Healthy Trucking

by Jack Kelsh, professional driver

Where do I start?

Statistics are everywhere. There are experts on sleep apnea, diabetes, blood pressure, obesity and a host of other ailments. They make us aware of the symptoms and dangers of the disorders, but there seem to be few resources on ways to combat such things. All of the above ailments are directly related to a less-than-ideal healthy lifestyle. The trucking industry is hard hit with news of premature deaths and general health issues and constantly targeted by regulators to take steps to overcome the causes of such problems.
     Everyone is looking for a quick fix for everything, but that usually isn’t a favorable approach. When you swerve your truck too hard, your load will shift and damage the freight, or even cause a rollover. Likewise, our bodies need to be nourished and maintained to prevent that same “shock” to our systems.
     For example, we hear that drinking whey protein shakes is good for body building, but what they don’t tell you is that the ultra-high concentrated source of protein cannot be utilized by the body in a timely manner.
     I don't use the word “diet” because it carries a negative connotation, so I refer to it as an “eating strategy.” Once you are familiar with how different foods work together to maximize their nutrition potential, you can visualize what is happening inside your body.
     Processed foods metabolize in your body the same as sugar, giving you a “feel good” rush of energy, but con-sequently a crash in about 20 minutes. The only way to curb that crash is to consume some high-fiber foods in order to regulate the absorption of simple components.
     The enzymes found in fresh foods are important for digestion and immunity. That not only aids weight control, but it also contributes to your overall good health and your ability to fight off sickness, heal faster from an injury, stay more alert, think and see more clearly.
     There are so many things that a healthy body can do, raising the question, “Where do I start?” It takes time to develop proper habits, but understanding what those concepts are all about is the first step. The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you’ll be to do it. People don’t jump into a truck and start driving; there is a lot to learn before you can hit the road. The same applies here. But it's not that difficult and everyone can do it.
     I lost 180 pounds and worked my way into pretty good shape. You can see my story at safetythruwellness.com.
          Jack Kelsh is a professional over-the-road driver and a certified sports nutritionist.

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