Food Is Power And Thru-Hikers Need A Lot Of Both

There's usually only one legitimate way to get from point A to point B on the trail, and that would be to hike. And usually, point B is where you get to finally pitch your tent and get off of your feet. Those two points might be very faraway from one another and require you to hike 15-25 miles.

Putting this type of demand on your body will take power on your part and that power needs to be fueled by nutrients, water, and all the psychological drive you can muster. "It's all about the calories," but not all calories are created equal. You are what you eat, and nutrient dense calories will nourish and sustain you for longer distances, while also fighting inflammation in your body from the wear and tear of the trail.

Fueled by Mountain Mama Meals

Nourish your body

For thru-hikers putting in twenty to thirty miles a day, it's not only normal to crave junk food, it's expected. My son told me he constantly thinks about food on the PCT. Fantasizing about what amazing meal awaits in the next little trail town. Consuming high calorie greasy burgers, fries, pizza, and beer any chance he gets. And, there's nothing wrong with that. It is important however, to make sure you're receiving proper nutrients and nourishment as often as possible.

Your body will be working hard, burning calories, and sweating, which is why you need to start the day off right. The best way to ensure your body will have the energy to hold up throughout long days on the trail, is to take care of it. And, the best way to do that is to give your body what it needs, nutrient dense calories.

Your first meal should be packed with protein, amino acids, fat, vitamins, and minerals to hydrate you. That's right, food is a necessary component for proper hydration. Specifically, foods that contain potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium.

Mountain Mama Meals are created with your hard working body in mind. Each breakfast meal contains ingredients that nourish, satisfy, and fight inflammation. Ingredients such as chia seeds, coconut milk, collagen, blueberries, bananas, and mango. These magical foods will give your body the support it needs to get from point A to point B.

How you end your day is also important. Most thru-hikers are desperately trying to keep weight on, and their constant exertion continually burns calories faster than they can consume them. That's why the Mountain Mama entrees are loaded with calories, high protein, fat, and carbs. Not to mention, collagen and amino acids to help the body repair while you sleep.

"Filling your belly with a nutritious, high calorie meal right before getting some shut-eye, is the best way for your body to repair and replenish before hitting the trail again tomorrow."

Food is Fuel!

Calories, collagen, aminos, oh my!

Hiking over twenty miles a day burns serious calories. You are spending the majority of your day moving and exerting, making it hard to hold onto the calories you consume. That's why you need calories that will fuel your entire system, not just fill your belly.

After exercising, your body expends additional energy. During this recovery period, your body uses oxygen and calories to remove lactic acid and repair muscles. And, this after-burn effect peaks in the first hour after exercise and can continue for up to 72 hours. So, because your body could keep burning extra calories for as long as three days after a workout, and thru-hikers are constantly working out, day after day, you need to end your day with the right kind of meal.

When exercising at a high intensity, you'll need 50 - 60 grams of carbohydrates for each hour you exercise. Carbs help to replace depleted muscle fuel, or glycogen, which preps you for your next day of long trail miles.

As essential as carbs is, high-quality protein in your post-workout meal is necessary to prevent the breaking down of muscle tissue for energy. It also triggers the repair and rebuilding process of the muscles.

Amino acids are vital in helping the body build protein in order to grow new muscle. Consuming amino acids immediately following exercise, prevents muscle damage and soreness, reduces fatigue, and promotes recovery.

Collagen contains a high amino acid content making it ideal for muscle repair and healthier joints. Consuming collagen before and after your workout can speed up the repair of inflamed connective tissue in the body. The backpacking food you choose should contain a proper balance of carbs and protein, and include vital ingredients to support your body.

Mountain Mama Meals contain more than sufficient servings of carbs and protein, along with collagen and other amino acids that support repair from a long day on the trail. The nourishing ingredients will heal your hard working body while you sleep.

Feed Your Body What It Needs!

Hike your hike

In order to hike your hike, your body needs to get you from point A to point B, safely and efficiently. The best way you can support your body and keep it running optimally, is to provide it with the quality fuel it needs.

Pushing your body, day after day, runs a greater risk for low energy levels or injury if you aren't properly refueling. Remember, not all trail food is created equal, and that's okay as long as you are giving your body proper nourishment some time throughout the day.

Because your body repairs itself during sleep, it makes sense that your last meal of the day should really count. Eat backpacking food that is high calorie and nutrient dense. Gobble up those amino acids and collagen and let them do their thing! Your muscles, joints, and energy level will thank you in the morning.