When you are alone and behind the wheel of a big truck, it’s very easy to become discontent. You can be discontent with the traffic, your load destination, your pay, your spouse, family, and many other things. Our minds play tricks on us when we are tired and alone. Don’t let these times alone cause you to be unhappy with your life. Think of the good things you have. Contentment is a virtue that will pay dividends for many years to come. Many others would love to have what you have. Be content with where you are. Your life will be much happier because of it.

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For more help, see your doctor or therapist.  Check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or click here to contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.                                                                                                

Send an e-mail to DWBlog@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

Disclaimer

The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

Overstressed? No need to overeat! From the moment we get out of bed, most of us whiz through the day under stressful conditions. As a result, many of us tend to overeat and turn to comfort foods. This is only a temporary fix.

So what can you do to prevent eating in response to stress? Below are twelve activities you can try instead of grabbing those cookies or chips when you feel an overwhelming desire to eat. Before you try these suggestions, however, make a deal with yourself. If you wish to have a specific food, you can have it, but only after you’ve done three things on the list below:

1. Read a book.
2. Pray or meditate.
3. Exercise! Walk, do an exercise video, or hit the gym. It will help improve your mood and feel like you are back in control.
4. Call or e-mail a friend. This will help you stay connected to others.
5. Write in a journal and capture your thoughts and feelings.
6. Play a game with your spouse, children, or pets—whether it’s Frisbee or fetch, checkers or chess.
7. Tackle some household chores: dust, vacuum, balance the checkbook, etc.
8. Take a long bath or shower.
9. Do some outside chores: work in the garden, mow the lawn, rake leaves, or shovel snow.
10. Work on a project that will keep your hands busy: knitting, needlepoint, painting, woodworking, etc.
11. Brush your teeth, rinse with mouthwash, then pop in a piece of extra-minty gum.
12. Do something for someone else. For example, volunteer locally or deliver meals to the elderly. Being of service to others is fulfilling.

These tips are constructive options to help you work through stress instead of eating. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.

This article was authored by one of our resource partners, Jodi and Harry Sensenig, Certified Health Coaches with Take Shape for Life.

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For more help, see your doctor or therapist.  Check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or click here to contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.                                                                                                

Send an e-mail to DWBlog@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

Disclaimer

The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.

A January Drivers Wellness article noted that one of the easy ways to lose a few pounds is to eliminate meat from your meal a couple of times a week. A driver had a good question about this suggestion: if we are supposed to eat protein because it is good for our bodies and it is filling, why should we eliminate meat, which is a good source of protein? The answer is that there are meatless proteins that you can either substitute for a meat or add to your daily intake to increase your consumption of good protein. Here are some meatless protein options:

• Beans (black, kidney, lima, navy, etc.), as well as split peas, chickpeas, and hummus; one cup has thirteen grams of protein—as much as a 3 oz. steak. Eat split pea soup, add black beans to your taco, or spread hummus on a cracker for a snack—be creative
• Eggs: One egg has six grams of protein (as well as essential amino acids). Have eggs for a meal, hardboiled for a snack, chopped up on a salad, or as an omelet (add cheese and beans to increase your protein).
• Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt): All milk (whole, skim, or low fat) has eight grams of protein per cup; cheese has approximately ten grams per slice (depending on type); yogurt has thirteen or more grams per cup, depending on the type (opt for Greek, which is the best).
• Whole Grains: Whole grains (quinoa, amaranth, barley, buckwheat, corn, millet, oats, rice, rye, smelt, wheat, etc.) range from ten to sixteen grams of protein per cup. Have whole grain bread for a sandwich (egg salad or peanut butter, for extra protein), buckwheat pancakes (watch the syrup), or add brown rice as a side dish.
• Seafood: Depending on the type, has from fifteen to twenty-seven grams of protein per oz. serving. Cold water fishes, such as halibut, pack extra benefits, like higher protein and Omega-fatty acids.
• Soy: It can be consumed in many forms, from edamame (eleven grams of protein per half cup), to tofu, soy burger, and soy nut butter.
• Snacks: Nuts (peanuts, cashews, almonds, and walnuts), seeds (sesame, sunflower), nut butters (and not just peanut butter; try almond and soy nut butter). Eat these sparingly, though, as they are high fat; however, they make an excellent protein snack. 

And, please let us know if you have any questions or need clarification on our wellness articles.

Click here to comment.

For more help, see your doctor or therapist.  Check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or click here to contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.

Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.                                                                                               

Send an e-mail to DWBlog@driverswellness.com to subscribe to this blog for free. These messages are brought to you by Drivers Wellness, an initiative of Transport For Christ. If you would like to give a donation to help us reach drivers, click here.

Disclaimer

The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.