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Eating Healthy On the Road: (4 Healthy Snacks for truck Drivers)

Healthy Snacks for Truck Drivers: (New Guide)

A balanced diet is a foreign concept to many truck drivers- and it’s not their fault. When you’re on the road, the options to eat healthily are rarely available, especially when your breaks are a few minutes long. Eating an unbalanced diet has many complications that follow soon, including obesity, high blood pressure, clogged arteries, and many more heart diseases. This blog is to give you ideas for healthy snacks for truck drivers!

Eating Healthy On the Road: (4 Healthy Snacks for truck Drivers)

1. Flavored yogurt

yogurt can quickly become your best friend, high in protein and packed with fruity flavors. If you’re looking for a snack that’s readily available no matter where you go, flavored yogurt is the end of your hunt. Yogurt is also enriched with calcium, which can help you fight against bad knees, backaches, and wrist pains. 

This snack is highly nutritious and will leave your hunger satiated!

Just watch for added sugar and yogurt with “added fruit” which usually means a lot more sugar. Greek yogurt is a great choice that will keep you full and healthy.

2. Salad

The salad makes for an excellent healthy snack for truck drivers. Salads can provide you with carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. This means you can avoid tummy troubles, acid reflux, and obesity while enjoying a delicious snack every time you’re hungry!

By salads, we mean the tasteful variations you can easily find in restaurant chains or carry with you from home! Chicken salad, turkey salad, Russian salad, and fruit salads are some easily prepared and available combinations you can enjoy.

Some of you say, “but Hope, I don’t like salad.” And the truth is, I don’t like many things, but I know it’s good for me. And I want to live the best life possible. Plus, the more you eat REAL food, your taste buds will change and like it too.

3. Fruits and berries

Fruits and berries are filled with antioxidants, natural sugar, and essential vitamins that our body needs to stay highly functioning and cognitive. Fruits like mangoes have high glucose levels and can energize you for long hours. 

Berries such as strawberries and blueberries are filled with antioxidants that keep you agile, whereas bananas have anti-stress properties. You can easily enjoy a fruit snack on the road, whether you store it in Tupperware or buy one from the local grocery stores!

Berries are also low in sugar and are so yummy as a quick snack. So eat up; no one ever gained weight by eating berries.

4. Smoothies

Smoothies are one of the most widely available options that are also the healthiest to choose from! With smoothies, you can be as creative as you want and enjoy an endless list of flavors, making it enjoyable every time you complete one. 

Smoothies hold the benefits of fruits and berries that we mentioned earlier and those of milk and yogurt. Rich in calcium, vitamins, protein, and carbohydrates, these drinks will be your best friend if you want flavor and health to go hand in hand. 

Some of the most common places to get smoothies are close to highways and other transporting routes, so make sure to stop there the next time you’re on the road!

Conclusion

In this blog, we wanted to explore some healthy options that truck drivers can enjoy as snacks without worrying about their impact on their health. The four healthy snacks for truck drivers mentioned in this blog have been curated with a balanced diet in mind, and with that, we wish you happy traveling!

4 Skills Every Trucker Should Have

The trucking industry is often more competitive than people think. There can be a lot of individuals applying for the same preposition. That’s why knowing the skills you need is essential beyond standard driving qualifications

Pexels Source CCO License

Here Are 4 Skills Every Trucker Should Have:

First Aid

 

First aid could be a critical skill for a truck driver. At this point, you might think, wait, I’m going to be alone for most of the trip. While this is true, it is worth considering what might happen if you end up in an accident. If you have a first aid qualification, you could provide vital support to anyone injured. Don’t forget; this does include yourself. It’s easy to forget that skills in first aid will ensure that you can provide primary care for yourself if you are injured too. You’ll know the proper steps to take. You can learn more about this on sites that offer first aid qualifications. 

 

Customer Service

 

You might also want to consider your customer or client service skills. If you are new to the trucking industry it’s easy to assume that there are virtually no interactions with other people. While it’s true that you will spend most of your time on the road, you’ll still interact and engage with clients, customers, or colleagues. These interactions will impact how people judge and view your service. As such, you need to know how to interact with people at your final destination and on the road. Remember, your behavior will permanently alter the perception of the business you’re working for. 

 

Patience 

 

You must have patience when you’re a truck driver. There will be many times when you are stuck in traffic or when there are countless factors beyond your control. In times like this, mistakes can and will happen if you are not patient. It would help if you were willing to wait it out and have the mindset that some things can not be changed or fixed by you. This will also help you improve the quality of your driving. 

 

Mechanical Knowledge

 

Like first aid, you don’t need this skill as a trucker. But it can be helpful to have. Your employer won’t expect you to have mechanical knowledge, but it’s great if you know a little about how your vehicle works for a few reasons. First, it will ensure that you know the signs there’s a problem with the vehicle, which may mean it’s not safe to drive. Catching these signs early will help you avoid an accident. Second, it can ensure that you know what to do if your truck breaks down at the side of the road and may provide you can get it up and running again without waiting for support. 

