Truck driving comes with challenges that require you to change your lifestyle, ranging from your sleep routine to your nutrition. There are pressing deadlines from the company and you are always focused on turning in peak performance. We have gathered information on healthy ideas for truck drivers.

What you eat as a truck driver has an impact on your physical and mental health. You simply cannot afford to eat the wrong food, as it will affect your performance as a driver and increase the risk of various diseases including obesity and hypertension among others. 

At Truck U, we have created a list of healthy eating ideas for truck drivers.  

List of Healthy Breakfast 

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but you have to be careful what you eat. Your breakfast should always be light and contain high amounts of protein, such as eggs. You may add some veggies when preparing an omelet or take protein bars along with oatmeal.  

A healthy breakfast doesn’t need to be something boring and tasteless. It also doesn’t mean that your quick morning meal be something sweet from a fast-food outlet. Here are some quick breakfast recipes you can prepare and take before heading out for a trip. You may also be able to whip them in your cab.  

• Instant Oatmeal: Add boiling water and your healthy and instant oatmeal breakfast will be ready. 
• Berry & Yogurt Smoothie: Put some blueberries, bananas, yogurt, blackberries, and soy milk into a blender and blend for a few seconds. Your nutritious breakfast will be ready without the need for any added sugar. 

• 3-Grain Breakfast: Prepare your high-fiber breakfast using oats, barley, nuts, and raisins. You can store it in an airtight container and store it for up to 5 days.  

These breakfast meals should help keep your diet in control and gratify your hunger with nutritious ingredients. 

List of Healthy Snacks 

It is important to keep your snacks healthy and lean. Foods such as string cheese and hummus can be good options. If you like to munch on something while driving, mixed nuts, whole grain crackers, and unsweetened popcorn can be excellent choices. The following snack ideas are recommended for variety: 

• Hard-boiled eggs 
• Raw and unsalted nuts 
• Homemade pickled veggies 
• Pre-sliced veggies with nut butter or hummus 
• Premade and portioned energy snack packs 

• Guacamole and cucumber slices 
• Sunflower seeds 
• Pre-portioned homemade trail mix 

Your energy snack packs can include the following ingredients: 

• Cheddar cheese – 6 pieces, 2 tablespoons of raisins, and a handful of roasted almonds 

• Colby cheese – 6 pieces, 2 tablespoons of dried cranberries, and a handful of walnuts 
• Havarti cheese – 6 pieces, 2 tablespoons of dried bananas, and a handful of lightly salted cashews 

List of Healthy Dinners 

Your pre-canned soups can be taken again for dinner. Add a few pieces of turkey, beef, or chicken to bring variety to your diet. It is recommended to have your dinner a couple of hours before going to sleep.  

Some of the additional healthy dinner ideas for truck drivers include: 

• Baked potato with fixings such as butter, sour cream, cheese, and green onion. 
• Chicken curry and rice 
• Lemon dill salmon and zucchini 
• Meatloaf 

List of Healthy Desserts 

You can also enjoy healthy desserts from time to time. It is recommended to check the calorific value and content before purchasing anything. As a trucker, you can consider enjoying the following healthy desserts: 

• Homemade muffins 
• Yogurt 
• Cashew nut 
• Brazilian nuts 

• Fat-free ice cream 

Additional Tips 

While meal planning is not a part of CDL class training, it is something that every trucker should learn about. Its goal is to help you develop a healthier lifestyle and take any stress off of you.

• Use a Crock-Pot: A crock-pot provides a simple way to prepare several meals. Besides, it requires minimum effort. 

• Make the Most of Foods that Don’t Require Cooking: Foods such as bananas, carrot sticks, and cucumbers, with nut butter, nuts, and beef jerky can be excellent sources of protein, fiber, and fat and they don’t require cooking. They can make healthy and convenient snack ideas. 
• Drink Plenty of Water: Water can just be the best and healthiest drink you can have for hydration. Avoid drinks such as juice and pop containing sugar. If you are new out of the Las Vegas Truck Driving School and have just landed a CDL job, make sure to do research on healthy ideas for truck drivers 

So, these healthy eating ideas can make you feel better while you are carrying out your duties. Besides, they can prevent various health problems. At Truck U, we teach you a lot more than proper driving skills and techniques. Feel free to get in touch with us at 702.533.3565 or write to us.