FOOD Items To Pack In A Cooler... IDEAS?

Editor's Note: We have some awesome resources for eating healthy on the road:

Forum Conversations Tagged "Eating On The Road"

Trucker Health - Eating, Sleeping, & Exercise

I'm looking for quick breakfast ideas, lunch ideas and when you're stuck at a customers (and have to stay b/c your hours have ran out) ideas.

With my trainer I lived on two high protein bars (15-20g) and 1 to 2 quarter cups of almonds, through the day. We would buy a meal at the end of the day. Now i'm on my own trying to figure out the options. I was able to buy a good cooler but NOT one that plugs in, too costly on my budget right now.

I don't want to be the trucker whose steering wheel continues to get closer to my belly! Who was it on this site who actually lost weight once they started trucking?

I am interested in getting some ideas too, but I think a plug up cooler is a really good idea not to have to deal with ice and fear of food spoilage, etc...I was thinking things like pb, crackers, fruit, veggies. I also make breakfast burritos and freeze them, wrapped in wax paper then in a plastic baggie. I use whole wheat tortillas, in a skillet, egg beaters, green peppers, onions, and I use turkey breast (not turkey sausage) fill the tortillas fold and then freeze (you can add cheese if you like) you can just let them thaw and eat a room temp (not as good as hot, but ok) or pop them in the microwave (just in the wax paper) for a few seconds. I also make egg mcmuffins, my version using mulit grain english muffins, egg beaters and canadian bacon (suprisingly low in fat) and freeze them the same way.

I lost quite a bit of weight when I went OTR...mostly cuz I don't like eating "out"...So I ate alot of oatmeal, with no sugar. sandwiches were blt's without the B, drank coffee, iced tea. I always had nuts, crackers, nutella, canned fruit, and home canned soups, sweet breads, and meat. It just got to where I'd rather not eat, than eat at a restaurant....it all tastes the same to me. But its easy to get in the junk food habit, so watch for the signs. Its so much better to eat in your truck, and eat sensibly, and then "reward" yourself with a McMysteryMeat Burger.

Hey Steve, as a certified personal trainer and nutritionist, I can tell you, you can't go wrong with making sure you are well fueled. Things like yogurt, cottage cheese, muesli, stay away from granola, too much sugar..Clif Bars, both regular and protein, raisins, nuts(almonds, cashews,etc..No or low salt variety)fruits like bananas, oranges, apples,etc.. and LOTS of water are your best friend when you are trying to keep your weight down and your health up. One BIG problem that drivers have to watch is your sodium intake. Sitting behind that wheel for long periods of time will make the blood in your legs pool and your lower legs can swell causing edema. Higher salt intake makes your body retain water to dilute all that salt and keep your body in balance. Stay away from the soda and stuff like that..and don't forget just because your out on the road, don't think you can forgo taking a good multivitamin every day. Don't skip over making sure you're getting enough soluble fiber in your diet either. I know it is going to be a challenge to get all this in a truck and worked into your daily routine, but like Starcar and Kathy have also said, it's your truck now, fit it out like you want to.

I have lost close to 40 lbs in 3 months. That was deliberate though. When I took my physical I was told to lose 50, or I would have to take a sleep apnea test. I have not been always successful at getting to a grocery store too. I have eaten subs a lot, if I have to get food at a truck stop. That and salads. I have also eaten the Natures Own bars, but not a lot. I dont like soda, so not drinking those has been easy. I drink water and coffee, and I use no sugar in my coffee. My one weakness is I like to use real cream in it. I have splurged a few times, but usually that was on breakfast. I also walk a lot when we layover at truck stops. Even when we stop for bathroom breaks or fuel, I get in a little walking. I was also walking a mile every day for the month before I left for school, and while at school, I walked in the snow, when I went to get groceries.

Subway subs, are something I get, usually turkey. I get a foot long, have them cut it in half, and that is 2 meals. Watching my intake has been a part of it too.

My problem now is, I have the same clothes I was wearing before I lost the weight. I have one notch left in my belt before I have to poke another hole in it. Once I make a bit of money, I have to buy new clothes.

Its tough keeping yourself "healthy" while on the road. I have gained a bit in the mid section, But I am still close to the same weight, give or take... I've always been a little round, But somewhere between the end of training and now, Ive gotten rounder... The cause was eating the hotdogs/corndogs and pizza from the truck stops. Im working on a diet routine to help me get through the weeks while on the road and see if that helps me. I'm not going to by anymore junk and stick to healthier foods. Plus more walking... The tools are there, just takes work.

Soft drinks are your biggest enemy. Stay completely away from them.