4 tips from U.S. Xpress Driver, Robbie M.
Everyone knows the importance of staying healthy, but not many people take the necessary steps to do it.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator, avoid processed food, and get 10,000 steps a day are common health tips we hear every day. For those who live life on the road, it isn’t always that simple. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), compared to U.S. adult workers, truck drivers have higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
Sitting for long periods of time, limited access to healthy food options, and finding time or places to exercise can make it difficult for truck drivers to keep a healthy diet. However, this doesn’t mean that a healthy lifestyle should just take a back seat.
Robbie’s Story
U.S. Xpress Over-the-Road Driver Robbie M. knows firsthand what it’s like to live an unhealthy life and see the negative effects start to take the wheel.
At over 300 pounds, he spent his days getting little exercise and relying on processed foods—an easy, convenient routine that often comes with life on the road. But that convenience came at a cost.
During a doctor’s visit, Robbie received a life-altering diagnosis: his life was at risk due to blood clots. In that moment, he knew he had to make a lifestyle change. Even after losing over 100 pounds, Robbie is still on the road—and more focused on his health than ever.
Here are Robbie’s top four tips for staying healthy on the road.
Park as far away from the truck stop as possible
Sometimes life on the road means convenient and fast options for meals. Robbie says even if you must make the stop, you can still turn it into a task that will help your health journey. Instead of getting the closest parking spot you can find, park further away than you normally would to get more steps in during the day. This small act can do wonders to your daily step count.
Drink more water
Instead of soda, opt for a bottled water. This is an easy switch that benefits your overall health journey. If you need coffee (which let’s be honest, we all love our coffee), go ahead and grab a cup of water to drink alongside it. Small changes like these can help you reduce calories and stay hydrated.
Keep resistance bands on your truck
As a truck driver, there’s not always a convenient way to workout. Robbie says that he keeps a few resistance bands on his truck and uses them to get a quick workout in. They’re small, so they don’t take up much space on the truck, and they’re portable, so you can workout almost anywhere during your breaks.
Try to meal prep as much as you can
If you prepare food to bring with you before heading out on the road, the chances of stopping for fast food decrease. You can prep food for easy meals like tacos, teriyaki chicken and rice, or yogurt bowls. Preparing ahead means saving time, money, and calories. Skip the processed food and opt for a healthier alternative. Looking for recipes? Check out our Meals in Motion cookbook.
Start Taking Steps to a Healthier Lifestyle
Small changes can go a long way when it comes to prioritizing your health, and you don’t need anything fancy to do it. Even though it might not be the easiest choice, your life is worth the challenge.
Be intentional about walking, drink water instead of soda, and plan ahead to avoid processed food. Your body will thank you.