I need some ideas for foods that fit in a cooler. I am a truck driver, currently working night, like to the tune of 12 to 14 hr shifts. So i sleep during the day wake in the late afternoon. When I get up at 330 I am to tight to eat anything, I have a carnation instant breakfast fortified with some powdered milk. What I need is ideas for good filling foods that fit in a cooler to take with me. I currently take 4 20 oz bottles of Crystal Light Ice tea, 2 meat and cheese cups. the meat is lean ham that is cubed, and different kinds of cheese. I also take some granola bars, and sometimes some potato chips. Any ideas would be great.

If you can find a higher Protein shake you like, I'd give it a try. I like this one a LOT in vanilla: http://mynutritions.com/vht-extreme-smoothie-11oz-12-pack (I buy it from my doc's office for $30 for a 12 pack-- but obviously I also found it online). It comes in a "soda" can and has 35g of protein.

I think the meat and cheese is great. If you get tired of ham, try turkey pepperoni or sliced all-beef summer sausage. If you can tolerate raw veggies, they are very "munchy" and could replace the crunch factor of the chips. Sugar snap peas, cucumber spears, cherry tomatoes-- all are easy to travel with and can be eaten one handed. I usually travel with fruit as well-- berries and grapes are my favorite because again, they can be eaten one handed without any trouble. I am a fan of mini dill pickles and olives too. You might also pack some almonds.

Just be careful with serving sizes. The problem with this "snacky" type food is that mentally it might not feel like a meal even if you're consuming enough calories for a meal. It must be tough to drive for a job and also be banded-- it would be tough for me anyway. I guess stopping for meals at rest areas, etc. as much as possible would be best, so that you can have "meal time" and not just be grazing all day/night.

What about hardboiled eggs? They have lots of protein and would fill you up! That is my standard "go-to" food. You can always eat just the whites if you want to save on the fat.