Keeping Fit and Healthy in the Cab

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As a lorry driver, it can sometimes be difficult to stay healthy, particularly if youre working long-distance jobs or erratic hours. Its easy to give in to the temptation of picking up something quick and greasy in a fast-food restaurant when youre on the road. I should warn you, however: such poor habits can really put a strain on both your physical and mental health. Dont worry, though! Here are a few tips to get into a healthy eating and exercising schedule.
Exercise on the Road

Its a common myth that a lorry driver cant exercise while on the road. But dont be fooled: there are many ways you can get in a quick workout. I suggest going for a walk or jog around a rest area and trying to reach 10,000 steps every day. You could also pack some weights, resistance bands and a skipping rope into your cab and do a few exercises by the roadside.

Choose Healthy Food

In an ideal world, every lorry driver would have a packed lunch filled with healthy greens, lots of protein and some good carbs to keep their energy levels up throughout the day. Obviously, this isnt always possible. If you do have to stop in a fast-food restaurant, favour lean meat or vegetarian options. You should also try and avoid high sodium and overly salty meals. If theres a buffet, use a smaller plate to avoid over-eating and choose non-creamy dressings for your salads. Youll find that most eateries have healthy options; you just need to make yourself more aware of whats available.

Store Nutritious Snacks

When you get hungry on the road, its easy to grab a packet of crisps or a chocolate bar. To avoid unhealthy snacking, the best thing to do is to store a supply of healthy foods that you can nibble on. Pretzels, low-salt popcorn and fresh or tinned fruit are great ways of satisfying your hunger.

Join the Fruit for Trees Scheme

Everyone knows that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but for a lorry driver, eating your recommended daily fruit and vegetable portions can be a struggle. However, there is a new scheme called Fruit for Trees. Its a system that provides offices and companies across the UK with fruit baskets. If your haulage company signs up, you could get fresh fruit delivered to the depot and pick up an apple, orange or banana on the way to your truck.

Keep a Clean Mind

Managing stress is another essential way of keeping a healthy body and mind. Id recommend learning some relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, to keep a calm head. Having a playlist of relaxing music, getting a massage and sleeping well can also help keep stress at bay.

Things to Remember

All in all, its important to remember that a healthy lorry driver eats as well as possible, exercises regularly and cares for their mental health. Taking care of yourself will make life on the road all the more enjoyable.

Author Plate

Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Haulage Exchange provides services for matching haulage loads with an available lorry driver in the right area. Over 4,500 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.