To start trekking with peace of mind, think about your diet!
You’ll avoid energy dips by choosing the right meals and snacks for the trek, without overloading your hiking backpack. Remember that you’ll already have your water ration to carry: 1.5L per day per person .
Depending on the type of trek you’re undertaking (in mountain huts or on your own), meal plans vary. We’ll explain everything!
If you are doing a trek in refuges
The advantage of undertaking a first trek with accommodation in refuges is being able to take more food .This type of accommodation offers breakfast and dinner on site , already planned and prepared. In addition, they are adapted to the effort of a trek and you will therefore have all the necessary supplies.
All you have to do now is plan your snacks: cereal bars, dried fruit, fruit jellies, and even beef jerky . Be careful with fruit, which is perishable and does not withstand transport. If you really want to eat some, put them in airtight plastic bags to avoid any accidents.
Of course, in addition to the snacks and meals prepared in the shelters, you can also bring additional food depending on your diet, preferences, and/or hunger. Avoid overloading yourself, though.
If you are doing your first independent trek
Independent trekking requires a little more organization and planning.
You must first plan to purify your water . Indeed, you will not be able to fill up at the refuge in the morning before leaving and not all sources are drinkable. Hence the interest in surrounding yourself with professionals to advise you (https://watse.fr/). You will need purification tablets or to boil the water .
When it comes to meals, breakfast is the most important part of your hike ! It’ll keep you fueled all morning before your lunch break.Obviously, you shouldn’t overeat, or you risk poor digestion and the rest of the walk becoming heavy and unpleasant. Instead, choose rich, satisfying foods like cereals, dried fruits, and fruit jellies.
The advantage of these foods? They also serve as snacks , to help you regain your strength during the day’s walk. Vary your intake by alternating between low and high glycemic index foods. Between almonds and raisins, you can take a break from beef jerky!
Don’t underestimate dinner ! It will allow you to recover after a day of effort and store energy for the next day. So, favor starchy foods , accompanied by vegetables and plant or animal proteins . You can have a larger meal, since you will have time to digest properly.
Freeze-dried food pouches, which can be prepared using the same stove, are ideal because they allow you to enjoy a wide variety of dishes. You can treat yourself, even while trekking! You can take a look at our article on hiking recipe ideas .
