Truck drivers are a very important part of our society. Many don’t realize just how important they are. Companies of all types rely on trucks to pick up and deliver their goods. Of course, there are ships, trains, and airplanes that also help distribute goods, but trucks are nearly always involved in some part of these distributions. In 2006, there were 3.4 million truck drivers and driver/sales workers. Of these, 2.9 million were strictly truck drivers.

Along with this occupation comes long hours behind the wheel, a lot of time spent alone, and a lack of time to exercise or eat right. Many truckers also smoke, drink a lot of soda, and eat out of loneliness or boredom. For this reason, many develop heart conditions or other health ailments. This brings up an important question: what can truckers do to become healthier and feel better about themselves?

One way to start is to make the decision to be aware of your food choices and why you are eating. Are you eating because you feel hungry or is it emotional eating? Truckers are used to keeping a driving log, so it should be easy to start keeping a food log. Get an extra note book and start writing down everything you eat for two days. Write down what you are eating, how much, why you are eating, and how you feel after you eat. Are you still wanting more or are you satisfied? After the two days analyze what you have written. This may help you see where you need to make changes.