 

We hope this helps you understand some of the skills you should have as a truck driver. By learning these skills, you can ensure that you are more likely to be hired for a position. You will also be more effective in any trucking job that you are chosen for.

 

Trucking Yoga Fitness Mother Trucker Yoga

SHOP MTY

Top Healthy Diets Tips for Truck Drivers

Top Healthy Diets Tips for Truck Drivers

If there is something truck drivers know about themselves, it’s their unhealthy lifestyle. It is hard to stay healthy when you’re on duty, filled with a lack of exercise, a shifting sleep schedule, long work hours without breaks, and unhealthy diets. Lower your healthcare costs and sick days, and enjoy a healthy life with our guide to top healthy trucker food!

5 Best Healthy Diet for Truckers

1. Fiber-Rich Food

Tummy troubles can make traveling distances a nightmare. To avoid them, ensure your body gets enough fiber to process food without causing problems. Some foods with high fiber content are wheat products, granola bars, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and rice.

Fiber-rich foods are readily available and make for great healthy trucker food options!

Top Healthy Diets Tips for Truck Drivers Fiber Image Mother Trucker Yoga Blog

2. Lean Meat

Meat is an integral part of meals as they provide nutritional protein and fats to our bodies. With truck driving being physical labor that requires top strength and agility, meat is essential in the trucker diet. Hence you must eat the healthy form of meat, which is lean meat. 

Lean meat is boiled or steamed poultry or fish packed with the proper nutrients. Fish are rich in omega-fatty acids that are great for the eyes and heart. In contrast, organic poultry meat is essential to fulfilling your protein needs! 

Top Healthy Diets Tips for Truck Drivers Lean Meats Image Mother Trucker Yoga Blog

3. Healthy Snacks

If eating in small portions is something you tend to do, we have you covered! Snacks don’t need to be unhealthy, and they also don’t need to be complex to make or find. The list of healthy snacks is almost endless and can suit every time of taste bud there is. 

Popcorn or corn cakes (watch salt content) and salsa chips are great for crunch lovers. If you have a sweet tooth, we have to suggest flavored yogurt, fresh berries filled with antioxidants, and apples with peanut butter or almond butter. And now brands have peanut butter with no added sugar! I call that a win!. Dry nuts, trail mix, and hard-boiled eggs are healthy snacks you can easily prepare and find wherever you go!

Top Healthy Diets Tips for Truck Drivers Healthy Snacks Image Mother Trucker Yoga Blog

4. Water

We couldn’t complete this list without mentioning the basic essential: water. Drinking water yields many health benefits and keeps you away from health conditions. Water keeps your cognitive functions working, helping you lose weight and aids in digestion. Not only that but drinking plenty of water keeps your organs healthy and protects you from overeating by making you feel full. 

Top Healthy Diets Tips for Truck Drivers Water Image Mother Trucker Yoga BLog

5. Fresh Fruits

Fresh fruits are a tasteful bundle of essential nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and fit! Fruits and berries are filled with proteins, antioxidants, and glucose. Vitamin C is also found in all citrus fruits, protecting you from skin diseases such as skin cancer which many truck drivers risk.

So ensure to take your regular fresh fruits and berries whenever possible because they are just as crucial to your diet!

Top Healthy Diets Tips for Truck Drivers Fruits Image Mother Trucker Yoga Blog

Conclusion

In this blog, we have listed the 5 top healthy trucker food that significantly affects health. With the transport industry making you its backbone, you must take care of your body and mind by eating right and living right. 

Sportswear Is The Ideal Summer OOTD Every Day

The summertime brings hot and uncomfortable weather. Some of the materials you have in the winter are too heavy and designed to keep the heat in. While flowing dresses and lightweight linens are a great choice, the right sportswear can make you comfortable, cool, and sweat-free all summer. 

 

Activewear is typically stretchy and has a range of other perks designed for those who are going to be active and sweat. By choosing the right activewear (outside of regular cotton legging and a t-shirt), you might find this summer much easier to deal with – along with some healthier food options and plenty of water. 

 

Is cotton the best summertime wear?

Cotton has a range of skin-friendly benefits; it might not be the best option for you throughout the summer. 

 

Let’s say you have to run errands all day, it’s already hot at 6 am, and you have a day filled with school drop-off and pick-up, groceries, picking up the gifts for a party at the weekend – and that’s just the start of it. 

 

Those cotton clothes, even if they are leggings and a tank top, will go through a lot. One of the downsides of using cotton clothing for sweltering days is that it isn’t moisture-wicking. Cotton holds onto the sweat and keeps it close to the skin. 

 

Suppose the cotton clothing is damp but isn’t well fitted. In that case, it can cause heat rash, rub the skin, and be uncomfortable. Shop active clothing made with some of the suggested materials below to avoid this. 

