The Healthy Tradie Diet You Can Start Today

Tradesmen have an incredibly active day! In most cases the typical tradesman will do more work in the first few hours of their day than the combined physical exertion of the typical office worker throughout his whole day (including his gym session).

One of the biggest challenges is finding the right balance between energy expenditure and food intake to maintain muscle strength and a healthy body weight. Access to nutrient-rich meals and snacks at the right times is crucial.

Younger tradesmen may be living away from home for the first time and have simply never learned the skills of cooking fresh food. Money can be an issue too. Apprentices are paid a minimal wage, so a meat pie or bucket of chips is much cheaper than a salad roll. Similarly, fatty take away is often more convenient than cooking lean meat and vegetables for dinner. Sometimes, it’s simply a case of no access to healthy food anywhere near the worksite.

Promote 'Snack Time instead of 'Smoko'!

Apprentices often look up to master tradesmen on site and if they see them eating take away every day, then that is seen as the thing to do. (Here’s an opportunity for our senior Tradies to set some good examples for the apprentices. Promote ‘Snack Time’ instead of ‘Smoko’! The resulting improvement in productivity would be an added benefit.)

Tips for a healthy Tradie Diet

1. Have a high protein breakfast like The Man Shake
2. Snack healthy - cans of tuna or salmon are great
3. When you hit the drive thru - there is almost always healthy options. TAKE THEM!
4. If you get your diet right there is nothing wrong with a cold beer at the end of a hard day's yakka!
5. The best diet is the one you stick to - find something that works and be committed!

A Tradie Meal Plan

Breakfast

This really is the most important meal of the day and blokes need high protein - I can't stress this enough.  A high protein, low sugar meal - like some eggs on wholemeal toast or The Man Shake.The Man Shake gives you all the protein you need along with vitamins and minerals to kickstart your day. The worst thing you can have for breaky is cereal as it is mainly carbs and sugar. But if you must have cereal go 2 Weetbix with 200g low sugar yoghurt.

Morning Snack

Once again something high in protein that is low in sugar - like a can of tuna or a greek yoghurt

Lunch

Even if you're a tradie on the go, you can get in extra protein - even a tradies takeaway sandwich or Subway 6-inch will do the trick. Just make sure you have minimal sauce or dressings. Try a Ham & Turkey or Chicken breast sub with salad, or you can always have a Man Shake if your on the go!

Afternoon snack

Once again something low in sugar that has protein. A handful of nuts and a piece of fruit.

Dinner

Grilled meat and steamed veggies (frozen or fresh). - I know its boring but you need your veggies!

The Man Shake for Tradies

The reason The Man Shake is so popular with tradies is:

• It is great for you -  both high in protein and low in sugar.
• It's super convenient - takes just 30 seconds to whip up and you only need to mix it with water
• It's great value - it costs as little as $2.49 day

It's not as hard as you may think to go from too much plumber's crack to having a six pack, you just need to make a decision to put your health first.