5 Tips On Staying Healthy When Driving For Uber or Lyft
I used to drive for Uber and Lyft part-time and when I drove, I noticed my healthy habits took a backseat to make money. As a driver, the drive to pick up the next ride is strong. It is almost like an addiction and you are a slave to the app. You will tell yourself, this will be my last ride but you keep going.
As I drive, I ended up not bringing lunch or nutritious snacks with me and fast-food restaurants and their bathrooms became my friend. Just because you drive for a rideshare company, doesn't mean you can't have a healthy lifestyle. I have five tips that can keep you healthy while you work.
Tip 1
Before you start driving, stock your car with wholesome snacks like fresh fruit, a small bag of nuts, protein or fiber bars, veggie sticks and etc. This will cut back on the urge to spend money on unhealthy options.
Tip 2
Pack a lunch or dinner in a lunchbox and if the weather is warm, use a cooler. Preparing your own lunch or dinner is cheaper than buying food every-time you drive and it may also save you some calories.
Tip 3
If you forget to pack a lunch or dinner and you need to eat, determine to make better choices at restaurants. The above picture is Wendy's apple pecan chicken half-size salad which is 350 calories without the dressing. Try to stay away from fried foods and large burger options and stick to half sizes unless you will be eating the other half of the meal later when you return home.
Tip 4
Take breaks, go for a 10-15 minute walk or stretch by your car. Prolonged sitting is not good for your lower back and sitting for long periods of time can cause deep vein thrombosis. A DVT is a blood clot in one of the deep veins in your lower body, that can form if you don't move around for a long time.
Also, driving can be stressful especially if you are in traffic and you are trying your best to get your passenger(s) to their destination(s). By taking these 10-minute fitness breaks, can help you to destress and at the same time help your heart health and flexibility.
Tip 5
Make a schedule for your workouts at the gym or at home and stick to it. Since driving is taking up a lot of your time, try to exercise for 30 minutes at least three times a week. The 30-minute Planet Fitness circuit is a great workout that includes cardio and strength combined. I have two home versions of the Planet Fitness circuit if you don't have a PF in your area or don't want to join the club.
It doesn't matter if you have a trainer, you exercise at home via YouTube or etc, just make sure you don't let your workouts take a backseat to make extra money. Making a fitness schedule is very important to your well-being and remember you can't make money if your health is in jeopardy.
So here are my tips and if you drive for a ride-sharing company and you have any tips you would like to share, please add them in the comment section below.
I have never tried Uber or Lyft, but I drove weekends for Allied Van Lines for extra cash. I would leave work Friday night, drive all Saturday, turn and burn to be home late Sunday night as most deliveries were 2-3 states away. Packing your own food for the whole weekend was imperative as you could not pull over for unscheduled stops. Usually very dehydrated when I got back as there was only 2-3 bathroom breaks a day with weigh-ins.
ReplyDeleteThat is very interesting, I hear that driving can be very unhealthy if you don't plan.
DeleteSame things you have to take into account if you have a sit down office job! It's so easy to gain 10 lbs when you're sitting literally almost all day! UGH! Great tips.
ReplyDeleteTrue, this certainly applies to someone sitting all day.
DeleteThese are great tips if your a driver or do any other work outside of your home.
ReplyDeleteWow, never though of that. And I agree on with Debbie P said some driver would get hungry on their long shift.
ReplyDeleteI really love all the great tips!
ReplyDelete