Managing your health on the road takes a lot of dedication and hard work, but the reward is definitely worth it.
Having to remember everything you can and shouldn’t eat may seem like a nightmare in the beginning, but always remember that it’s a safe bet to stick to fresh food, especially when it comes to snacking.
While fresh food and being on the road don’t seem to get along very well, choosing a variety of fruits and vegetables from the produce section will help you out in the long run. Plus fruits and vegetables are resilient, and can be kept unrefrigerated for a number of days.
But what exactly should you choose to begin your wellness journey? Well, Trucking Nation, it’s time for you to Taste the Rainbow.
Red fruits and vegetables are filled with antioxidants to help your body detox. The darker the red, the higher the antioxidant. Though, that goes for any dark colored fruit or vegetable.
Red Peppers – These peppers are red bell peppers, not to be confused with spicy red peppers that could do some serious harm your tastebuds. They’re great for snacking, and they’re filled with nutrients. Not to mention they’re a great healthy replacement for french fries. Red peppers can keep for 2 days unrefrigerated.
Baby tomatoes – Not only are baby tomatoes sweet, they’re also healthy! They keep for 2 days without being refrigerated, and they can replace other unhealthy snacks like tater tots.
Red Delicious Apples – An apple a day keeps the doctor away! And with apples, especially ones of the red delicious varieties, you get a crisp, sweet snack that will fill you up. Apples can keep for 2-4 weeks without being refrigerated.
Orange fruits are high in vitamin C and vitamin K, both of which are required for a good immune system, to fight off scurvy, and have healthy eyes to see the road.
Oranges – Oranges can keep for 2-3 weeks without being refrigerated. And they’re filled with vitamins to keep you healthy on the road. Plus, they offer a much needed boost to stay awake naturally, without having to drink energy drinks.
Orange peppers – Much like their red counterpart, orange peppers are also filled with antioxidants, but they have a light fruity taste. And the crunch and freshness will have you disowning chips in no time at all. They keep for 2 days without refrigeration.
Carrots – Carrots are filled the vitamin K, which is good for your hair, skin, and fingernails. Plus, they’re super healthy, and they taste great. If you’re not a fan of the harsh crunch of carrots you can drink carrot juice, which is just as good and super tasty. Carrots can last 2 days without refrigeration, and carrot juice only needs to be refrigerated after opening.
Yellow fruits and vegetables are sweet, sour, and mostly tropical. They also contain enzymes that can reduce the risk of severe illness, as well as help lower cholesterol.
Yellow peppers – These peppers are very similar to orange peppers with the same light fruity taste. Sliced, they pack a crunch that will have you coming back for more. Any type of colorful bell peppers can be the best snack when you’re on the road. They keep for 2 days unrefrigerated.
Bananas – Bananas are filled with vitamin B6 and potassium that can help you stay awake, and prevent painful cramping. Plus, they’re filled with fiber and vitamin C! Bananas are basically a pre-packaged super delicious superfruit. They can also last 2-7 days without being refrigerated.
Cucumbers – Cucumbers are filled with antioxidants and vitamin K to help your body detox, and keep your eyes, skin, and fingernails healthy. And if you slice them up with a little bit of salt, they’re just as good as potato chips. Cucumbers last 2 days without refrigeration. If you’ve sliced them, they will expire the same day.
Avocado – Avocados are a miracle fruit. Filled with fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin K, they’re super healthy for you, and they’re very filling. And with a consistency similar to ice cream, you can eat them with a spoon right out of the skin. Avocados last 3-4 days without refrigeration.
There are technically no blue or indigo fruits, even blueberries are considered purple. Which is why we’ve lumped the last three colors in the health rainbow together to give you some amazing antioxidant packed berries that make great snacks.
Blueberries – These tiny little berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin K with little to no calories at all. And they taste great! Anything that can make you feel good and taste great at the same time is definitely worth a try. Blueberries last for 2-3 days without being refrigerated.
Blackberries – Blackberries are filled with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. As a dark berry, they taste sweet, and contain a lot of much-needed nutrients. They last for 2-3 days unrefrigerated before expiring.
Grapes – Grapes have a low GI value, and can help with better insulin regulation, and blood sugar balance. Not to mention they improve skin health, heart health, and can aid people who are on calorie-restricted diets, or people who crave sugar but cannot have it. Grapes can last 3-5 days unrefrigerated.
You can still buy whole grain sandwiches, cheese, and pepperoni sticks, but when it comes to snacking you should definitely stay fresh and keep to the rainbow.
Got some tips for how to stay healthy on the road? Or maybe you just want to share some highlights from your own wellness journey. Drop us a line on Facebook or Twitter! We love hearing from you, Trucking Nation!