We are already a few days into 2016, but it’s never too late to make some excellent New Year’s resolutions. Eating healthier and exercising more are two common New Year’s resolutions, but we all know how difficult it can be to achieve these goals when we spend most of our time behind the wheel. At Bay & Bay Transportation, we value our drivers’ health and well-being, which is why we offer these tips to better achieve your New Year’s resolutions and enjoy a healthier truck driving career in Atlanta, GA.
Eating Healthier
You may not always have time for a sit-down meal. Snacks are another great way to get the nutrients you need. Consider keeping a box of protein bars or granola bars in the truck. If you prefer a different healthy snack, choose something that won’t spoil, ideally without any extra sodium or empty calories. Dried fruits don’t require refrigeration, provide fiber and antioxidants, and are easy to eat on the go. Raw nuts and seeds like peanuts or sunflower seeds, or some crackers and peanut butter, will provide protein and healthy fats. Wasabi peas are another good snack if you enjoy spicy flavors.
Part of eating healthier is staying well-hydrated, and water is the best beverage for the job. Though you may be seeking the caffeine to stay awake on a long haul, keep in mind that soft drinks may have the high sugar and empty calories you need to avoid. Caffeinated beverages can also make you thirsty because they are diuretic in nature. Diuretics cause us to urinate more frequently, which can lead to dehydration if we get rid of too much fluid.
Exercising More
Loading and unloading the truck is an excellent source of exercise that is already part of your truck driving career, but that’s just one form of exercise. You spend long periods of time sitting behind the wheel, so it’s important to get up and move around to keep your whole body functioning well. When you get to the truck stop, take a few minutes to walk or jog. Make sure to stretch your neck, shoulders, and arms as well. You can also get a quick workout right there in the parking lot by doing a few sets of jumping jacks or squats.
You may consider purchasing a pedometer and setting a daily step count goal. Aim for a goal of 10,000 steps a day or choose the number of steps that makes sense for you. For comparison, 10,000 steps is about the same as walking five miles, or thirty minutes of physical activity. Modern pedometers can be worn as wristbands or watches, clipped on to the belt, attached to a lanyard, or carried in a pocket. Rather than simply counting steps, many pedometers can also track sleep and heart rates, and estimate the distance traveled and calories burned.
Our drivers’ health and wellness is key to our success. Your truck driving career with Bay & Bay Transportation in Atlanta, GA allows you to stick to your New Year’s resolutions wherever your route takes you.