10 Healthy Truckstop Snacks
Over-the-road truckers can be challenged to eat a healthy diet when they visit a fast-food place. Truckstops are well known for stocking a wide variety of excessively sugary and salty snacks, which experts consider as unhealthy. However, you can still find some better and healthy alternatives from the same truckstops. Here are a few healthy snacks for truckers:
#1: Tuna Pouch
Tuna has Omega-3 fatty acids that can help to protect your body from contracting coronary diseases. It is a convenient snack because it comes in easy-to-eat portal pouches, with each pouch pack containing around 16 grams of protein.
#2: Nuts
Nuts are a healthy because of their monounsaturated fats that can reduce your body’s cholesterol level. Instead of potato chips, you can try nuts because they are crunchy as well. Avoid salted and honey-roasted varieties because they contain extra calories that make them unhealthy.
#3: Beef or Turkey Jerky
Natural and low-sodium brands of beef or turkey jerky are a healthy truckstop snack because they’re rich in proteins. In every ounce consumed, you get at least 9 grams of protein! Moreover, the snack is convenient to carry because it doesn’t require to be kept cool.
#4: Yogurt
Yogurt adds vitamin B-12 nutrients in your body and therefore can help to alleviate symptoms of depression. However, not every yogurt is good! You should always shop for low-fat yogurt, instead of the fruit-flavored one that is full of artificial flavors that can add extra sugar in your body.
#5: Oatmeal
If you want to keep your blood pressure, cholesterol and body weight low, then oatmeal is the ideal truckstop snack to go for. Oatmeal is also nutrient-rich with several minerals and vitamins. More interestingly, you can mix it in spices like ginger or fresh fruits.
#6: Trail Mix
A trail mix typically contains nuts, dried fruits, and granola. When buying a prepackaged mix, always read the nutritional labels and only select the one that has lots of dried fruit and lightly salted nuts.
#7: Pretzels
Pretzels are a healthy, salty snack that is a better alternative to pork rinds. This is because they are less saturated in fats and has fewer calories. However, it is much more recommended to select unsalted pretzels to avoid introducing too much salt in your body.
#8: Hard-boiled Eggs
Hard boiled eggs are a rich source of proteins, with one egg averaging around 6 grams in weight and about 70 calories. At many truck stops, hard-boiled eggs are available in pouches, meaning they’re a convenient truckstop snack that you can munch while driving.
#9: Popcorn
Popcorn is rich in polyphenols. These are antioxidants that can safeguard your body against diseases like cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis. It’s healthy provided you avoid topping with cheese, butter, or caramel that can add extra fats, calories, and oils to your body.
#10: Mini Cheese Plates
This snack is rich in calcium and protein. Typically, mini cheese plates comprise of a few slices of apple (or berries) and a few walnuts (or almonds) either sandwiched between two pieces of cheddar cheese or placed on top of a small piece of the cheese.
These are just a few examples of healthier-option snacks for truckers. There are many others that can provide you good nutritional value. So start minding your health today!