Now We’re Cooking!

Previously, we’ve talked about nutrition and how trucking as a profession makes finding good quality, healthy food, at a reasonable price, that’s also convenient, is a tricky and difficult task. Throw a pandemic on top of it and drivers who are accustomed to popping into a truck stop for a bite have had to rethink their meal plans due to safety concerns over the coronavirus.

 

Some resourceful truckers have always cooked meals in their cabs, but the practice has really caught on as more folks are passing up meals in public spaces. What they are finding is that—much like cooking at home versus eating out—making your own meals is healthier, cheaper, and as close as the sleeper berth in your cab.

 

The road-going foodie’s trifecta.

 

Most long haulers already have appliances like a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee pot to help keep them energized for miles, but some have expanded their set up to include stoves, griddles, and slow cookers that give their diet a wider range of tasty options.

 

The key to your setup will be power. But whether you’re running a generator, an inverter, or the trusty old 12-volt cigarette lighter, there is an impressive selection of appliances to help you bring out your inner gourmet.

 

Make sure you also have all the right tools to making prep, cooking, and cleanup a breeze. From cutting boards and knives, plates and utensils, plastic bags and Tupperware, to foil and towels, having the right gear makes cooking for yourself easy and enjoyable.

 

Now, let’s talk about the food. You’re probably thinking that limited space can make for a

limited menu but while your meals can be as simple as you like, cooking anywhere doesn’t get much simpler than using a slow cooker. Just toss your ingredients in when your day starts and by the time you stop, you’ve got a hot and delicious meal ready to eat.

 

That being said, a little resourcefulness and ambition can elevate your menu considerably. How about a holiday-quality meal on the road? Or pork chops and mashed potatoes? There are lots of resources out there for the resourceful driver/chef.

 

If you aren’t naturally inclined to picking up a knife and prepping your own food, it’s always a good time to start new habits that will have multiple positive effects for you, and cooking can be a boon. When the miles are long and taking you farther and farther from home, a well-cooked meal can be good for your health—both physically and mentally.