Eating healthy is a crucial part in living a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, truck drivers do not have easy access to healthy food options. It’s easy to get confused about which foods are healthy and which foods are unhealthy. Not being conscious about the foods you consume can lead to serious health problems later in life. Due to the nature of trucking, truck drivers are already exposed to situations that are harmful to their health. Sitting for long periods of time, working in a stressful environment and lacking sleep are all difficult on a truck driver’s physical and mental health. Eating healthy foods is important for your overall health and well-being. In order to eat healthy, there are certain foods you need to avoid. Check out these unhealthy foods a truck driver should avoid in their diet.
White Bread
White bread is highly processed. Manufacturers remove most of the fiber, vitamins and minerals, which make white bread unhealthy. Consuming too much white bread can contribute to obesity and diabetes.
Alternatives: Ezekiel bread is an excellent and healthy choice. Also, consider whole-grain bread.
French Fries/Potato Chips
Whole, white potatoes are healthy and should be in your diet. However french fries and potato chips are not healthy. French fries and potato chips are high in calories and it is very easy to eat an excessive amount. These foods are also linked to weight gain.
Alternatives: Boiled potatoes are a much healthier option. Also, instead of chips try peanuts or almonds.
Fried Foods
Fried foods are not only extremely unhealthy, but eating them regularly can put you at a higher risk for developing diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Frying food adds a lot of calories. When foods are fried in oil, they lose water and absorb fat. They are also high in trans fat, which makes it difficult for your body to break down.
Alternatives: Consider grilled foods instead.
Hot Dogs
Hot dogs contain many unhealthy ingredients. They are highly processed meats with low nutrition levels. In order to have a longer shelf life and more color, nitrates are added to the hot dogs. When nitrates are digested, they turn into nitrites, which have been linked to cancer.
Alternative: Organic, uncured beef hot dog.
Pizza
Pizza might be the world’s most popular junk food. Most pizza, especially frozen pizzas, contain unhealthy ingredients like processed meats and refined dough.
Alternatives: Homemade pizza.
Fast Food
For truck drivers, fast food might be the only option at times. Fast food is high sodium, saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. If you want to live a healthy lifestyle, avoid fast food! However, that may not always be realistic. If fast food is your only option, there are some ways to somewhat eat healthy. Check out our blog Healthy Fast Food Options for Truck Drivers.
Comment below or on our social media unhealthy foods you avoid in your diet as a truck driver!
