One of the best parts of a road trip are the snacks and quick stops to stock up on all your favorite “guilty pleasure” foods. But as a trucker, you spend the majority of your time on the road, so living that “road-trip life” isn’t a long-term option for you. You have to think healthier, which usually means planning ahead. So, toss out the chips and snack cakes and get ready for some delicious and smart alternatives to snacking.
Easy Trail Mix
All trail mix is not created equal. Watch out for the ones loaded with sugar and saturated fat disguised as healthy options. Choosing to mix your own is the best way to control the fat and sugar content and guarantee your favorite snacks make the cut. (Perhaps you leave out those raisins you always pick around?) So, what’s the magic combo? We have a recipe guide for you:
- Sprinkle in a bunch of these: almonds, cashews, and pecans. Raw, unsalted nuts are going to be your best choice because they are not coated in oils and salt prior to roasting.
- Add in a big handful of these: pumpkin, sunflower, or sesame seeds. Seeds have amazing nutritional value and are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Load up on seeds with zero guilt!
- Don’t forget your fruits: dried fruit like banana chips, apples, or cranberries add a little tanginess and vitamins to the mix.
- Lastly, a sprinkle of sweetness: in moderation, quality dark chocolate chunks are pretty good for you. Surprisingly, they’re a good source of fiber, iron, and magnesium.
Homemade Beef Jerky
Craving something a little heartier and saltier? Skip the Slim Jim and make your own beef jerky. Making jerky at home gives you the freedom to season it exactly how you like it – and it’s way cheaper and healthier. What’s better than that? Here’s your step-by-step guide to the best jerky:
- Choose your meat: top roast or flank steak work great – the leaner the better – and then trim off any excess fat and slice is as thin as you possibly can. (Time to invest in a knife sharpener too? Probably.)
- Throw the beef in a large freezer bag with all your favorite seasonings. Try soy sauce, Worcestershire, liquid smoke, garlic/onion powder, salt, and pepper – the sky’s the limit. Let the meat and seasonings chill in the freezer for at least an hour and up to a full day.
- Lay the beef in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 175 degrees for 3-4 hours depending on the texture you like best.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks (but we know it won’t last that long).
Easy Crockpot Recipe
Great news: you are just five ingredients away from the tastiest dinner served up right in your truck. The best part is that you can find four out of five ingredients at any convenience store.
On the menu: Root Beer BBQ Chicken
What to add to your shopping list:
- A bottle of BBQ sauce
- A can of root beer
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chicken (boneless, skinless breasts are best)
What to do:
- Cook chicken in crockpot on high for 3 hours
- Drain the juices
- Pour in half the bottle of BBQ sauce, half the can of root beer, and a few pinches of salt and pepper
- Cook for 30 more minutes
There are endless meals you can make out of this recipe. Need some inspiration? Add a tortilla and some spicy salsa for taco night. Grab some rolls and pickles and you have a quick and tasty lunch on the go. For a healthier option, you can shred the chicken and add it to a green salad for a protein punch.
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