Healthy Trucking

It’s not that easy

Either way you look at it, the task of wellness is not an easy one. Anyone can become overweight and out of shape, but living for the moment and getting that instant gratification has its price in regards to the bigger scope of things. Soon, that “ahhh, that was good” sensation you get when you overstuff your tummy with a few pieces of fried chicken, a mound of mashed potatoes and gravy, a scoop of macaroni and cheese, a couple dinner rolls and some gooey fudge cake turns into something more on the order of shame and misery.
     You are forced to deal with the self-esteem issues that surround obesity. You lack energy and alertness. You hurt all over, and everything is just harder to do, including staying awake when driving. And there is so much more. My point is this: It may be the easy way at first, just doing what feels good at the time, but it is not easy after all, is it?
     If you use some judgment and discretion from the start, you may have to bite the bullet for a while, but in the long run, it will be so much easier to live with yourself. I know, I’ve been there and done that. Trust me. It does get easier as time goes on. Ironically, I still can eat everything I want. I just don’t want a lot of the stuff I used to crave.
     If you know and can visualize what is going on inside your body as a result of what you put into it, you can be better equipped to do good things for yourself. There is a payoff. You will look better, feel better and perform better in every aspect of your life, including driving. It’s also going to save you tons of money—money you can spend on fun things instead of doctor bills.
     How do I know this? I lived it. I used to weigh 365 pounds and wore a size-46 waist pants. I am now at 185 pounds and in pretty good shape. I like to say, “I am half the man I used to be!”
     My safety through wellness agenda is a program I designed that worked for me, and I want to share it with all of you. It consists of a book and the “19th wheel.” In the book I describe a total body resistance training workout that you can do while driving. I illustrate how to use the 19th wheel. And I educate readers about proper nutrition: what to eat and where to get it, even while trucking over the road.
     You can order them both from my Web site, www.safetythruwellness.com or call us at 406-855-3582. Take care and live well!

     Jack Kelsh is a professional driver and certified nutritionist.