Trucker Nutrition Project

I've considered something along these lines. I think a big help for many is simply putting nutrition information and needs and explaining how carbs, fats, and proteins need to be taken in in ratios that are unique to the individual. Help the driver get a guideline to determine where they should target for daily caloric intake and how to eat in more, but smaller meals.

Some truckers will stock their truck practically the same way they stock their pantry at home, and have a microwave to "cook" and a freezer to "freeze". Other driver though (most) do not have access to microwave or freezer and pack as if they were "camping". And grocery choices are limited to things that

don't require freezing
have a reasonable shelf life without the need for refrigeration
can be bought in small quantities to fit in small coolers
and that the driver LIKES and can tolerate in an effort to eat reasonably without punishing him/herself

An app that put together many of the "convenient and practical" food items that truckers can readily obtain at any major grocer, and give the ability for the user to say "I like, I'm Indifferent, I don't like" choices to keep the driver from considering "menu options" that will not interest a driver

An app that helps the driver build a grocery list and a weekly menu guideline

An app that helps users to make better choices when eating out and helps drivers to recognize when their body is craving something it doesn't need or wanting something it needs.

An app that helps drivers learn that "temporary dieting" is really not an option for long-term health, but eating right from here forward is a new way to look at food and eating. I know it may sound goofy to some drivers but it is what it is and if they're not serious about eating healthy and striving for a more ideal weight, it won't happen.

There is a special forum section somewhere here that is devoted to trucker eating and grocery storage.

 

I always packed a crock pot and one of of those lunchbox ovens, a george foreman grill, a sandwich maker, and a toaster oven if I had room.. I could make anything I wanted from hot dogs to pizza. I would make Chili, stews, rice dishes, you name it. Restaurant cooking is not good for the health

 

What would benefit the truck driver with regards to nutrition? We'll stop being ignorant of the information for one, don't believe anything your doctor tells you and totally disregard any form of a cure by taking a statin drug. Now that's a good start. I've researched nutrition for years and I've tweaked my way of eating just as long, so you only only have to look around you in any truckstop to surmise that truckers have not grasped the concept.
the internet has a wealth of info on nutrition but unfortunately much of it is wrong and misguided.
but your idea of an app would be welcomed.
you only have to look at the controversial issue of cholesterol to see how stupid we are to listen to our so called health professionals. We are a nation of fatties and it's costing us billions $$$ to maintain this juggernaut called healthcare.
That's why I did a tremendous amount of reading and study. My conclusion is that the majority of conventional wisdom on eating is wrong an its time to find your own Waterloo. As a consequence I'm a 60 yr old O/O who is as healthy as I was in my 30s. No meds, no medical issues, and not overweight. Anything is possible but you have to chart your own course and especially stop listening to those drug companies who wants us all to take their toxic drugs good luck

 

LOL After a heart attack I learned that the culprit is not cholesterol as these quacks state but it's sugar. We truckers shove sugar into our bodies by the truck load. And those cholesterol lowering drugs like Plavex take out all of the 'good' cholesterols as well as the 'bad' causing more heart attacks. The health care industry on the whole is in a hole.

And you're right Doc. You have to be your own health expert, financial expert, so....

 

As one who was diagnosed with Celiac Disease earlier this year, most of my food comes with me. Just try finding food that isn't breaded, on bread of some type, fried, or otherwise not something I can eat is a nightmare. Fruit, meats, potatoes, and eggs are about the only things available in truck stops and restaurants that I can eat, and forget trying to get seafood that isn't breaded. Even if I do get something at a restaurant, I usually order it to go because of my new eating habits because of this condition. I cannot order anything with pasta, since no restaurant has gluten free pasta. It's a real challenge to eat healthy on the road as it is, and then add in anything that requires a special diet, and it gets even worse.

We have a good idea of good nutrition, we just have a hard time getting good food out there. Between fast food, fried and breaded foods, and the other crap available, it's hard to practice good nutrition unless you bring your food with you.

 

Anything is possible. No such thing as "can't" Thats a cop out. Some truckers are notoriously lazy and without motivation. They get complacent and succumb to truck stop food which INHO is garbage in the main.
It takes careful planning to stick to a way of eating and its even more imperative if you have a very challenging condition as the previous writer states.
I eat as well on the truck as I do at home. But it's taken some thought and investment in myself. What better way to do that instead of relying on expensive healthcare
"cures" and dog and pony show diets ?? How about investing in a proper truck fridge where you can store fresh foods to eat. Mine works great and uses very little power from the batteries.
But I didn't stop there and eventually bought a free standing freezer that is hooked up to the batteries too. Works fantastic and while I'm on days off I pre package my meat, fish etc so Its ready to be cooked and won't spoil. In addition I never drink soda, only fresh water, Perrier because I love the fizzy stuff.
But you have got to make the effort. Do this and your health will always be at the top of it's game.
And of course, you will save a tone of $$ by not buying all that expensive restaurant food, if you have the food with you, then its much easier make your own decisions
in what you like to eat that day.
Good luck.

 

Love this post. So glad to see drivers talking about health on the road. It is very hard indeed to get good nutrition on the go, but it is out there, it just takes time to find what is for you. I got lucky and found my thing and I actually love driving again.

 

well maybe point out the fact that most of these truck stops really give drivers no option but to live on a poor diet

 

Yup Lowest investment....highest profit. The truck stops don't care and there's no reason why they should....our health is our responsibility. Stop at a supermarket on your way out and ignore truck stop food