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EATING HEALTHY

Eating Healthy

On the Road

Packing for the Road

It can be challenging to find affordable, healthy food while on the road. But, with pre-planning and smart choices, you can still eat healthy without spending a lot of money.

If you have access to an in-truck refrigerator, stock food and snacks that are healthy for you. Avoid unhealthy foods like chips and candy bars. Focus on foods that will keep you fuller longer, like string cheese, pretzels, popcorn, and fresh fruits and vegetables. For help packing food for the road, check Schneider Jobs’ sample grocery list for commercial vehicle drivers.

  • Eat more: Salad, non-cream-based soups, beans, lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat salad dressings, and dessert alternatives (like Jell-O, pudding, and fresh fruit)
  • Eat less: Mayonnaise-based salads, full-fat salad dressings (such as regular ranch dressing), fried foods, food with gravies or cream sauces, and sugary desserts

Serving Sizes and Dining Out

When eating out, especially at buffets and fast-food restaurants, it can be easy, and even tempting, to eat unhealthy foods or to overeat. When eating prepackaged food or eating at any restaurant, eat slowly and only until you are full. Focus on choosing healthier options, and also try using smaller salad plates to ensure proper portion sizes.

If it feels like you are living on the road, chances are that you will eat a fair amount of fast food. While fast food shouldn’t be your first choice, there are many healthy options that you can choose from if you do stop at fast food restaurants.

Meal Prepping on the Road

Eating healthy, and inexpensively, can be difficult when living on the road. Meal planning is a great way to pack healthy meals and spend less money on food! Some examples of easy, healthy foods to pack or prep are:

  • Muffins
  • Eggs
  • Nuts
  • Fruit
  • Greek Yogurt
  • Salads
  • Sandwiches
  • Soups
  • Tacos
  • Pastas

If you are looking to cook on the road, consider buying a portable stovetop, microwave, mini fridge, blender, or even a crock pot!

For more tips on meal planning on the road, read these suggestions from the Truck Driver's Institute.

Schneider Jobs provides several ideas for meals you can prepare ahead of time and take on the road.

Additional Tips

Additional healthy eating tips from the Department of Veterans Affairs Nutrition and Food Services:

  • Consider buying a power inverter: you could save money long-term by using a small microwave, a mini refrigerator, or an electric cooler in your truck!
  • Fuel up often: eat a balanced breakfast every morning and two smaller meals with two to three healthy snacks a day instead of eating two or three bigger meals each day.