The day of your excursion has finally arrived, and you’ve got your pack on your shoulders, properly prepared, you are wearing the right shoes — able to provide comfort and stability during your hike — and so you set out to admire new landscapes.
Training is important for those who are physically active but so is proper nutrition. You need to make sure you are well hydrated and keep your energy reserves up, while maintaining both at the proper levels during your excursion.
So do you think you are truly ready to head off on this new adventure?
Let’s look at some practical tips so that you can start off on the right foot!
Preparing for hikes
To best prepare for an excursion, make sure to have enough energy stored up. Eating carbs will help store substances that can be transformed into useful energy during physical activity. So it is best to choose foods like pasta, rice, or potatoes as part of your preparation, especially the day before.
Sugars, which help muscles function to their best ability, are very important during the day: choose those that come from fruit—fresh fruit or nuts—and starchy foods, which will allow you to have better, longer lasting energy reserves.
Wake up, have breakfast, and go!
If you take part in activities like hiking or Nordic walking, you most likely have to wake up pretty early. Try to set your alarm at the right time so that you can have breakfast about an hour before you start your excursion, and that will also allow you to give a final once-over to your equipment.
The first meal of the day, if done right, can account for up to 30% of the necessary calories you need to carry out your activities. Therefore, it needs to be able to support you through the physical activities you are about to take on. Eat foods that are high in calories but easily digestible like grains, toasted bread with jam or hazelnut cream, and fruit.
Making it there and back.
So we’ve made it to the beginning of the trail and we expect a nice, long (more or less) excursion.
But what should we do during the hike? Remember to drink often: small sips of water (preferably not sparkling) about every thirty minutes to keep your body properly hydrated.
Bring small snacks with you that won’t weigh you down and that will help you along the way. Have carbohydrates at lunch so you have the necessary energy to get back on the trail: a nice sandwich, low in fat, works best.
… vitamins!
We lose a lot of nutrients, especially vitamin C, during long walks. Therefore, we recommend bringing fruit juice, which provides liquid and vitamins, and consume fruit like apples, kiwis, berries, or even walnuts or hazelnuts.
Now you just need to find the right hiking trail for you and to get ready to take on a new adventure characterized by the #StayWild theme!
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