Healthy Trucking

by Jack Kelsh, professional driver

Digging graves with silverware

We have an abundance of food in this country. In that respect, we are fortunate. As a population, we are growing more obese every year, but ironically we suffer malnutrition the same as any Third-World country.
     So much food we enjoy eating is so over- processed that it contains very little nutrition. Even though it may be labeled as “fortified” with essential vitamins and minerals, the processing eliminates the bridge by which those nutrients access our bodies.
     Our bodies, as with any living organism, are a complex network of cells that make up our muscles, blood, nerves, bones, skin and organs. In order to function properly, they need to be nourished properly. Only by ingesting complex “living” organisms will our bodies respond to the nourishment they are given.
     Processed foods are dead foods. The chemicals and atomic configurations are so altered that they are not natural to our bodies. Therefore, they simply pass right through. Our digestive systems extract the simple nutrients quickly as they race on through, which metabolize just like sugar, which turns to fat and leads to fatigue. In turn, our immune systems are compromised, and we develop any variety of diseases, not the least of which is obesity.
     The good news is we live in a country where food is so plentiful, we need to make the right food choices. Thanks to truck drivers, our distribution system is unbeatable, and there is no reason we cannot obtain the food we need. Numerous food production companies recognize this and have initiated new divisions that focus on more nutritionally rich foods. I point this out because I want to illustrate that eating healthy will not have a negative impact on the companies we all do business with.
      How do we educate ourselves to make those right choices? Where does exercise come in and how are we able to do that with the way of life we have? First, we have to identify what it is we want to achieve. If you want to lose weight, establish a goal and then take smaller steps to reach it. Learn as much as you can about what works and what doesn’t and put into practice what works. I used to weigh 365 pounds. I have turned my life around by educating myself and implementing strategic tactics that led to a weight loss of 180 pounds. I feel good, physically and mentally, without pills, powders or magic formulas. Just good food and proper exercise. And I did it as an OTR truck driver.
     You can learn how I did it by visiting my Web site: safetythruwellness.com.
     Jack Kelsh is a professional over-the-road driver and a certified sports nutritionist.

                                   Before                                         After