 

So how do you choose the right sportswear? 

Fit

Depending on your confidence levels, you might often choose clothing that isn’t well-fitting, which will mean you might be uncomfortable throughout the day. As you sweat, you are more likely to have an issue with chaffing and becoming uncomfortable in the heat. 

 

Sportswear is designed from fabrics that offer some stretch but are mostly tightly fitted to the body. This means you can move comfortably and are less likely to have chaffing. 

 

Versatility 

No matter what you are doing, there are colors and fabrics to complement your day. The softer materials designed for busy days but just as easy are ideal for yoga, can be quickly layered and are versatile enough to last your whole day. 

 

To make your wardrobe even more versatile, try to choose colors that work well together, so when you need to leave at speed, you can put on what you need and head out for your day. 

 

For the base layer, try to choose a moisture-wicking layer to remove any sweat from the skin. A looser cotton jumper is excellent for areas where the evenings get a little chilly. 

 

Comfort 

If you struggle to feel comfortable in the heat, the last thing you need is material that isn’t soft and comfortable. Fabrics that are made up of plastics or have any rubber aren’t breathable, which means that you will sweat a little bit more than usual, and it will not be able to escape the body. 

 

These materials also increase your body temperature, causing you to sweat more and become more quickly dehydrated. Choose lightweight fabrics that mention they are breathable in the description. 

 

Wicking

You might’ve seen the words moisture-wicking on some clothing descriptions. That means that the moisture you produce will be removed from the body when you sweat. Nothing is worse than having to wear sweat-soaked clothing all day when you are busy and have things to do. 

 

Moisture-wicking fabrics work in two ways. First, they quickly move moisture away from the body, which is the wicking part. The second part of the process is that the fabric’s outer surface dries quickly, so the wearer never gets wet and the material doesn’t become saturated. 

 

Anti-odor

If you are prone to sweating a lot but know you won’t be able to head home to change your clothing until the evening, it is best to choose an anti-odor fabric. While sweat itself doesn’t smell, it doesn’t take long for multiple layers of sweat to happen. Our sweat feeds our skin bacteria, which rubs back onto our clothing, which causes the smell. 

 

Gym clothing also has other benefits, like antibacterial, ultra-breathable, and support areas. Performance activewear often has a combination of the above great features. 

 

And those are just a few reasons sportswear makes the ideal summertime clothing! Of course, once you have your activewear on, you might as well fit in a workout too! 

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MOTHER TRUCKER YOGA DRIVER SPOTLIGHT – Idella Hansen

National truck driver appreciation week mother trucker yoga blog

Truck Driver Appreciation Week may have passed, but we still want to celebrate! And what better way than to highlight some of our road heroes. We interviewed drivers and asked them questions about their lives to help others see how amazing and hard trucking is.

It’s our truck drivers who keep our great country running strong. Many of these men and women go unnoticed, not because they aren’t important, but because what they do doesn’t live in a fancy building or doesn’t require a cap and gown.

These men and women are out on our roads, carrying all our essential and non-essential products we want and love day in and day out. And here at Mother Trucker Yoga, it’s not just trucking fitness that is important to us. It’s the men and women whom we serve.

idella hansen mother trucker yoga blog

Meet Idella Hansen!

People call Idella MaMA ChooChoo on the CB.

 

QUESTION 1: How long have you been driving?

Answer: 52 years

 

QUESTION 2: What do you love most about being a truck driver?

Answer: First off it’s not a job for me, it’s a way of life, and I love all of it from customer service to do the hardbacks.

Idella works for IBI Security Transport.

 

DID YOU KNOW?

IBI is a full-service armored transportation company, operating in all 48 Continental States of the USA, Canada, and Mexico. IBI is a privately held company based in Woodside New York. IBI has been in operation since 1966. IBI is a full-service security company, operating Nationwide and in Canada and Mexico.

In 2001 IBI acquired Securicor Valuables Transport, Inc., a high-value, secured, “over-the-road” transportation company. IBI operates this division as, IBI Secured Transport, Inc. This is a national and international operation, with terminals in Trenton, New Jersey, and Salt Lake City, Utah.

 

Recognition Well-Deserved!

Back in 2017 Idella Hansen was nominated and chosen as citizen driver of the year.

Known for her signature red cowboy boots, her willingness to help her fellow drivers, her community, and her fellow women, Idella Hansen leads by example. Idella’s ability and dedication have earned her the respect of her fellow drivers, and TA-Petro is proud to honor her as a 2017 Citizen Driver.

