Veltri drivers are some of the luckiest in the industry because they get to eat breakfast and lunch at home every day. As regional drivers, they have an opportunity to cook and eat more meals in their own kitchen ensuring a higher nutritional quality than long-haul drivers who are forced to choose between fast food and creating meals from hot plates, microwaves or slow cookers when they can. That said, it’s no secret that the long hours sitting and sedentary demands of truck driving can lead to health concerns such as weight gain, heart disease, and musculoskeletal problems due to lack of exercise and poor food choices while on the road.
There are some easy ways to take better care of yourself as a driver that don’t require a ton of extra work. Here are our tips to stay healthy and happy:
- Drink more water. A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces every day. A common sign of dehydration is to feel hungry even after you have eaten so taking a reusable water bottle with you can help you hydrated. Easy flavors such as citrus juice or flavored electrolytes can add taste without sugar or extra calories
- Make shakes or smoothies. You can disguise vegetables and add protein to help keep you full and out of the fast food lane
- Even if you are able to eat meals at home, you still need snacks during the day. Prepare all your snacks at the beginning of the week so you aren’t grabbing from gas stations or fast food chains. Veggies, whole pieces of fruit, protein bars – these can all be swapped out for your bags of chips or chocolate bars that are less healthy. Easy to grab, they don’t take a lot of time and there are great ideas out there for quick snacks you can take on the road without sacrificing your health
- Exercise is something our truck drivers should prioritize in their time off to counterbalance the long hours sitting. Implement a routine at a gym or at home at least three times a week. Small additions like stretching on any breaks or incorporating easy moves like lunges or squats while at work also make a difference and add up over time
- Check in with someone in your family, other drivers or even apps like Rolling Strong that can provide you with exercises, healthy food choices in your area and access to wellness coaches. Accountability is one of the biggest reasons people stay on track with their health and succeed in their goals
Truck driving doesn’t have to mean health problems long term. With a little dedication and help you can drive smart and take yourself at the same time. For more information on driving for Veltri, contact us today.