Eat Better Feel Better this Autumn

Last month we looked at healthy eating on the go. How many of you have been making healthier choices for your lunch? There are so many tasty and healthy options out there to choose from when you look closer or prepare ahead.

This month we are looking at Healthy Eating in general. It is a challenge when you may be working unsociable shifts and even doing nights out in the cab. 

If you are a night driver your breakfast may feel like your dinner and your dinner may feel like your breakfast – it's all upside down! Then a couple of rest days throw out your routine again. This is not a great healthy eating cycle to be in, so your food choices are all the more important. 

It is recommended that you eat a balanced meal before arriving at work for your night shift – this provides a good base to help you get you through your shift.  When talking of a balanced meal this should contain fibre or carbs like pasta or potatoes, a good source of protein like lean meat or fish and a good amount of vegetables. If you want further advice check out: 

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/the-eatwell-guide/

https://www.nutrition.org.uk/attachments/article/1224/Healthy%20diet%20and%20lifestyle%20tips%20for%20shift%20workers.pdf

When you arrive home the next day it is advisable to have a small breakfast or snack – it can be hard to sleep well after a night shift when you are too full or hungry. 

Again, as with the eating on the go your hydration levels are super important! Keep your water bottle topped up. 

Batch cooking  is a great way of ensuring that no mater what time you get in or how tired you are from your shift there is a healthy option for you to eat at home and should stop you reaching for the ready meal from the freezer that can be high in salt, sugar and fats. They may satisfy for a brief time but won’t give you that feeling of fullness for long, so before you know it you’ll be reaching for the snacks. 

The Batch Lady and Joe Wicks have some great ideas for healthy batch cooking. Check them out and I think you will be surprised at how easy and ultimately rewarding it is to be prepared. Check out and try out this recipe for a tasty, Spiced Sweet Potato Soup from The Batch Lady.

If you'd like to share your stories or recipes with other drivers please email jenny.fisk@driverrequire.co.uk

Happy eating and we look forward to seeing your tagged pictures.