Secrets to Eating So You Don't Gain Weight While Driving

There has been much concern lately about the health of truck drivers, so much so that the government is considering creating a National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners that will determine whether drivers can keep driving. Below are some guidelines to tell you how to eat so you don't gain weight while driving.

Take it slow. If you're already overweight, don't try to lose it too quickly. You didn't gain the weight overnight, and you won't lose it overnight either. While it would be great to completely change your eating habits, trying to change too much at a time will lead to failure.

Small changes in your eating habits can result in major changes in your health. Here are some things you can do:

1. Don't wait, get started now! You have to want to lose weight and be healthier so you'll do your best to eat better. If becoming healthier for your loved ones isn't a good enough reason, think of the prospects of losing your job because of your weight. It is a distinct possibility if you can't get your weight under control.

2. Eat fresh. The closer you can eat foods to their natural state, the better off you will be. That means eating fresh fruits and vegetables, as many as possible with the skins still on. Eat a variety of these energy-packed foods to keep you from becoming bored with what you eat.

3. Drink water. Instead of drinking soft drinks, drink. Not only is water better for your body, it is 100% natural, doesn't have the extra sugar that adds on pounds.

4. Eat smaller portions. Most people don't eat recommended portion sizes. In fact, it's rare that a restaurant actually serves a recommended portion. If the portion sizes are too large, cut them in half and ask for a to-go box for the rest.

5. Eat often. Instead of eating one large meal each day, break your meals into three regular-sized meals and healthy snacks in between to keep your metabolism and blood sugar stabilized.

6. Stuff it, your refrigerator, that is. If you have a mini refrigerator, stock it with fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and water. You can also drink fruit juice, but make sure it's 100% fruit juice and not a sugary fruit drink.

7. Choose well. Truck stops offer healthy choices, be sure to choose what's healthy over what isn't. Remember that meat and carbohydrates should be a small portion of what you eat; fruits and vegetables should cover most of your plate. Rather than eating fried meats, choose broiled or baked instead.

8. Move it. Besides eating well, get exercise a day. Park your truck a little further away from the truck stop and walk. The Schneider Institute states walking 32 times around a truck is equal to a mile of walking.

Decide now to control your eating and exercise habits before the decision is made for you. It's amazing the simplicity of how to eat so you don't gain weight while driving is. Wise food choices, exercise, and motivation is what it takes. Now get out there and do it!