When you think of eating, it’s usually in the comfort of your home, at work, or at a café or restaurant. But when you’re going on an outdoor adventure like camping, hiking, climbing, or canoeing, what do you eat? How do you keep yourself from getting hungry and having low energy? When you go on outdoor adventures, it is important to take the right kinds of food to keep your energy levels up and also to aid in digestion after a long day of activity. Unfortunately, many people end up packing foods that are not ideal for outdoor adventures, or they underestimate how much they might need. Here are some great tips about what to eat before and during your next outdoor adventure so that you can get the most out of your trip.
What to Eat Prior
If you are preparing for an outdoor adventure, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right foods to eat. First and foremost, you want to choose foods that are high in energy and are easily digestible so that you have plenty of energy for your activities. You also want to choose foods that have the right amount of key nutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrates) because when you are active, your body has different needs than when you are at rest. The last point to consider is that you want to make sure that the foods you choose are lightweight, easy to prepare, and don’t spoil easily. You don’t want to be weighing yourself down with heavy, bulky foods that are hard to digest.
Proteins
Proteins are probably the best type of food to eat before an outdoor adventure because they are high in amino acids, which are important for building muscle and tissue repair. They are also very easy to digest, which is important when you are active.
Fats
Fats are important for the formation of cells, tissues, and hormones in the body, but they are harder to digest when you are active. That’s why proteins and carbohydrates are a better choice before an outdoor adventure. That said, fats are still a good choice. They are a great source of energy, and they can keep you feeling full longer because they take longer to digest.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are also important for outdoor activities because they provide energy and can help reduce muscle cramping. They also help you to recover quickly after a long day of outdoor adventuring.
Suggested Meals for Outdoor Adventures
The ideal meals to take with you are those that have been specifically developed with this purpose in mind. The optimal food is:
Lightweight – so that it is easy to carry over distances without slowing you down.
Compact – so that it takes up little space in your backpack.
Easy to prepare – no complex preparation, or household accessories necessary that you won’t have with you.
Robust and waterproof packaging – ensuring that it is protected for when you need it.
Suitable for ambient storage – you won’t have a fridge or freezer with you!
Long lasting – you’ll want to ensure the food tastes great and is safe to eat when you need it most.
Nutritious – you’ll want to ensure the food contains the calories and nutritional content to keep you energised and on form.
Meals that meet all these criteria are specialist freeze dried meals that are in compact individual portions packed with nutritious and tasty food. All you’ll need to do when you’re hungry is tear off the top of the protective pouch and add water – within a few minutes you’ll be ready to enjoy!