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Jamaal Fleshman joined Real in August of 2022, since then he has worked hard to maintain clean eating habits and stuck with his workout routine. In 18 months he has lost about 50 pounds all while being over the road the majority of the time. Being on the road is not easy but it is important to maintain an active lifestyle and select healthier options for snacks and meals. 

Planning ahead is also key to maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. Stocking up in advance will allow you to have better options for when you are hungry but don’t have time to stop anywhere to grab a bite to eat. Non-perishable snacks such as nuts, seeds, and protein bars are great alternatives to other snacks that are high in saturated fats and sugars. Foods with higher protein will keep you satisfied for longer and can assist in muscle building when paired with an adequate workout routine.

Having a cooler by your side will also be a great help for storing fruit and vegetables on the road for a couple of days at a time. Planning your main meals for each day is also key, prepping portions you can easily reheat in a microwave comes in handy instead of always making pit stops at fast food restaurants. 

With an irregular schedule and limited access to fresh food, Fleshman has invested in cooking devices and workout equipment to maintain a healthy lifestyle. He uses his downtime to prepare meals on his portable stove top and lift his weights. You could say he uses his time during long unloading periods and breaks wisely and productively! 

Water is another essential, this may be obvious but still people tend to not drink enough water each day. Being dehydrated leads to fatigue, reduces your metabolism and mistakes your thirst for hunger! This can lead to overeating and unwanted weight gain while also experiencing symptoms such as headaches and dizziness, which would be even more difficult to handle while over the road. When driving for long periods of time, many people resort to caffeinated beverages such as coffee and energy drinks. While those options can provide you with a short burst of energy, they can also lead you to be even more dehydrated if enough water is not consumed. Be sure to start the day with water before intaking caffeinated beverages to start your day. 

Finally, listening to your body matters! Since truckers face an irregular schedule, it is important to listen to your body and know when it is time to rest. It is crucial to plan out times to include ample amounts of sleep. As for workout routines, it is always best to start off slow and then increase the intensity as strength is increased.  

Fleshman is a great inspiration and reminds us that while training and eating healthy may be difficult at times, being unhealthy could lead to even more difficult situations. A healthy lifestyle can also benefit you by providing more energy and improved sleep which go hand in hand with overall health.  

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Incorporating these tips from Fleshman’s story, you too can create a routine that sets you up for a healthy lifestyle on the road. Small changes add up and can lead to big results in the long run!  

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