~ Eating Healthy on the Road ~

Discussion in 'Food & Cooking in the Truck | Trucker Recipe Forum' started by Aries68, Jan 2, 2019.

  1. Aries68

    Aries68 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 2, 2019
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    Hey gang!

    I'm curious about a topic I'd like to ask opinions on. I may be changing careers and doing a driving gig and would like to know if it's remotely possible to even think about eating healthy on the road.

    I don't touch fast food and I basically eat a Keto/Low-Carb type diet and it works. I feel awesome and since I don't put garbage into my body I don't get garbage out...so to speak! lol

    The issue I see with being on the road for many hours/days is how to prepare, keep and cook foods that are healthy. You know, things like veggies, grass-fed beef, range-free eggs, etc. To some this seems very odd that anyone would eat like this but let me tell you, it has changed my life. IF I were to change careers and become a driver I doubt any truck stop restaurant would be somewhere I'd venture into. I would also never touch anything fast-food related, no way. This is something that really is concerning to me.

    Is there anyone out there as unique as myself who actually cares about their food intake and health? I would think with the tons of hours behind the wheel there are probably more folks out there who understand how important nutrition is for proper mental focus. Hopefully!

    How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle as a driver? I worry about things like consuming water and having to use the restroom all the time. That's obviously not something you can do. How does that work? I know, probably stupid questions but oh well. Forgive me. :)
     
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  3. Gambosa

    Gambosa Light Load Member

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    There are numerous family restaurants and truck stops out there which serve home cooked style meals. Although these may not meet the requirements of a special or specific diet, they are not fast food and tend to have very nutritious options available. Also most newer trucks have a spot for a small refrigerator, and some electric outlets for such things as microwaves, crockpots, or electric skillets. I personally do not advise using a hot plate in a semi, but have seen videos of people who use them.

    My dad always carried a jar of peanut butter & some crackers along with fig newtons so he could keep up his energy when he didn't feel like having an entire meal. My little sister is on a very special diet & travels for work often. To date she has not had an issue with finding a restaurant that can provide food meeting her diet requirements. I don't think you will have any issues finding the food you want and need :)
     
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  4. Gambosa

    Gambosa Light Load Member

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    As for the consuming water and using the restroom question, my dad used to carry a bottle with him & I've heard other truckers do this. Of course my dad retired in the early 2000s & a lot has changed regarding rest breaks since that time. I think that varies by company & state a little, but know truckers get far more breaks now than they did back then.
     
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  5. BCV

    BCV Light Load Member

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    I precook the free range critters I kill during bow season, add veggies then vacuum seal individual meals and throw them in fridge/freezer in the truck. Heat and eat.
    Also have a instapot but use those disposable oven turkey bags as a liner. Cook the meal, eat out of the bag then toss it in the garbage when I'm done and don't have to clean anything.
    My wife got into raising chickens so when I'm home I load up on hard boiled eggs as a snack... All I drink is spring water and carry a old detergent bottle to wizz in if need be.
     
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  6. Nukem

    Nukem Road Train Member

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    Last edited: Jan 2, 2019
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  7. x1Heavy

    x1Heavy Road Train Member

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    Take a pair of dutch ovens. Plug them into your cigerette lighter.

    Chop virginia ham or the like. Cube it up as you like it.
    Chop small onions whole. (Really small onions sold in about a pound bags)
    Canned potatoes whole. A can in each oven.
    Brussel sprouts or similar for the green etc.

    Throw the whole thing into both ovens. Allow to cook half a day (About 6 hours) timed to be served at the conclusion of your driving day. You will find this will feed two people twice. Or one person 4 times. Easily reheated the next day as you drive.

    I have other recipies which we have used while team years ago that served us well and we were not hungry for anything. Actually it was the opposite.

    One favorite is to get a pound or two of roast beef. (I think they call it chuck) get a oven kit that includes carrorts etc. Divide the meat into each of the two bags, with the necessary gravy, potatoes, carrots, onions and so on. Put all into the dutch oven for a day on high. Each oven will be working hard against your cigerette lighters for this one because it's only 12 volt.

    At the end of your 11 hours you should have a complete yankee potroast meal tender enough to get into for dinner.
     
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  8. skellr

    skellr Road Train Member

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    You have to plan ahead. If you know you have some time to stop at a store and get what you need, you should do it now. Because you never know when you will have a chance again. You might be too busy to stop next time. It can work.
     
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  9. Aries68

    Aries68 Bobtail Member

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    Jan 2, 2019
    Cincinnati, Ohio
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    Great stuff! Appreciate it!
     
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  10. Barbeque

    Barbeque Light Load Member

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    E82BCB0B-CF84-4957-8D59-A658E2C55AED.png 69A7064A-D9E3-4168-A052-609062121B03.jpeg I really had to change everything I let myself get used to doing out here. Ditched all my cooking supplies. I use to have everything from a crockpot and rotisserie to 2 different grills (not counting my stove top grill pan) and deep fryer. Got a black card membership to Planet Fitness and started turning down higher paying runs just to keep a consistent gym schedule of 5-6 days a week. And pre cooking and prepping a week’s worth of some variation of ground turkey or chicken breast and rice because it keeps and reheats the best. Dropped my 3-5 packs of cigarettes and 2 liter drinks. Currently going through 8-9 gallons of water per week. And I’m down about 85 pounds so far with only about 15-20 left to go at 43. This #### is very possible. But ya gotta commit to it like a faithful marriage. Learn how to replace addictions that are killing you with ones that make you feel like a new person.
     
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  11. Intothesunset

    Intothesunset Road Train Member

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    If you have a microwave.
    It is easy to heat up some veggies or stirfry.
    Also you can crack a few eggs into a cup and cook for 1min at a time until done, and you get a sufflay of eggs. It's very good.
    Potatoes cook in a micro very well slice up and heat.
    Many other options to heat in a micro and still be heathy.
     
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