I had the opportunity to talk with members of the Rolling Strong team at the Mid America Trucking Show (MATS) in Louisville last week. It was a great experience talking with subject matter experts who truly care about our industry and our health. I listened as they talked to other drivers about their lifestyles on the road. I was truly impressed with some of the drivers who already had exercise programs in place. I used to be more active and a lot lighter I’m sad to admit. Believe it or not, I used to be a vegetarian for 
about 2 years back in the late 90s before our children were born. During my wife’s first pregnancy, she was craving hamburgers because of a lack of protein in her diet and from that point, we both slipped back into the Standard American Diet (SAD).
I also learned from Freightliner’s business seminar at MATS that one of the three leading causes of owner-operators failing in the industry is because of health problems. Bob Perry, President and founder of Rolling Strong told us that obesity isn’t a problem that only affects the trucking industry; it’s a problem for our entire country. The problem is magnified within trucking because we have fewer choices then almost all other industries. I do know that our overall health has much to do with what we put into our bodies. Our bodies build new cells everyday based on the nutrients that we feed them. If we want healthier bodies, we must feed our cells with healthier foods.
The Team Run Smart community knows the challenges to eating healthy on the road and has developed a very helpful video on our website. Bob Perry of Rolling Strong and Carissa Berres of ATBS actually enter a Denver area truck stop and go through the aisles showing the healthiest choices available to us. This approach is exactly what our industry needs as it demonstrates that there are healthier choices in the places we frequent. You can watch the video below. This technique, along with preparing healthy food and snacks before a trip will go a long way in helping us obtain better health and therefore increase our chances of staying successful.
Finally, I want to bring attention to a few other internet resources where we can find like-minded friends in the industry to exchange ideas and recommendations regarding staying healthy on the road. On Facebook, I go to Trucking Fitness where I can always be motivated and encouraged by the posts. My fellow Team Run Smart Pro Jeff Clark is active on an open Facebook group called “Truckin’ Runners.” Of course, check out Rolling Strong and the Health Smart articles on the Team Run Smart website. If you have other recommendations, please share them below. Ever Forward!