Healthy Trucking

Do what you want

You’ve heard the advertisements for various products that make the claim: “You can eat whatever you want and still lose weight!”
     In a strange sort of way, it is true, but not the way they are portraying it. You can eat what you want, but you do need to modify what it is you want. If your goal is to lose weight, you obviously need to stop wanting the French fries and chicken-fried steaks and a host of other over-processed, fatty foods. You can’t have it both ways. It just doesn’t work that way.
     Every year, ten times more people die of heart attacks in this country than all who died in the horrible bombing of Hiroshima. I honestly don’t know how some of the “junk” on the market can be called food, or even why it is legal. It is toxic. And it kills and injures people by the thousands.
     Why would you want that? Because it is addictive…literally.
     If you really want to be healthy and lose weight, you need to want what leads to those goals. I eat what I want, but I don’t want what I used to eat anymore. I also eat a lot. I am always “grazing” on something. Yeah, sometimes I overdo it, but I still don’t gain weight.
     For example, we were in Vegas the other week. We wanted to eat at one of the buffets at a casino. The truck was parked at the Pilot on the north end of town and we jumped on the bikes and rode to the Stratasphere. They had an awesome buffet. Some of it was not real healthy food, but much of it was. They had baked salmon, grilled chicken and a variety of ethnic foods and desserts. I ate quite a bit, but didn’t touch anything that was deep-fried or overly processed.
     I don’t do this every day, but I do enjoy it once in a while. And that’s OK. Living healthy should be enjoyable, otherwise you won’t want to do it. Ninety percent of the time I am pretty well-behaved and take things in moderation. The other 10 percent, I live a little.
     I used to do just the opposite, and I ballooned up to 365 pounds. Since I learned how different foods work together to maximize the nutrition potential and boost metabolism, I lost 180 pounds, and I’ve kept the same weight for several years now.
     A good exercise routine is important in the equation as well. When you can visualize what is happening to your body on the inside, you will want to do the right things.
     Take a look at my Web site: safetythruwellness.com. You can order my book “Nineteen Wheels” and the 19th wheel (exercise device). Learn about what we can do as truck drivers to get control of our wellness. It isn’t just about living longer; it’s also about living better.
     For now, take care and live well! 
     Jack Kelsh is a professional driver and certified sports nutritionist.