Dieting on the road

I've lost 24 lbs in the last two years, half of that since I got back into trucking a year ago. Here's what I did:

1. Eliminated high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) from my diet. My nephew turned me on to HFCS after he shocked me by losing 160 lbs in a little over a year. He strongly urged me to watch Sugar: The Bitter Truth on Youtube, a lecture that is about 75 minutes that is informative, funny, and frightening. HFCS is in everything in the grocery store. It is in breads, canned goods, candies, etc. etc. HFCS is not a naturally substance, it was patented in 1967 and brought to market without FDA research. Watch the video, it changed my life, my nephew's life, and the lives of many of my family and friends.

2. Reduced high calorie foods in favor of high volume foods. Let's face it, driving a truck is not a physically demanding job. There isn't any reason you need high protein or especially high carb intake. Instead my diet features at least one salad a day, very light intake of protein (usually mackerel or other canned fish or hard boiled eggs), and light intake of carbs (usually fruit, one whole wheat bagel, and a couple of energy bars a day).

3. Reduced intake of cooked vegetables in favor of raw vegetables. Cooking reduces food value. Eating raw vegetables is much more filling and I'm finding it is also tastier and more satisfying.

4. Use olive oil and balsamic vinegar for salad dressing instead of high calorie dressings. Instead of drenching my salads with high calorie dressings I've switched, and find that I can really taste the fresh vegetables and now I can't stand eating salads with dressings that mask the taste. I use a lot of olive oil now, using a whole wheat bagel to sop up the salad dressing left over for a complete and satisfied feeling.

5. When I'm driving I snack lightly with apples, maybe a banana, sugar snap peas, and an energy bar or two. The idea is to not eat a big meal before or during driving to stay more alert and to finish my shift hungry so I can eat a dinner featuring salad, a bagel, and a light protein source.

I'm back to the weight I was when I graduated college, feeling better than I have for years. Get a cooler, stock it at least once a week with fresh produce, drink water, and fill yourself with raw produce rather than high carb meals.

 

Man i couldnt agree with you any more! I was a BIG time Coca cola drinker. I stopped and started drinking Canfields Sparkling Seltzer
Water with lemon flavoring Which has zero sugar/calories. Within a month my energy level was off the hook, i felt better and my Skin (face)
Looked great. Soda IS the worst garbage for your body and the # 1 poison is Mountain Dew. Just ask your dentist....if you go to one.

 

I just spent 4 weeks with a trainer and my first 2 weeks solo. I was determine not to become a fat horse being sedentary. When I could find a supermarket or some such alternative to truck stop food I bought veggies and fruits. Even ate canned meals out of the can cold. {really not bad}No soda or sugar drinks, lots of water and some fruit juices. Still ate the occasional Wendys and arbys. I keep a bag of pretzels in the truck for low fat snack. Treat yourself to an occasional treat. {for me, a doughnut or tastycake}

Lost almost 25lbs in that 6 weeks. Tried to eat at least 2 healthy meals a day and no snacking on crap. If it's not in the truck, you won't eat it. Would have an apple or banana midshift. Keep a bottle of water handy and just keep sipping all day long. Helps keep your tummy feeling full. Stay hydrated.

My wife was shocked when I got home. I knew I lost some weight, but didn't realize it was that much. Learn to live with feeling a little hungry most of the time. I can say, I honestly feel so much better not carrying those extra pounds. I'm back to what I weighed 20 years ago.

 

I never save receipts. I know what I eat and don't need to look it up at a later date.

Refried beans... UGGG!

I have a cup of coffee when I start, sip on a Vitamin Water during the day with an occasional fast food meal or hot dog if I get too hungry.
Then I make a good dinner. Something like a baked potato (or Rice-a-Roni) with veggies and salmon or chicken.

I like to keep things simple.

I'm 6'1", 183 pounds. So, not thin anymore.
But in three years I've not gained anything being OTR.

 

That is great! It is possible to retrain your taste buds and habits and get to a healthy weight.