Nutrition for the Road: Quick and Easy Meal Preps

Over-the-road truck drivers may find it difficult to maintain a nutritious diet. It might be challenging to create healthy meals when you don't have access to fresh supplies and a fully stocked kitchen. Because it's quick and easy, many drivers are enticed to stop at a diner or a truck stop. The majority of these meal selections, on the other hand, are higher in calories, fat, and they are a bit pricey.

The good news is that you have control over what you put into your body, and you don't need to be a gourmet chef to prepare tasty and nutritious meals while traveling. "Small spaces Equals huge flavor!" we like to remark. You can still eat well on the road if you plan ahead and make smart decisions. 

You can regulate the fat, calorie, and salt level of your food by preparing your own meals. Using a 12-volt outlet, specialty gadgets such as portable coolers, lunchbox cookers, or slow cookers, can allow you to store and cook meals in the comfort of your own cab. You can also stock nutritious food items if you have access to an in–truck refrigerator.

Here are some meal-prepping tips for truckers:

Prepare snacks in small bags

While it may seem more convenient to bring a large bag of chips on a long journey, pre-portioning your food is a better option. Bring smaller bags of chips with you. This will allow you to avoid mindless snacking and space out your snack times. Instead of the chips, use baby carrots, celery sticks, or apple slices.

Prepare different types of food

It's easy to get bored with eating the same thing every day. Meal prep normally consists of multiple portions of the same meal, but you can add diversity by preparing a range of dishes with distinct and fascinating flavors. In many cases, the same protein can be prepared in a variety of ways, or you can mix and match the protein, grain, and sauce for your meals.

Start small

If you've never done it before, planning meals for weeks in advance might be a daunting chore. It's better to start with a more attainable aim than trying to be completely equipped with three meals and snacks for everyday you'll be on the road. Rather than prepping for your entire trip, you may start by focusing on one meal or one week's worth of meals.

Use thermos

It's possible that you won't be able to reheat your food while on the road. Foods like heavy soups should be packed in a thermos to keep them warm for hours.

Choose meals that don’t need reheating 

Bring some meals that don't need to be reheated and can be made ahead of time. Sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs, salads, chicken salad, wraps, fruit, and other nutritious food options don't have to be eaten warm and can be kept in an insulated lunch box for a long time.

Meal ideas for truck drivers

Breakfast

This meal is necessary for everyone, but it is especially so for drivers. When you're on the road for long periods of time, a nutritious meal can help you stay energized. It also doesn't have to take long to prepare a healthy breakfast. Try these out: 

• Muffins with a variety of nuts, fruits, chocolate chips, and oats.
• Energy bars.
• Fresh fruit.
• Breakfast burritos that can be reheated in a microwave.
• Egg bake: Use leftovers from dinner, such as vegetables, cheese, and meat, put them into a ziplock, and mix them with eggs. Put them in a lunchbox cooker and cook while you are driving.
• Boiled eggs.

Snacks

When hunger hits, having a well-stocked cab with healthy snack options reduces the need to stop at the nearest truck stop for high-calorie delicacies. Take a look at these tasty snacks for drivers:

• Trail mix contains a variety of heart-healthy nuts and fruits.
• Add tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables to your pasta and bean salad for a daily dose of vegetables.
• Quinoa salad has higher protein and fiber content than most grains.
• Beans are high in protein and minerals.
• Salad with coleslaw is another excellent way to eat your vegetables.
• Broccoli salad is rich in vitamins and fiber.
• Cucumber salad as a low-calorie, high-nutrient dish.
• Dried fruit is a quick and healthy alternative to candy bars.
• Popcorn is another healthy option.
• Cheese, crackers, and meat are all excellent road snacks.

Lunch

There's no need to stop for fast food. In your vehicle, you can make a variety of quick and light lunch options. Lunchtime is an easy time to make healthier choices, such as substituting vegetables for bread or drinking water instead of soda. Take a peek at these quick and easy lunch ideas:

• Jar salads are really simple to make ahead of time. Fill several jars with your favorite vegetables and keep them in your refrigerator or cooler.
• Sandwiches aren't just for lunch; they're also simple to cook on the road and can give you the nutrition you need to keep going.
• Tomato, avocado and mozzarella sandwich.
• Protein packs are ideal for on-the-go lunches.
• Salad with grilled chicken and low-fat dressing.
• Protein bowls are high in protein and may be readily adjusted to suit your tastes. Meat or tofu, quinoa or rice, and a variety of vegetables make for a delicious on-the-go lunch.
• If you're aiming to reduce your carb intake, lettuce wraps are a great option. Wrap your sandwich meats and cheeses in large leaves of lettuce instead of a tortilla.
• Veggie burger.
• Turkey wraps in your truck are lean, healthful, and quick to prepare. Make a few wraps for quick and easy lunches on the road.

Dinner

Make your own delicious and healthful dinner instead of picking up a bucket of fried chicken or a pizza at night. We’d suggest you invest in a slow cooker. You can make pork chops, BBQ chicken, or beef stew. Serve them with a side dish like kidney beans, spinach, green beans or veggies. Here are some other tips and tricks for dinner: 

• Protein quesadillas are a delicious dinner alternative, especially when you're seeking something salty and cheesy.
• Stir-frying with low-sodium soy sauce is a delicious way to add variety to your diet while remaining fit and healthy.
• Chili and other meat-and-vegetable soups can simply be made in your truck or prepared ahead of time.
• Sushi wraps are a healthy alternative to fried cheeseburgers since they are packed with seafood, vegetables, and rice.

Desserts 

Every now and again, we all need a little sweetness in our lives. It is feasible to fulfill your sweet desire without indulging in a calorie binge for truck drivers. Check out these nutritious dessert delicacies that get our vote (with a cherry on top):

• Ice cream.
• Strawberries or frozen grapes.
• Frozen ice pops or fruit bars.

You need more ideas for quick and easy meal preps? Look no further.

Closing

As a truck driver, it's critical to eat well and save money. Meal planning is just one technique to make sure you're eating as healthily as possible. Sticking to your diet and resisting temptation are the keys to improved nutrition on the road. The only way for you to become a healthy truck driver is with determination and motivation.

We treat our drivers like family at Road Legends, and we believe that eating well is crucial. Consider driving for us and see it for yourselves.