It can be challenging for truck drivers to maintain a healthy diet when on the road. It can be challenging to make healthy meals when you don’t always have access to fresh produce and a fully stocked kitchen. Because of convenience, many drivers prefer to stop at a truck stop, a diner, or a fast-food outlet. But most of these ideas related to meal prep for truck drivers are more expensive and higher in calories, fat, and sodium.
A study on the United States and Canadian truck drivers revealed how the trucking environment affects truck drivers’ health. It examined the meals they eat and the routine they follow. The results showed that most truck drivers stop at truck shops or grab on-the-go meals for truckers to satisfy their hunger.
Best Healthy Meal Prep Ideas For Truck Drivers
Soup
You need vegetables or meat with stock, milk, or water to make soup. Soup is a liquid cuisine that is typically served hot. Soups make a healthy lunch or dinner if you have a microwave or are aware of a truck stop along your route with a communal microwave that is accessible. You may make soup recipes that incorporate grains, meats, and veggies.
Eggs
You can cook eggs in various ways, including scrambled eggs, omelets, and sunny-side-up eggs, which are excellent protein sources.According to the latest American Dietary Guidelines, people aged 19 and over must take 46-56 grams of protein daily. Eggs are one of the best sources to meet this recommendation while maintaining heart health.
Eggs are also an excellent substitute for red meat. So turn to eggs for a quick boost when you need it! Adding extra vegetables and protein-rich meat can further alter and improve the nutritional content of your eggs. For a nutrient-rich meal prep for truck drivers, add some spinach or turkey and melted cheese.
Crockpot Recipes
A slow cooker, often known as a Crock-Pot, is an excellent tool for quickly and easily preparing meals on the road.
In addition to cooking meat, you can also cook potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, leeks, bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic for quick meals throughout the day.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are a cheap and healthy trucker meal prep option. You can make nutritious sandwiches using whole grain bread, lean meat, and vegetables, whether you prefer them hot or cold. You can prevent sogginess by separating your sandwich’s toppings and condiments into containers.
When you prepare your sandwiches, don’t be shy about stuffing your bread to the full with your favorite healthy toppings!
What Healthy Snacks Can Truck Drivers Eat?
It can be simple to fall into the fast-food trap at truck stops when traveling a long distance, but doing so can make you tired on the road and put you and other drivers in danger. Truck stops provide many quick food options, but it’s simple to forget about all the healthier alternatives that are also accessible. These trucker meal prep options will enable you to make better snack choices.
Muffins
Muffins can be delicious and nourishing, despite what people usually think. They are excellent for extended trips because they are easy to store. Homemade muffins made with fresh oats, fruits, nuts, and seeds are far healthier than the pre-packaged muffins in grocery stores and coffee shops.
Nuts
Prepare snack-sized servings of different nuts to nibble on in between meals to avoid overeating when you are hungry. Almonds are one of the best healthy fat, protein, and fiber options.
Though you can purchase nuts at almost every truck stop, it is more economical to buy them at your neighborhood grocery shop and prepare the suggested serving quantity at home before leaving.
Protein Bars
Protein bars are a great nutritious snack found in almost every supermarket. They are available in many different flavors and textures and have a fair amount of protein. Before choosing a protein bar, carefully review the fat and sugar amount.
Rice cake
Rice cakes are circular cakes of puffed rice squeezed together and are an excellent source of proteins and carbs. Rice cakes are a perfect mid-meal snack. You can have the energy to keep busy and preserve good health by eating frequent, modest snacks.
Tips to Stay Healthy On The Road
The key to a safe, successful, and lengthy career as a truck driver is maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in a fitness regimen designed for life on the road.
Here are some basic pointers for maintaining your health while driving:
- You can avoid becoming tired, gaining weight unnecessarily, and developing kidney stones by consuming water as your primary source of hydration.
- Keep track of your sugar intake. Sugary snacks and drinks can cause type II diabetes and make you feel tired more frequently.
- Keep an eye on your sodium consumption. A diet heavy in salt leads to heart disease and other issues.
FAQs
How do Truck Drivers Prep Meals?
Trucker meal preps do not include detailed recipes and lengthy cooking time. Since they are always on the road, truck drivers prefer finger food or on-the-go meals.
How Many Calories Should a Truck Driver Eat?
Truck drivers should consume 1,500 – 1,800 calories per day.
What kind of Food is Best for Truck Drivers?
Since truck drivers’ job requires them to sit for long hours, they must consume less fatty meals. Pick healthy and filling meals such as nuts, eggs, smoothies, and more.
The Bottom Line
Choosing healthy meal prep for truck drivers will help you stay fit even if you drive for long hours. Sticking to your plan and resisting temptation is essential for improving your diet when travelling. You can become a fit truck driver with determination and willpower.