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Dear Ellen,

This past year my husband, Frank, saw two of his friends lose their CDLs because of health reasons.   This was a wake up call to him, and now he is trying hard to lose weight and eat healthy on the road.  

So many of the articles we read are what he can do by eating right and exercising, but I want to understand how I can help him! It’s difficult for a driver’s wife to prepare meals and exercise with her husband, but I want to support and encourage him to reach his goals.  

How can I help Frank get in shape and eat healthy foods when I am a thousand miles away?

Patti

Dear Patti,

Good for you!  You can help Frank and in the process, you can get in shape too!

Although Frank is on the road much of the time, you can start by helping him make healthy choices at home.  If you are the one preparing meals for him, focus on recipes that eliminate fat and sugar, and replace them with more vegetables and lean meats.  You can find lots of meal plans that cut out foods that aren’t healthy, but make sure that your whole family is included.  Don’t single out Frank for “diet” foods.  

The next goal is to work some exercise time into his few days at home.  Don’t think that a membership to a gym is the answer, as Frank is probably like most drivers and he needs to rest when he’s out of the truck.  Instead, how about suggesting that the two of you take a walk together.  This could be your “couple time” too.  If you must, bring the stroller and the kids, but the focus should be on the time you have together away from the house (and TV and phone, etc.)  Don’t think of a long walk as exercise, think of it as your time to spend with Frank.

The challenge will be to keep Frank motivated once he is back on the road.  Here’s where you can make a difference.  Be sure Frank’s truck is loaded with good food choices and toss out the chips, soda and unhealthy items. If they’re not easily available, he won’t reach for them.  Licorice is low in fat, and pretzels are better than potato chips.  Sport water drinks are better than a soda, but if he likes tomato juice or V8, you are on your way.

Exercising while on the road is not as difficult as it sounds.  Instead of spending an hour in the driver’s lounge, Frank can lace up his walking shoes and circle his truck 32 times to complete one mile!  You can walk “with” him by recording the miles on a calendar each day and encouraging each other on the phone.  If you have a great cell phone plan, you can even walk “together.”  (Don’t think this is outlandish, as many people walk and talk at the same time!)  Schedule your nightly walks and use the time to stay in touch.

Buy Frank a pedometer and ask him to keep track of the miles he walks in a week.  You can have some friendly competition with family and friends and agree on a prize once a month when you add up the miles. With two, three or more of you all walking and competing, you might just end up with the whole family encouraging each other.

Walking isn’t the only option, although it is the easiest one to afford.  If you prefer biking, weight lifting, or swimming, just keep track of the hours or miles and track one another’s progress (and please don’t ask me how a driver will find a swimming pool every day, it’s just a suggestion!)

Patti, you can keep Frank motivated, even though you aren’t with him each day. Set small goals and celebrate along the way with rewards, such as something you can both enjoy (a digital camera, satellite radio or maybe a couple’s massage at a spa.) Remind him that you care about his health because you love him.  

Frank may be more concerned with staying ahead of the DOT physical, but it is still a way to keep him focused on how to retain his license. Your support and encouragement can help him meet his goals in the coming year, even when you are a thousand miles apart.