Nutritious Snack Options for Truckers
Using the wrong fuel in a vehicle is a recipe for disaster. It’s an excellent way to wreak havoc on an engine.
Food is fuel for the body. To help your body function well, do your best to provide it with the right mix of nutrients while avoiding substances known to gum up the works. Since you’ll be doing this while driving, you’ll also want to choose things you can eat comfortably and safely while operating your vehicle. Aim for a variety to keep things interesting and ensure you get a wide range of nutrients. When it comes to healthy snacks for truck drivers, there are plenty of delicious possibilities.
Popcorn
It’s not just for the movies. As the American Heart Association explains, properly prepared popcorn is a heart-healthy snack that can go anywhere. A filling whole grain that’s full of fiber, popcorn is low in calories, shelf-stable, and inexpensive. The trick is in its preparation. Be sure to choose a popcorn that’s air-popped with minimal salt, butter, or sugar. Slathering popcorn in oil, butter, and sodium negates many of the health benefits.
Vegetables
Fresh vegetables are delicious and easy to eat. Many are in natural bite-sized packages. Others can easily be cut into the perfect size and packaged for snacking. Simply store them in a cooler, and you’re ready to hit the road. As a bonus, most veggies have a high water content, so they can help you stay hydrated. Popular vegetables to snack on include the following:
- Baby carrots
- Cherry tomatoes
- Celery
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cucumber
- Snap peas
- Peppers
Fruits
If you prefer something a little sweeter, fruit is an amazing choice for a healthy snack. There are several options for preparation, and the right one depends on the specific fruit and your personal preferences. After all, you can opt for whole fruit, slice the fruit for easier handling, or try dried fruit. However, it’s important to read labels when you select dried fruit. Some versions are high in sugar. Dried fruit is also a calorie-dense food, so remember to watch your portions.
Fish
Fish is often touted as brain food. It’s packed with heart-healthy fats and a solid source of protein, so it helps to keep you energized and feeling full. Plus, tuna, salmon, mackerel, and sardines are all available in single-serve packets that don’t require refrigeration. These are perfect for when you’re on the road.
Cheese
It’s long been made clear that calcium does a body good. Cheese is a popular source of calcium, and cheese sticks provide a convenient way for truck drivers to eat healthy while keeping their eyes on the road.
Nuts
Nuts are high in antioxidants and fiber, so they deliver lots of benefits and satisfaction in a small, easily managed package. They can be high in calories, so watch your portion sizes, and be wary of the sodium levels. Pistachios, almonds, walnuts, and cashews are all great choices. Mix them with peanuts for a low-cost blend. For a sweeter treat, consider some chocolate-covered nuts.
Dark Chocolate
When you crave something decadently delicious while driving, dark chocolate is a choice that you can feel good about. According to Healthline, eating it may offer a host of wellness benefits:
- Reducing heart disease risk
- Protecting against bad cholesterol
- Improving brain function
- Relaxing arteries to lower blood pressure
- Delivering polyphenols, flavanols, catechins, and other powerful antioxidants
- Providing valuable nutrients like fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, and manganese
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Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or expensive. Many nutritious foods can be prepped at home with just a little effort and packaged for convenient access on the road. They can be enjoyed independently or combined in countless ways to deliver an almost infinite variety of flavor experiences. As a driver-focused company, BLC Transportation encourages our drivers to make healthy choices while working. In fact, our benefits include a health insurance subsidy and a friendly passenger or pet policy. To learn more about driving with us, contact BLC Transportation today.
Are you looking for a driver-oriented trucking company? At BLC Transportation, we would be delighted to help you get your career rolling. We have opportunities for both company drivers and lease-purchase drivers. With our lease-purchase program, you can make 90 percent of the line haul while driving new trucks that provide comfort, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Plus, we offer bonuses and incentives, a health insurance subsidy, a friendly passenger/pet policy, assistance with registering for an LLC, and more. Join our team today!