Healthy Food for Truckers
“Whether you are a driver or a CEO, the trucker diet should be a problem that you want to solve…”
Within seconds of walking into a truck stop, the trucker diet becomes immediately evident; energy drinks, expansive soda machines, roller dogs, and multiple ascending rows of a brightly lit junk food section to go along with it all. Whether you are a driver or a CEO, the trucker diet should be a problem that you want to solve because our industry won’t survive long on this road.
When we say diet, we don’t mean a strictly regimented schedule and calorie count food plan. We mean the lifestyle of truckers leading to negative eating habits that aid in early onset diseases, which is taking a massive toll on our drivers. It’s hard as a trucker to pass up a hot meal, thus nutritional facts are disregarded, along with their health due to so called “convenience”.
There are few healthy choices at truck stops, though progress is being made because they have to keep up with the generational shift. Beverage options are slowly expanding with more juice and water choices becoming available along with a wider selection of fresh fruit and healthy snacks. We desperately look forward to the day that the junk section is the smallest section at the truck stop.
“The idea that with every purchase you make, you vote for a product, is a sales reality. Truck stops need to aid in the responsibility of driver health and incorporate healthier products to give drivers the chance to vote.”
-J.R. (Founder of Millennials in Trucking)
Truckers sometimes sit between a rock and a hard place when it comes to what and when to eat. It’s immediately uncomfortable to try and eat a sizable meal before bed, and can lead to a plethora of health problems. Eating that same meal before a long shift can lead to increased weight gain and fatigue. It can be hard to find a healthy balance, so we recommend eating lightly throughout the day and being conscious of portion control for larger meals.
Healthy Meal and Snack Recommendations:
Fresh Fruit (apples, bananas, oranges, melons, etc.)
Fresh Vegetables (Carrots, celery, cucumbers, etc.)
Protein bars / Granola bars (Limited Ingredients)
Low Sodium Canned Soups
Applesauce (unsweetened)
Frozen Vegetables in Steam bags
Raw Nuts (Peanuts, Pistachios, Cashews, etc.)
Sunflower and Pumpkin Seeds
Trail Mix (minus the candies)
Pretzels (Low Sodium/Unsalted)
Popcorn (Unsalted without butter)
Veggie Chips
Salad Kits
Dark Chocolate (Higher cacao %, the better for you)
Hummus
Guacamole
Peanut butter
Low sodium Crackers
Dried Fruit (No added sugars or preservatives)
Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted Edamame
Dry Cereal or Granola (High Fiber, Low Sugar)
Oatmeal
Baked potato
Kale Chips
Raisins
Choosing natural and organic products while limiting artificial ingredients, preservatives, and GMOs, can further help your energy levels and your overall health.
“Vote for your health.”
Please note, information found on this page is for entertainment purposes only. Any action taken upon the methods described and information on this website is strictly at your own risk.
Pet Friendly Roads
“More trucking companies are becoming pet friendly due to driver demand.”
Our truck travels with 6 heartbeats going down the road at any given moment, and only 2 of which are human.
Yes, I’m serious.
That being said, pets have become a large part of our daily lives. The trucking community has undoubtedly taken part in that statement. You can almost guarantee that within earshot of you at any trucking location, there’s a pet on-board. Dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, bunnies, and even some exotics can be seen sitting passenger in a rig or on a pillow on the dash.
Are truck stops pet friendly?
Yes. Most truck stops have designated areas just for our furry friends. Outside of tight, city limit truck stop locations, almost all truck stops have ample fields of grass for you to let your pup outside for necessities and fun! More truck stops now are implementing gated dog parks and dog runs. Some newer locations are including play equipment for the dogs and picnic style seating for their human companions.
What paperwork do I need?
Always carry a copy of your vet records, rabies tags, chip info, and a tag with identification information for your pet. At minimum you should have their latest/up to date vaccination records. Especially if you might be crossing the Canadian or Mexican border, you can be asked for proof of vaccinations.
Are all trucking companies pet friendly?
No! Though the good news is more trucking companies are becoming pet friendly due to driver demand. Some of these companies still come with heavy stipulations. They can include quantity limits, combined weight limits, nonrefundable pet fees, or pet deposits.
i.e. 2 pet maximum with a combined weight of 100lbs with a $250 nonrefundable pet fee per pet.
Are warehouses pet friendly?
It’s safe to say, most customers don’t have any issues with pets. We’ve been surprised with dog treats from security guards, and employees coming out to meet the dog they heard about sitting in the drivers blaring the horn. If the customer doesn't allow pets, your company should know in advance but if not, you’ll surely find out when you arrive. At the very least, a customer will request you keep your pet in your truck at all times while on the yard. This is a given, it’s simple common courtesy as a professional driver and pet owner. Please do your part to follow pet policies at customers.
Dogs Choice Awards 🐕
Dog Parks:
Canterbury Park, Aurora, CO
Cherry Creek State Park, Aurora, CO
Memorial Park, Gibbstown, NJ
Spanish Fork Dog Park, Spanish Fork, UT
Truck and Travel Centers:
Russell's Truck and Travel Stop
Glenrio, NM
Petro Travel Centers
Colby, KS
Bordentown, NJ
Travel Centers of America
Walcott, IA
Hebron, OH
London, OH
Love’s Travel Stop
Conneaut, OH
Hubbard, OH