In 2013, TA-Petro launched the Citizen Driver Program to honor exceptional drivers who exhibit strong citizenship, community involvement, leadership, health and wellness, and safety. To date, 26 Citizen Driver Honorees have been named as the best of the best. Idella is one of five members of the 2017 class.

idella hansen cowboy boots mother trucker yoga blog

“Idella is a pioneer in our industry and is a great example of what the Citizen Driver Award was created to recognize. She exemplifies the qualities of the award by her words and deeds on a daily basis, and continues to be a shining example of safety, involvement, and passion within our industry,” said Rick Ash, 2015 Citizen Driver Award Recipient, St. Christopher Fund Board Member, Former Chairman Trucking Solutions Group, Chairman Onramp to Health.

 

idella hansen

 

QUESTION 3: Trucking is hard. Why do you keep on trucking?

Answer: Because it’s in my blood and it’s pays really great, I work for a super company and they keep telling me not yet don’t retire.

 

QUESTION 4: What do you want to say to new upcoming drivers in the industry?

The first year is the hardest. Be prepared to change your way of doing things.

QUESTION: What is your favorite truck stop?

Answer: Kenley95 North Carolina. I love the update and the facilities

QUESTION 7: What would make trucking easier for you and other drivers?

ANSWER: That the rules and state regulations would be more uniform

 

QUESTION 8: What do you do, if anything, to try to stay healthy on the road?

ANSWER: Mother Trucker Yoga and Rolling Strong and St Christopher’s Trucker Relief Fund.

Idella had a final thought he wanted everyone to know.

We are the lifeblood of the Country and will be for many years to come, which helps us to do a good job. I will continue to truck until I drive it off the end of the world and beyond

 

What do you like most about the trucking industry?

Have a comment to share with Idella or our readers?

Please share it in the comments below!

 

Mother Trucker Yoga® wants to help 1 million drivers change lanes in their health and fitness by 2031.

To get involved with Mother Trucker Yoga’s mission and help drivers just like you incorporate driver fitness into their lives.  Contact us!

 

Read our other Driver Spotlights:

VW Lady Trucker https://www.mothertruckeryoga.com/2021/09/14/mother-trucker-driver-spotlight-vw-lady-trucker/

Mother Trucker Yoga Driver Spotlight – Flatbed Foodie

National truck driver appreciation week mother trucker yoga blog

Driver Appreciation Week may be over, but we still want to celebrate! And what better way than to highlight some of our road heroes. We interviewed drivers and asked them questions about their lives to help others see how unique and hard trucking is.

It’s our truck drivers who keep our great country running strong. Many of these men and women go unnoticed, not because they aren’t necessary, but because what they do doesn’t live in a fancy building or doesn’t require a cap and gown.

These men and women are out on our roads, carrying all our essential and non-essential products we want and love day in and day out. And here at Mother Trucker Yoga, it’s not just trucking fitness that is important to us. It’s the men and women whom we serve.

We love our truck drivers and want to celebrate them in every way we can.

flatbedfoodie mother trucker yoga feature driver daniel

Meet Flatbed Foodie!

 

QUESTION 1: How long have you been driving?

Answer: 3 years

 

QUESTION 2: What do you want to say to new upcoming drivers in the industry?

Answer: Flexible minds and bodies last a lot longer in the end.

We agree with that! Your mind creates your reality, and when it comes to driving, isolation, loneliness, and depression are factors we all must keep in check as drivers and humans. Make sure you take time to stay connected, not just through social media but talk to your friends and family daily, consider meditation, and getting outside for some fresh air every day. And don’t forget to move your body. With nearly 10 hours behind the wheel and on the clock, it can be easy to lose track of time. So schedule movement into your day in five-minute bursts, and with the help of Mother Trucker Yoga’s videos, you will be on your way!

 

QUESTION 3: Trucking is hard. Why do you keep on trucking?

Answer: Still seeing new things, and I train others, so I get to share. Being part of starting someone on a safe and profitable journey is fun.

 

DID YOU KNOW?

According to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, state governments issue more than 450,000 new commercial driver’s licenses every year. That’s a lot of CDL’s. And good thing we have people like Flatbed Foodie on the roads training other drivers just like you!

 

QUESTION 4: What is your favorite truck stop?

Answer: Iowa-80 Truck Stop! Who doesn’t love I80? And we agree! We love it too!

IOWA 80 TRUCK STOP MOTHER TRUCKER YOGA BLOG

DID YOU KNOW?

On the eastern edge of Iowa, not far from the Mississippi River, adjacent to the small town of Walcott, you’ll find a place like no other in the world. The Iowa 80 Truckstop, now the World’s Largest Truckstop, established its home here in 1964 and is now in itself a home away from home to countless drivers and a destination for travelers as well.

Some say Iowa 80 Truckstop is like a small city. Others have likened it to a Trucker’s Disneyland. All can agree it is a place not to be missed.

 

QUESTION 5: What do you want to say to new and upcoming drivers?

ANSWER: You will never look back. You are your boss. You get to travel and serve country/towns and people. And you are valued and an essential driver. This is an excellent career.

 

QUESTION 6: What would make trucking easier for you and other drivers?

ANSWER: Automatic logs, healthier food (make sure you read our blog on healthy snacks to pack) on the road, and more efficiency.

