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smartway


Marie Rodriguez

Marie is a professional, over-the-road driver

Mind, Body and Spirit

On the road to a healthy life

Having been raised in a health-conscious family, I had always been slender, with an athletic build. And I was spoiled, because without any effort on my part, I didn't put on weight. However, when I began driving professionally with my husband eight years ago, all that changed.

I looked at my new driving job as one long road trip and did what I always did on road trips: stocked up on candy bars, chips, cupcakes, cookies and sodas.

Also, I had gone from my job as a medical technician, where I was active and on my feet all day, to sitting for 10 hours a day. Instead of coming home after work to take care of the house and walk the dog, I went from the driver's seat to a bunk. My activity level dropped.
I went from planning balanced meals and preparing them myself to eating truck stop "comfort foods" and the above-mentioned snacks. My calorie intake skyrocketed.

With all of this working against me, I began putting on weight very quickly. And then my once-normal blood pressure turned borderline. My knees began hurting to the point where it was painful for me to climb in and out of the truck. I lost flexibility.  My neck and back began to ache. I was constantly buying larger-sized clothes. 
One day I looked in the mirror and saw a woman who looked old, heavy and tired. I had to do something.

I made the decision then-and-there to get my health and life back.  
I stopped drinking soda and replaced it with water, real fruit juice and green tea. 

My snacks now consist of fresh fruit, dried fruit, granola bars and nuts. If I feel the munchies coming on, I pay attention to my body, and if I'm not hungry I reach for my water bottle or a stick of gum. When eating at truck stops, even with a limited menu, it is still possible to find healthy choices. Ask for substitutes. I regularly substitute a potato dish with tomato slices or fresh fruit. If you want the buffet, just get the salad and soup. Get the salad dressing on the side, or better yet, use cottage cheese or oil and vinegar.

We park in the back at truck stops to walk further. When staying at motels, I use the exercise room. In the truck I practice yoga and do resistance training with exercise bands.

The pains in my body are gone. I'm buying clothes again, but going to smaller sizes. I now have more energy.

My decision to go out on the road nearly ruined my health, until I discovered the road to a healthy life.  

rodriguezmarie.com