Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/409537
Diversions 48 | Overdrive | November 2014 By Wendy Parker Fueling the body is as im- portant as fueling the truck, and scientific studies have proven a direct correlation between eating healthier and better brain function. Eating a variety of colorful food provides nourishing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This includes phytochemicals – substanc- es that occur naturally in plants, which may provide health benefits beyond those that essential nutrients alone provide. These benefits, in most cases, can't be garnered by taking supplements. Though eating healthy on the road can be difficult, truck stops are trending toward a larger fresh selection, and some options don't require refrigeration. Having a basic knowledge of what you need can help you make your food selec- tions and stock the truck accordingly. When it comes to phytochemicals, each color represents a unique set of characteristics. Orange and yellOw foods contain beta-caro- tene, a potent antioxidant that may help protect your cells from environmental toxins and the natural ag- ing process. A diet high in beta-carotene may reduce your risk of developing certain cancers, including breast, colon, lung and prostate. Carrots, oranges, tangerines and yams are easily stored items. Blue and purple foods contain compounds called flavonoids, which may help increase vita- min C levels in your cells. That can boost immunity and help prevent damage from free radicals – rogue molecules that can alter DNA. They also may act as anti-inflammatories and thus protect against heart Feeding mind and body with color I've searched the whole world over and can't find a regular-size hot dog to save my life. Seriously, no wonder everyone is fat. You can't get regular-size anything any- more unless you want to pay extra for it. It's the truth: You can get a gigantic 44-ounce fountain drink for 99 cents, but if you'd like to have just a normal-person serving size of 20 ounces (which is still double the standard serving size of soft drinks), you pay $1.39 for it. On what planet does this make sense? I wanted a mush- room-Swiss burger from Burger King. The promo advertised a Double Whopper with Swiss cheese and mush- room sauce. I can't stomach a single Whopper, so I asked if I could order the Swiss cheese and mushroom sauce on a regular-size hamburger. "I can do it, but I'm going to have to charge you for the Double Whopper." "Why? That's crazy!" "I don't have a menu option for a single with Swiss and mushroom. I can't put it in the register, but I can tell them to make it special." I faulted myself for allow- ing it to go on by just giving in and letting the guided- by-menu-options-only clerk charge me almost $5 for a $2 sandwich. We were in a hurry, and I didn't have time to pitch a fit. Here's an important tip for ordering at McDonald's: Don't even try to get one apple pie. It's been secretly decreed somewhere that no one is ever allowed to purchase only one dessert at McDonald's, ever again. Should you dare try to buy only one pie, you will be publicly shamed by the clerk and viewed by your peers as the only jerk in the world who didn't take someone up on an extra apple pie for 11 cents. I'm starting the "Regular Size Movement." I'm going to order Happy Meals without having a child present and refuse to upsize for 99 cents. I will order single pies and (gasp) purchase only two cookies instead of being bullied into a half-dozen for 49 cents more. I have my work cut out for me. Somebody's gotta do it. Wendy Parker chronicles her journey on the road with her owner-operator husband, George, in the George and Wendy Show blog on OverdriveOnline.com. Scan the QR to read more from her on your phone or tablet. The 'Regular Size Movement' (Continued on Page 50)