 

QUESTION 7: What do you do, if anything, to try to stay healthy on the road?

ANSWER: Light cardio, walking and stretching, and diet planning.

Flatbed Foodie had a final thought he wanted everyone to know.

Trucking is a challenging and rewarding way to support your goals. It can be a lifelong profession or a quick way to earn cash in some cases. The need is real and the compensation is there for those who want to work.

 

What do you like most about the trucking industry?

Have a comment to share with Flatbed Foodie or our readers?

Please share it in the comments below!

 

Mother Trucker Yoga® wants to help 1 million drivers change lanes in their health and fitness by 2031.

To get involved with Mother Trucker Yoga’s mission and help drivers just like you incorporate driver fitness into their lives.  Contact us!

 

Read our other Driver Spotlights:

VW Lady Trucker https://www.mothertruckeryoga.com/2021/09/14/mother-trucker-driver-spotlight-vw-lady-trucker/

Mark Iverson https://www.mothertruckeryoga.com/2021/10/06/mother-trucker-yoga-driver-spotlight-mark-iverson/

7 Reasons to Ditch the Soda and Switch to Kombucha

Most people think I am speaking another language when I tell them to drink kombucha. But I am totally serious when I ask them to ditch the soda and consider a healthier alternative. And when it comes to truck driver health it’s about the small simple changes that add up and lead to the big results you are looking for.

But what am I really asking you to drink when I suggest such a thing?

The kombucha you find at a local grocer and now even truck stops is usually a sweetened tea (usually black) fermented with kombucha.

But what exactly is kombucha?

Kombucha Mother Trucker Yoga Blog

Well, it’s a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY for short), which is made by steeping the kombucha culture in tea and allowing it to ferment.

After it ferments, usually 7 to 30 days, the soda alternative is ready to be served.

But why drink kombucha instead of soda? And do they even taste the same?

Yes and no.

Yes, because they are both carbonated. Yes, because they both have fruity flavors. And yes, because they both come in all different sizes and shaped bottles.

No, because, well, kombucha is much healthier than soda.

Soda at truck stop mother trucker yoga blog

7 Benefits of Kombucha for Truck Driver Health

  1. It’s loaded with (B vitamins and folic acid) vitamins and chemicals compounds, and vinegar. This combination makes it a bit tart. But compared to the artificially loaded soda, it’s a good alternative. 7 Reasons to Ditch Soda and Switches to its New Neighbor: plus those B vitamins will boost your body’s ability to make new cells. A win for your future’s health.
  2. Fermented foods and beverages can aid in intestinal health. It works because it is a probiotic. And don’t worry, by the time the fermentation is ready, the good bacteria have already consumed the sugars and yeast, and it is ready for your gut to take in.
  3.  It contains powerful antioxidants which can help fight disease, oxidative stress, and inflammation. And as a driver over the road, any help to the body, the better.
  4. Can help fight candida. Candida is an overgrowth of yeast in the body. And soda is not helping that cause. Drinking kombucha made from green or black teas can help specific antibacterial properties that help fight infection-causing bacteria like candida. “Kombucha is rich in tea polyphenols and acetic acid, which have both been shown to suppress the growth of undesirable bacteria and yeasts.” (Healthline
  5. It doesn’t have harmful chemicals that disintegrate your teeth. One of my deepest darkest secrets is I am a fanatic about my teeth. I don’t want anything to happen to them. And if I can prevent my pearly whites from rotting out of my mouth, I’m on it. Is it really worth the soda? And if Coke and take rust off your kid’s old bike. Imagine what it is doing to your teeth?
  6. It won’t dehydrate you. That’s right. Soda has sodium, and although it seems to quench your thirst, it’s far from hydration. Kombucha is a win in this category as it does not dehydrate you as soda does.
  7. It can help relieve arthritis pain. The glucosamine present stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid, which helps with the maintenance of cartilage and can offer some pain relief. Can your soda do that?

Trucking Convention Road Pro and Mother Trucker Yoga Blog

Still not convinced that your soda is worth giving up for some weird fermented beverage that you have never heard of? Well, you might have to try it out yourself.

Our favorites are:

  • Lavender and Melon
  • Mojito Flavor
  • Raspberry
  • Root Beer

And I am so excited to have just been turned onto by a driver just like you and one of my past trucking clients Laurie. You can now get kombucha on a tablet!


 

References:

https://www.health.com/nutrition/info-about-kombucha

https://www.culturesforhealth.com/learn/kombucha/kombucha-tea-frequently-asked-questions-faq/

https://genomind.com/6-health-benefits-of-drinking-kombucha/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-benefits-of-kombucha-tea#section4

https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/10-ways-kombucha-is-better-for-you-than-soda

STAY FIT Truck Stop Fitness Center Quick Weighted Workout for Drivers

Have you ever stepped inside any of the truck stop fitness centers? They aren’t in every truck stop, but they are free, and after being to more than a dozen of TA Petros Truck Stop Fitness centers, I’m here to tell you this is a hidden gem you want to take advantage of.

