A Polite Request...(copied from general discussion)

simplyred1962 · Jan 10, 2010

Allison said: ↑

Greetings, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Truckers' Trucking Forum!

I am currently writing an article for a monthly industry publication about long haul drivers and the unique nutritional challenges they face while on the road. It is my intent to point out the challenges drivers face, as well as provide advice to encourage more nutritious eating.

I thought it would be useful to gather information from professional drivers in order to get a better picture of what it's really like out there on the road (there are very few studies done on this subject...the most recent I found was from 1981)...and I'm hoping that you can help me.

I am listing a few questions that will be useful in writing my article, and sincerely hope that you will take a moment to answer them.

Please note that if you would prefer to answer these questions privately, you may copy and paste them into a private message and send them to me.
Also, I would like to add that this article is not about weight, bad habits or any other negative stereotypes that are often associated with the trucking industry. My goal is to point out a lack of attention to nutrition due to the nature of the job, and provide alternatives for more healthful eating.

Thank you in advance for your help, it is greatly appreciated.

1. Please recall a typical day on the road, and describe what you eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Breakfast, sometimes, a banana, or yogurt.
Lunch, sometimes skipped, until dinner, then usually a truck stop restaurant, either buffet, or something off the menu.

2. Are you familiar with the current USDA food pyramid? If so, do you feel you meet it's requirements on a daily basis while on the road? If not, in what food groups are you lacking the most?Yes

3. Are nutrient-rich foods (whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean protein) readily available to you while on the road? If no, what types of food would you like to have available to you?
Usually truck stop restaurants don't offer the healthier foods.Mostly fried, or covered in cheese sauce or gravy.
I would like to see more fresh fruits, and fresh veggies offered that aren't a part of the salad bar. More baked, steamed, or poached fish and lean meats. REAL oatmeal and grits, NOT the instant stuff they now offer.

4. Do you exercise? How often? How?
Sadly, the most exercise we get currently is when we park far away from the building, and walk to the restaurant, or showers.

5. Do you take a nutritional supplement (vitamins, shakes, etc.) while on the road?
Yes

6. Do you feel you would benefit from having a nutrition class specifically for drivers provided by your employer?
Not really...we already know what/how we should be eating....we just don't eat properly.

7. Do you currently have any medical issues? (Please note, detail is not required and if you would prefer to leave this blank, you may...however I feel that the lack of availability of nutritious food effects the health of many drivers and would like to have some data to support that theory)
I had a heart attack two years ago. Am on daily aspirin doses, cholesterol meds. But my heart attack came from many years of bad eating habits, not from being on the road. (I've only been out here with ny husband for 4 years or so.)

8. What do you consider to be healthful eating?
For us, more fresh fruits/veggies, less sugar, less fried foods, less gravies/sauces, more whole grains,(nuts, dried fruit snacks, etc.), more dairy.(neither one of us drink much milk) And LOTS more water...we both drink soda almost exclusively.

9. What type of establishment do you typically eat at while on the road (fast food, cafe, diner, buffet, casual restaurant)?
truck stop restaurants

10. What do you typically drink while on the road?
soda, sweet tea

Once again, I thank you for your help! If you are interested in reading the article after it's published, please PM me with your email address and I would be glad to forward you a copy.

-Allison
Click to expand...

Hope this helps ya out some! Good luck with your article.

Judi Kay

Allison · Jan 15, 2010

Thank you all so much for your responses...the article is almost finished and ready to be distributed

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