Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/87831
DIVERSIONS HEALTH Hold that turkey leg, go walking instead! A By Elizabeth Manning s the holiday season approaches, weight gain and depression seem to come knocking. "People want to go out and have fun, but moderation is key," says diabetes educator, and author of "Roadcookin': A Long Haul Driver's Guide to Healthy Eating." "We're not saying don't go to the party, just remember to maintain your health." keeping that winter weight gain to a minimum: • Lighten up on meals earlier in the day prior to a party, but don't skip them. • Have a small, healthy snack at home before attending a party. • Alcohol is heavy in calories, so keep it to one or two glasses. • If it's a potluck dinner, bring a healthy dish. • Eat slowly, and enjoy the conversation. road to watch food intake, too, looking for lean protein and more fruits and vegetables. Bob Perry, aka "Trucker Trainer" and president of Rolling Strong, encourages drivers to read labels, such as on sodium- rich soups, which can send blood pressure skyrocketing. "Another tip we always tell our drivers is to drink a glass of water and get some protein as soon as they get up in the mornings," Perry said. "The protein, along with exercise, will help make the challenges of the winter months easier to face." 46 | Overdrive | November 2012 "Roadcookin'" author Pam Whitfield cau- tions drivers to use moderation during holiday meals. "The most important thing to remember is to keep a positive mindset," Black said. Having the right attitude Weathering the holidays too, but can be done with the right mindset. Buck Black, psychologist, reminds drivers to make the most of their time with family. "Don't be distracted by electronics, and try to stay away from the inevitable drama which surfaces during the season," Black said He also reminds drivers to keep getting exercise. For drivers who don't make it home much, use the exercise rooms at truck stops, as well as doing easy exercises in or around the truck. • Walking or jogging 32 laps around the truck equals a mile. • Use a resistance band for an inexpensive workout. • Keep barbells, kettle bells or a jump rope in the truck. REALITY CHECK Unmoved by move-in argument Dear Carolyn, My boyfriend and I are talking about moving in together. We've been dating for two years and are very compatible. Neither of us is ready for marriage, but it makes economic sense to combine households. He's on the road for weeks at a time and I have to run my own life and keep up with his apartment, plants, dog and bills. It would be much easier and less expensive to move in. My mother is adamantly against the idea. I'm more blasé about it. It's a good business decision. What do you think? – Jean Dear Jean, I see your point and on paper it certainly seems to make good economic sense. However, I'm concerned about your comment, "neither of us is ready for marriage," because moving in together is a big commitment. It's much easier to move in than it is to move out. If you had asked whether you should get a male roommate to share expenses, I'd be all for it. But because this is your boyfriend we are talking about, you need to go into it with eyes open. relationship fails, you'll have emotional fallout along with having to divide up the Tupperware. Keep your own place and work on the relationship. If you see yourself with this guy for the long haul, by all means, move in. – Carolyn Unlike a roommate, if the By Carolyn Magner Contributing editor OverdriveOnline.com/RealityCheck