NOTE: This is not a full gym, and often people will see it and instantly compare it to a full-size gym. And no matter what, that is a win! This isn’t, but what it is, is an opportunity for you to move.

Now that things are beginning to open back up again, that means for drivers just like you, there are more opportunities for you to get up and move.

Most still look at “getting active and healthy” in the form of exercise. And I’m telling you they are wrong. Well, not totally wrong, but if exercising more would solve all our health problems, we wouldn’t have this conversation. It’s about the little things.

Making small little changes.

If you want good dental hygiene, then you brush your teeth every day. If you want better bowel movements, you are going to drink more water. These are simple, not complicated, yet so many try to make it be complicated. I want to lead you towards health and fitness strategies that are as simple as brushing your teeth and make as much sense as drinking water for better bowel health.

Sprinkled throughout the US are fitness centers just for drivers. Truck Stop chains like TA Petro and Pilot Flying J’s have truck stops with fitness centers just waiting for you to use. Now, are they huge? No. Do they have every machine known to man? No. But they do have just the right amount of equipment and space to get you back on track!

Where We Go Wrong

We focus on the negative. I have talked to hundreds of drivers, and most have never taken advantage of the fitness centers at these locations. Why? Well, one, they didn’t know they existed, and two, they found reason to disapprove. Too small, not enough equipment, and on and on.

The people that want to improve their health will. The people that don’t want to improve their health won’t.

After 20 years working with people in pain and people looking to improve their fitness and health through lifestyle and movement changes, I noticed that it’s not about “exercise”, it’s about learning how to add more movement into your day. Which is what we focus on in Mother Trucker Yoga’s Membership Platform with Quick Simple Moves

What Can You Do Today?

What is one thing you can do today to take better care of your health? If you find yourself making excuses or coming up with bad reasons why nothing will work, then I want to encourage you to take a step back and find

Here are two of my favorite quick fitness moves for truck driver exercise on the go. And I know you are going to love these quick and easy moves.

Angled Abs Drop

Weighted Chest Fly

Let me know what you think about these simple fitness center moves.

And don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel

Easy to Pack Healthy Snacks for Truck Drivers

Healthy snacks for truck drivers that are easy to pack!

Packing your own travel snacks as a driver can be a challenge when it comes to things like storage space, food spoilage, and not to mention where to replace the yummy delicious snacks you have eaten and now need more.

But the good news is, as a truck driver, healthy trucker food doesn’t have to be complicated to find, pack and eat. Everyone else may be telling you you have to cook elaborate meals on the truck to “eat healthy over the road,” but I’m telling you that you can eat healthy in small bites, and even those small snacks count!

Why pack healthy snacks?

Packing healthy snacks can and will help you resist the temptation to buy those unhealthy, greasy, sugary foods at the truck stop that are starting back at you when you walk in. And truth be told, those foods are not going away anytime soon. But that doesn’t mean you have to buy them every time you walk in.

Part of the challenge is many drivers and travelers walk into the truckstop hungry, better yet, hangry, and then make decisions they would otherwise have more self-control from.

You can do this. And the key to avoiding the junk food trap is to have healthy trucker food on your truck ready when you need them. Healthy snacks for truck drivers to pack won’t take a lot of time or even prep when you know what you are looking for.

Easy to pack snacks for truck drivers Mother Trucker Yoga blog post 2

Ideas for Healthy Snacks for Truck Drivers and Travelers

Nuts & Seeds

Nuts, unsalted, or low salted nuts. Look for almonds, pistachios, walnuts, hazelnuts, or mixed nuts. Oh, and I love an occasional bag of edamame, crunchy and so good. Yes, there are a few extra packages to throw away, but if you struggle with portion control, consider buying the snack size or travel size bags of nuts or pre-bag your nuts at home before heading out on the road. Rule of thumb an ounce or 28 grams of nuts per day. That’s about as much as what fits in the palm of your hand. And they can be a mixture of nuts or a handful of one kind, like almonds. Add a small dose of dried fruit (small because dried fruit is high in sugar) for a sweet, nutty mixture.

And if you haven’t yet ventured into the wonderful world of seeds I want to encourage you to do so. Seeds like pumpkin, sesame, sunflower, and even apricot are packed with minerals (such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, plant iron, and zinc),
vitamins B1, B2, B3, and vitamin E, and protein, healthy fats, and fiber.

Trail Mix

Now mix your seeds, nuts, and a small handful of dried fruit along with some yummy dark chocolate chips and you have yourself a yummy heart-healthy snack! Don’t forget to bag your mix-up into individual baggies before you get hungry because too much of anything is too much.

