The Challenge to Stay Healthy on the Road: Truckstop Survey Results

Truck drivers face unique challenges on the road, so who better to ask than drivers? In honor of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, Truckstop surveyed more than 500 long-haul truck drivers to understand the difficulties of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while on the job.

Eating Healthy on the Road

According to the survey, truck drivers face difficulties finding healthy food options on the road due to various factors. These include limited parking options (cited by 43% of respondents), lack of access to healthy food (41%), time constraints (40%), inability to cook in their truck (36%), and cost (34%) – healthier food options tend to be more expensive.

The survey also revealed that 36% of respondents’ preferred method of consuming food while traveling is fast food, while 30% resort to eating at non-traditional locations such as gas stations and truck stops. Additionally, 59% of truck drivers said they eat healthily on the road. However, more than a third (37%) cook their meals regularly.

Healthy Snacks at the Gas Station

While many junk food options are available at gas stations and rest stops, there are healthy alternatives. Here are 15 healthy snack options available in most gas stations:

1. Fresh Fruit
2. Tuna Packet
3. Veggie Packet
4. Beef Jerky
5. Dark Chocolate
6. Greek Yogurt
7. Raw Nuts
8. String Cheese
9. Applesauce Cups
10. Peanut Butter
11. Protein Bar
12. Protein Shake
13. Pretzels
14. Sunflower Seeds
15. Trail Mix

Foods That Boost Mental Health

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. It is known that nutrition plays a crucial role in your physical health. However, studies also show that nutrition also affects our mental and emotional well-being. Experts recommend eating a diet that relies on fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish and unsaturated fats.

A recent study focused on antidepressant foods closely examined 34 essential nutrients and their impact on preventing and treating depressive disorders. While the following foods from the report won’t replace a treatment plan prescribed by trusted medical professionals—like therapy, medication, or both—they can be vital elements of a healthy, mood-boosting diet:

• Dark chocolate
• Healthy fats
• Leafy greens
• Mediterranean-diet foods
• Oysters
• Sweet potatoes
• Turkey

Physical Health on the Road

Per the Truckstop survey, drivers say it’s much harder to find time for exercise on the road than at home. This is due to a variety of factors, such as fatigue from driving all day (52%), lack of time (48%), lack of access to exercise options (48%), and difficulty finding parking spots that offer exercise options (42%).

The vast majority of long-haul truck drivers lead relatively sedentary lifestyles. Only 11% stop once a day to exercise or stretch, while 49% stop twice. Only 36% of drivers take three or more breaks per day.

Even though 90% of drivers report getting at least one exercise session per week, an overwhelming 69% admit to working out only once or twice. For those who exercise, the majority (44%) prefer to do so outside, with parks or hiking trails being the top choices (40%). Interestingly, 40% of respondents also said they would exercise in their truck if necessary.

The Truck Driver Institute has identified the best exercises for truck drivers are squats, push-ups, planks, mountain climbing and running. These were chosen based on their accessibility, as drivers can do all these activities without weights or a gym.

If you want to change your diet and exercise routine, see a nutritionist or physician before you make any significant changes. TVC Pro-Driver’s WellCard Health Program saves you up to 50% on physician visits and other healthcare within the WellCard network. You can even virtually meet with licensed credentialed physicians 24/7/365 through the program. To get started, visit WellCardSavings.com.