Salt Lake City, Utah — Long-haul driver Garrett Steenblik has turned his career and his physical health around after facing a severe medical crisis tied directly to the sedentary nature of life behind the wheel. Working as an OTR truck driver, Steenblik found himself trapped in a dangerous routine of poor dietary choices, chronic pain, and daily nausea that eventually led to diagnoses of ulcers and fatty liver disease. Heavy mental health struggles stemming from past traumas compounded the physical toll, pushing him to rely on heavy caffeine consumption through multiple daily Mountain Dews and intense binge eating sessions.

The relentless pressures of the trucking industry often leave commercial vehicle operators with few resources for maintaining proper nutrition or physical conditioning. Grueling dispatch schedules, tight delivery windows, and a severe lack of roadside wellness infrastructure make staying healthy an uphill battle for any CDL-A driver. Steenblik reached his absolute breaking point while doubled over a toilet bowl, realizing that he was entirely responsible for his downward spiral and refusing to remain a hostage to his past decisions or his job's limitations.

Armed with sheer determination, Steenblik initiated a grueling fitness regimen inside his sleeper berth and at truck stops across the country. He dropped his initial 100 pounds by committing to 45 minutes of running in place every single day for an 11-month stretch. Recognizing that physical exertion alone was not enough, he educated himself on nutritional requirements, balancing caloric intake against actual energy expenditure. He transitioned to a low-carb, whole-food nutritional plan, integrated intermittent fasting, and eliminated sugary sodas. This complete lifestyle overhaul not only reversed his physical ailments but also lifted the heavy fog of depression and anxiety that had plagued him for years.

What This Means for Drivers

Steenblik’s turnaround underscores the harsh physical reality that professional drivers face daily while hauling freight across the nation's highways. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while operating as an OTR truck driver requires deliberate planning, strict self-discipline, and creative routines to combat long hours sitting in a cab. Drivers who ignore their physical and mental well-being quickly find themselves sidelined by preventable conditions like fatty liver disease, obesity, and severe gastrointestinal issues. Fortunately, as Steenblik proved with the help of his wife and team-driving partner Yvonne, accountability and simple in-cab workouts can pave the way to sustained wellness despite the constraints of the job.

Industry Reaction

The broader freight sector continues to grapple with driver wellness as carriers and industry advocates look for ways to combat high rates of obesity and chronic illness among commercial operators. While trucking companies hiring new talent typically focus on safety records and freight handling, a growing segment of the industry recognizes that healthy drivers make safer, more reliable employees. Addressing the lack of proper roadside nutritional options and exercise facilities remains a critical hurdle for fleets trying to retain experienced professionals in a competitive market.

Key Points

• Garrett Steenblik overcame severe fatty liver disease, ulcers, and depression while working as an over-the-road truck driver.
• He lost his first 100 pounds simply by running in place for 45 minutes a day over an 11-month period.
• His daily routine shifted to include a low-carb, whole-food diet and intermittent fasting instead of binge eating and sugary drinks.
• His wife and team-driving partner, Yvonne, provided essential accountability and support throughout his health transformation.

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