items, cookware, plates, and bowls. Make sure you have enough room for everything you use, or cooking will be more annoying than it should be. Also, don’t forget about a trash receptacle of some form.

Prep at home

Depending on how long your hauls are and your cooking equipment, you can start preparing your meals before you even leave. Start by planning your meals. Come up with at least two per day to get the most out of your food choices. Then, you can prep your meals either fully or in part.

If you have a refrigerator in your truck, you can store perishable items until you are ready to cook them. This means you won’t have to worry about prepping these things until you need them. You can chop vegetables or create separate portions to save time, though. If your meals involve meat, you may want to plan a grocery store trip somewhere on your route to make sure it is fresh.

Get truck-friendly ingredients

Not every ingredient will work well in a truck. For example, you really shouldn’t include anything that might make too much of a mess, like food dyes, or bulk items that take up too much space. If you don’t have a fridge, don’t get anything perishable. Stick to canned and dry goods, or pick up ingredients as you need them. Also, don’t forget the spices and condiments!

Tips for healthy (or healthier) snacking

Snacking can be helpful for truckers, especially when you simply cannot stop to eat. But, it is too easy to grab a bunch of junk food when you are on the road. Instead of chips and candy, consider these healthier options for your next snack.

• Fresh veggies and fruit
• Dried fruit
• Beef jerky
• Boiled eggs (you can make these on your own or buy them at the store)
• Protein bars
• Granola bars (low sugar options are best)
• Cheese and whole grain crackers
• Mixed nuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Dark chocolate
• Leftovers

Other ways to eat healthier

Just because you are a trucker doesn’t mean you HAVE to eat unhealthy food. It may seem cheaper or more convenient to grab your go-to fast food, but the following can help you stay on track with your healthier lifestyle.

• Use simple recipes to help save time, money, and storage space.
• Look for things that are on sale and use coupons. Also, consider shopping at stores that offer discounts and points for frequent shoppers.
• Eat smaller portions, but don’t live on snacks.
• Cut out processed foods, fried foods, and fatty foods wherever possible.
• Drink water instead of sugary beverages.

Looking for a change of pace?

If you’re looking to work with a dedicated and passionate team, Kimrad Transport is looking for you! We offer the BEST pay and BEST family-driven environment in our industry. We have multiple locations as well to help keep drivers closer to home. If you are interested in learning more About Us or Applying for a position, give us a call at 1 (866) 359-3882. You can also Contact Us by email to learn more.