Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/536661
Health Help By Matt Cole 20 // OWNER OPERATOR // JUNE 2015 FORMER 'BIGGEST LOSER' OFFERS HEALTH PROGRAM FOR DRIVERS T rucking Moves America Forward, along with Pilot Flying J Health Champion and NBC's most successful "Biggest Loser" Pete Thomas, are offering truck drivers practical advice to achieve health and wellness while on the road. Thomas has inspired thousands of profession- al drivers with his personal story of transfor- mative weight loss. He is also an author and motivational speaker. "We've listened to professional drivers and built the TeamPETE program to offer practi- cal exercise tips and healthier food options for drivers on the road who don't have the option of a gym or visiting a grocery store daily for food choices," Thomas said. The following "3 F's" are key for permanent weight loss: •Fluid – Don't drink your calories. Drink a lot of calorie-free water or diet soda with your meal. •Filler – Eat plenty of low-calorie vegetables or salad with low-calorie dressing to fill up on health items first. •Feast – This is the food item you most want to eat. (That mouth-watering steak, filet or dessert.) Eat these "feast" foods sparingly after filling up on healthy choices like vege- tables. Thomas offers drivers who are members of TeamPETE plenty of exercise and stretching recommendations to encourage movement while stopping to fuel at Pilot or Flying J. He also provides healthy snack options, includ- ing energy foods, and advice on frequency of snacking. He has made it easy for drivers to choose healthier eating options while on the road through his "Pete's Picks" list. Drivers can download these picks from the Pilot Flying J website. Thomas was on the "Biggest Loser" televi- sion program for 62 days in 2005 and lost 83 pounds. After he went home, he achieved fur- ther weight loss of 102 pounds, for a total of 185 pounds. He has kept the weight off for 10 years. In 2010, he and Flying J formed a part- nership to coach professional drivers through their journey to living a healthier lifestyle. To sign up for TeamPETE and get tips for being healthier on the road, visit pilotflyingj. com/health. OO