Fresh Fruit

Fresh fruit is a great travel snack idea for any driver. Although it doesn’t keep for very long, your body will thank you for the delicious fuel in the time you have. Consider fruits like oranges (large oranges, cuties, or tangerines), grapefruits, apples, plums, bananas, but eat them before they go brown because, in brown bananas, the resistant starch has almost completely transformed into simple sugars. When you eat a brown banana, your blood sugar spikes more quickly than a green one, which means it has a higher glycemic index. Have a designated basket or container to store this fruit in so it doesn’t get bruised. Consider 2-3 servings of fruit per day, and fruit is best eaten on an empty stomach.

Chips Popcorn or Pretzels?

If you require a crunchy snack and are thinking pretzels are better, you might want to think again. Potato chips have a nutritional advantage over pretzels when it comes to sodium content. And potato chips and popcorn are not only lower in salt than pretzels, but they also contain more potassium than pretzels. These snacks are a perfect example of never judge a book by its cover. Studies have shown that eating salt triggers the release of dopamine, a chemical messenger that controls your brain’s pleasure center. Once your brain gets that first reward hit, it starts craving more. This is why you can’t stop when the big back is open for business.

Consider the following:

Look for pretzels that are sprouted or made from ancient grains. There are even pretzels made out of sweet potatoes and cauliflower and taste pretty dang good.

Look for popcorn that is low salt (sea salt) and does not have extra flavoring put onto it, those are often loaded with additives and excitotoxins, which keep your body wanting more, and you can’t figure out why. I love Skinny Pop when I’m on the go, and best of all, most truck stops carry this brand. Just remember not to eat the entire bag in one sitting.

Look for chips that are low sodium, and there are even some amazing brands that now make grain-free chips that, in my opinion, are better than grain-based chips like Siete tortilla chips, or bare sea salt carrot chips, chips made from cauliflower, and of course sweet potatoes and root vegetable chips.

Rice Cakes

I have been eating rice cakes since I was a little kid. My parents were tight on cash most of my growing up years, and my mom made rice cakes so much fun to eat. Rice cakes are low fat, low sodium, and the crunch you have been looking for. Try a rice cake, peanut butter (or almond butter), and homemade jam for a sweet treat. Add a slice of banana on top for a full-on crunchy dessert. Put a thin layer of mustard and then sliced avocado on top, and you have a simple lunch. Dunk them in your soup for an alternative to saltines.

Kale Chips

Still need that salty crunch, consider kale chips. You can make them at home with a dehydrator or in your oven or you can buy them for a quick salty delicious snack packed with kale is high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamin A and calcium, as well as B vitamins, vitamin C, and potassium. Kale chips keep well when kept in a sealed container so crunch away. Plus you can crumble them on top of a salad for extra added flavor and nutrition.

Jerky

Jerky is rich in protein and a great travel snack, even a quick on-the-go meal when you don’t need to bulk up on calories. But beware most jerky brands are loaded with sugar and sodium. And you can get jerky of all kinds: beef, bison, venison (in Wisconsin we love making our own), chicken, turkey, and my personal favorite salmon! The best part is jerky is an easy to pack healthy snack for truck driver that you can get just about anywhere. Just remember to read the label and added ingredients that might be snuck in.

Granola or Oatmeal

Making your own granola is super simple, but if you don’t have time and want a crunch of a bit of sweet, granola is a great grab for a snack on the go. But when buying granola consider the following: look for NON-GMO verified brands and if possible organic. Because remember you are eating whatever has been sprayed on those oats, and more brands are going NON-GMO. And when you flip the bag over check the added sugar content, look at the amount of fat per serving. And most importantly, look at the ingredients being used. Many have hidden colors or flavor additives, as well as unhealthy oils.

And when it comes to oatmeal, consider overnight oats or steel-cut oats versus instant oats. You can easily use your RoadPro crockpot to cook them while you drive. Oatmeal is heart healthy trucker food and if I had to choose sugary cereal or a greasy fast food breakfast sandwich I’d choose oatmeal.

 

Protein Balls VS Protein Bars

Often times truckers and travelers talk to me about protein bars as their go-to while traveling and I do eat them, but they should be eaten sparingly and not used to regularly replace real food. When choosing a protein bar read the ingredients, many are made with soy, laced with excitotoxins (additives, artificial colors, and flavors), and can be loaded with sugar. And remember protein bulks, and when you fill up on protein yes it will help keep you full longer, but a high intake of protein does require you to be active because protein builds muscle. And you are oftentimes better off with a piece of fruit and a handful of nuts. But here are a few of my favorite brands.

These are all easy to pack snacks for truck drivers and don’t be overwhelmed, the first step is to just choose one to buy and incorporate into your next trip. And don’t forget to make sure you get in your water each day and get enough sleep and movement, and of course, don’t forget to eat REAL FOOD. If you aren’t sure where to start join our Mother Trucker Yoga Family.

The next time you are wondering what to pack, remember Mother Trucker Yoga’s favorite snacks!

