By Abigail Murphy
When you’re preparing to go on an outdoor adventure, you need to remember the importance of nutrition, which helps you take on these activities while experiencing little to no difficulty.
This means making sure that your required nutritional intake is noted and met while you are preparing for your trip. This needs to be done because you might be away from places that will end up restricting what nutrient-rich food you’ll be able to get during the trip.
Health benefits of outdoor activities
It’s widely known that outdoor activities are great for the mind, body, and soul. But just how exactly are they good for you?
Hiking and camping are great ways to get in touch with nature while you’re getting some exercise in the fresh air. It promotes physical fitness, and it helps you with staying away from screens and technology. It is very good for reducing stress and keeping your mind of negative thoughts. If you are camping and hiking with others it’s a good way to help improve relationships with each other and connect.
The activity of hiking itself can help with reducing heart-related complications, it improves your health all-round and is a good means of exercising while helping with building your endurance.
Considerations before you go on outdoor activities
You need to plan ahead properly before you go on your journey, especially when it comes to food. Remember to consider the other gear you need to carry when you are packing. Think about whether your trip is hiking in a single day or if you are camping for multiple days. Also, remember to think about food safety practices as you don’t want to eat food that has rotted or turned bad.
Create a meal plan for your trip to help you get the most nutrients without having to pack a lot of groceries. If you have any health conditions, speak to your doctor to make sure that the food you take with you on the trip won’t be incorrect for your conditions
1. Before the activity
You need to prepare in advance. This includes what you need to pack and what you’ll be able to get while at your destinations - meaning fishing or hunting. Before you leave make sure that you take part in exercises and diets that will boost your endurance and energy for the trip.
2. The right carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are known to be good fuel for exercise, especially complex carbohydrates. This nutrient converts the food that you eat into energy which is used to conduct your day-to-day activities. Think rice, beans, instant potatoes, and oats. These come in budget-friendly and easy-to-carry options that you can have while on your trip.
3. Proteins
These are known for building and maintaining muscles. It is also important for the recovery process as it helps repair muscles. For your trip, you can carry dried meats or catch fresh edible fish if you plan on fishing during your trip.
4. Fats
Healthy fats are a good source of reserve energy. It keeps the body running like a well-oiled machine and helps stabilize the body temperature. You need to carry options like nuts and seeds. You’ll be to able burn it off during the activity.
5. Packing fresh food
Carry along with fruits and vegetables like bananas, berries, citrus fruit, apples, and carrots. They are a good source of energy and sweet as well. They are easy to carry along with you on your trip and can be packed in air-tight containers when you are camping.
6. Drink plenty of water
Hydration is very important when engaging in outdoor activities. If you don’t drink enough water, you’ll end up feeling dizziness, dehydration, muscle cramps, exhaustion, and other life-threatening complications. Carry along drinks that contain electrolytes in them as these have minerals that prevent dehydration. They will help your body function well when hiking or camping.
7. Carry snacks
It is good to fuel up while you are hiking or on a camping trip. Pack easy-to-carry snacks like trail mix, dried fruit, or healthy protein bars. These a simple snacks but have all the nutrients you need to keep going on your trail.
What to do after the trip
When you finish your trip make sure that you get a good rest. Use warm and cold compresses to bring down any inflammation you experience in your muscles. Recovery after any activity is important in preventing any long-term injury and helps soothe any discomfort you might experience at a quicker rate.
Conclusion
Whether you are hiking, camping, fishing, or spending time in the great outdoors, you need to remember to have access to easy-to-carry foods that are nutrient-rich. This is so that you remain healthy and in good condition during your trip.
Remember to carry some fresh food, snacks for your trip, and foods that contain carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, so you don’t get sick during your time in nature.
