Health Tips

By Bob Perry

Running on Empty

Eating late in the day leads to weight gain, and if you do it in combination with caffeine and alcohol, it can also result in sleepless nights. The biggest mistake people make when they do eat late is consuming food heavy in carbs, which converts to sugar overnight and plays havoc with your metabolic system. The next morning, the guilt sets in. Before you know it, you have gone more than 12 hours without eating – loading up with caffeine instead – and your metabolic system shuts down.
     It’s like trying to run a truck without fuel. You have to get out and push it down the road. First of all, you won’t have the strength or energy due to a lack of fuel. Your system is going to start eating away at the muscle tissue and not the fat. You have to fuel your system in order for it to run effectively. Running on empty is not good.
     What kind of fuel are you putting in your engine? Eat colors. They have minerals and vitamins, but a good variety of fruits and vegetables can also help control weight and lower blood pressure. Eat more fish. Adding fish to your diet will boost your omega-3 fatty acids and help lower your risk of coronary artery disease. Cut the fat. Fried foods, partially hydrogenated oils and saturated fats should be kept to a minimum. Avoid simple carbs. Simple carbs are quickly converted into sugar in your bloodstream. When blood sugar is elevated quickly and for extended periods of time, it causes an increased workload on your pancreas, and the extra sugar turns to fat.
     Heart disease is America’s No. 1 killer. High-risk factors include smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, family history of heart attacks, lack of exercise, stress and obesity. Regular exercise can help you maintain your weight and improve your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Walking, stretching, push-ups and sit-ups are just a few of the things you can do to stay active.
     When your energy level drops, you instinctively reach for the closest thing available, which, for over-the-road drivers, is usually pro- cessed or fast food. Instead, plan ahead. When you’re on the go, pack nutritious snacks to keep your energy level stable. When you are ready to eat, make good healthy choices. If you are overweight, eating protein instead of carbs can speed up your metabolism. Scientists recently discovered that heavy people burn fat more quickly after eating high-protein meals than high-carb meals.
     You don’t drive your rig with lights off at night; you need to see the road ahead. Managing your health is the same–be sure to see what’s ahead on the road to health.
     Bob Perry (“The Trucker Trainer”) is president of Roadside Medical Clinic.