Are you a part of the Mother Trucker Yoga Family yet?

Mother Trucker Yoga Health and Fitness Webinar

Mobile Meals Made Healthy: Easy Truckers Roasted Veggies & Country-Style Ribs

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Cooking on your truck can seem complicated. But here at Mother Trucker Yoga, we believe that when you are armed with the right knowledge and support and are willing to take just a few minutes. And when mobiles meals are made healthy, you can’t go wrong because you can make a great meal right from your truck. No one said you need to be a gourmet chef, spend thousands of dollars on food, or have hard-to-find ingredients on hand. But, like anything, a little preparation and mapping out where you might need to stop can set you up for a delicious meal on the go.

Meet Cheryl.

Cheryl is a team driver with her husband and has changed her health and her husband for good by learning how to move more with Mother Trucker Yoga, and the other piece is eating better from the truck. Cheryl will be our feature truck driving chef for our newest column, Mobile Meals Made Healthy, where Cheryl will be sharing what she makes while the wheels are turning. Warning. These meals are simple. Delicious for you. Cheryl, alongside Mother Trucker Yoga, believes you shouldn’t have to live in a bubble to lose weight and that eating healthy should not be based on restriction. But rather learning moderation and how to eat real food. If Cheryl and her husband can do this, you can do this too!

Ingredients for roasted veggies:

  • 1 eggplant peeled and quartered
  • 2 white and green zucchini sliced and quartered
  • 2 crookneck squash sliced
  • Red onion sliced
  • Yukon potato sliced and quartered
  • OPTIONAL: carrots, butternut squash
  • Sweet baby bells seeded and sliced
  • 1 tbsp of EVOO
  • 1/2 tsp of sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp of garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp of onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp of turmeric
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper.

roasted vegetables and country style ribs mother trucker yoga blog

Directions:

  1. Mix..microwave for 8 minutes.
  2. Next, put country-style ribs in an air fryer seasoned with garlic and onion powder.
  3. Place on bake 375 degrees for 15 minutes
  4. Then flip ribs and continue to bake for 15 minutes
  5. Next, make a fresh salad (optional) check out our post on Mother Trucker Yoga Blog about leafy greens!
  6. And if you like a little BBQ on your ribs, go right ahead!
  7. Ready to serve.

Mobile Meals Made Healthy: Easy Truckers Roasted Veggies & Country-Style Ribs Mother Trucker yoga blog ribs

Ingredients for Ranch Dressing:

  • 2 tbsp of light sour cream
  • 1/4 cup half-n-half, milk, or almond milk
  • 2 tbsp of ranch powder (Hope here, I personally love Flavor God seasonings!)
  • Mix and enjoy.

YUM! Try this over a burger without a bun, on a salad, even on hard-boiled eggs. You can always make extras and store the extra dressing in your truck frig or cooler for the next day.

 

What To Do With Leftovers:

Put all your leftover veggies in a baggie that seals shut and save for leftovers for the next day. Then, consider adding hardboiled eggs, a water-packed tuna package, or wrap those veggies in a bowl and munch away. Food shouldn’t be complicated, and with a little preparation, it should be an easy, fast, and yummy next-day meal.

 

Where To Purchase Your Ingredients?

Veggies can be bought at most grocery stores, vegetable markets, summertime food stands. Oftentimes mom and pop truck stops often have local vegetables for sale from local farmers and growers. So keep your eyes open.

The country-style ribs pictured in this post on Mother Trucker Yoga’s blog were purchased at the Dollar General Market in Hugo, Tx for 1/2 price on Wednesday for $3.84, which made 2 meals for 2 people.

The vegetables cost approximately $10.00. This was a complete meal plus leftovers for another meal, $13.84 ($6.92 per meal)..plus extra for herbs and seasonings startup.

What Ingredients To Watch For In Seasonings:

Herbs and seasonings can spice up any food or recipe and can be purchased just about anywhere. However, when purchasing seasonings, make sure you read the ingredients; oftentimes, there will be extra ingredients hiding inside seasonings that you don’t want to be consuming.

Ingredients like caramel coloring, Monosodium Glutamate, or MSG are considered one of the 23 worst food ingredients to consume in America, soybean oil, and watch out for sodium levels in spices. More important than the nutritional panel is the ingredients that create that food, or in this case, spice.

 

Driver Review

I know what you are thinking. How will I ever be able to make that? And the beauty is this recipe was made up! And you can do the same. Look at the ingredients and then take note of what you have on hand, or can you get nearby or on your route? Don’t overthink this. If you are already thinking, “I can’t do this. It’s too hard,”. Then you already know your answer for how this will turn out for you.

You can eat healthily and be a trucker! We know you can!

Leave a comment in the comment section below and tell us what you think, and share your first mobile meal creation with us!

For more great recipes from Cherly and other drivers join our community on Facebook – Accelerate Your Health with Mother Trucker Yoga