Trekking is a thrilling activity that is loved by nature enthusiasts. In India, the Himalayan mountains are known for their beautiful hill stations, making them a popular destination for trekkers. Moreover, the weather in the Himalayas is generally pleasant, which makes it a great place to enjoy both raw and cooked food.
While it is always recommended to eat fresh and properly cooked food, sometimes it may not be possible to cook fresh food while on a trek. In such cases, it is crucial to choose food options that won't harm your health while eating packed food. It is also essential to plan your nutrition carefully to ensure that you stay healthy throughout your journey. Therefore, we have put together a list of best foods to carry on a trek to help you stay energetic throughout your adventure
No matter how far you are travelling, never forget to bring water. You need to bring enough water with you. Maintaining proper hydration is crucial, particularly while you are travelling. Keeping your electrolyte levels up is also essential because you will be consuming enough food for your walk.
For your trekking trip, you should bring at least three liters of water, and it's a good idea to include some pills that cleanse the water as well. One of the most crucial foods to pack on a journey is water.
Energy drinks can certainly be a great source of quick energy and hydration, especially when you're trekking long distances. However, it's important to remember that they shouldn't be relied on as your only source of hydration and nutrition. It's important to balance your intake of energy drinks with plenty of water and a healthy diet. It's crucial to be aware of the potential negative effects of energy drinks, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Instant coffee packets, powdered milk, and tea bags are an excellent way to enjoy a quick and refreshing beverage, whether you're starting your day or taking a break in the evening. Not only do they provide a warm and comforting drink, but they also offer a variety of health benefits. Tea and coffee, in particular, are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation.
Peanut butter with bread is an excellent snack that can provide you with long-lasting energy and a satisfying boost of nutrients. Peanut butter is a great source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, which can help you build and repair your muscles, regulate your blood sugar levels, and even lower your cholesterol. Bread, on the other hand, is an excellent source of carbohydrates, which can provide you with fuel for your trek.
As nuts and chocolate are excellent providers of vital nutrients, try packing as many nuts and snacks as you can. Nuts are high in minerals, fibre, healthy fats, and protein, all of which can strengthen your immune system, lower blood pressure, and enhance brain function. Meanwhile, antioxidants, flavonoids, and caffeine, which are abundant in chocolates, can enhance your mood, memory, and stamina. The chocolates are quite light on the stomach and are perfect to snack on at any time.
Be careful not to eat too many nuts and chocolates, though, because they contain a lot of calories and fat. Fresh apples are a better choice to keep your blood sugar stable. And if you want chocolate, go for the dark one, which has less sugar and more health benefits. These foods will satisfy your hunger and provide you with the energy you need to complete your physical activities during the walk.
Because they are sufficiently fattened and packed with nutrients, dry fruits are the ideal choice for hiking days. One clever technique to reduce weight and space in your backpack without sacrificing nutritional content is to bring your favorite dried fruits. Protein, healthy fats, and an abundance of energy can be found in dry fruits.
Plus, if you store them well, they keep fresh for several days. When walking for more than a single day, dry fruits are especially helpful. They are convenient to eat while trekking and are simple to transport in a zip-locked bag.
This is among the most delicious options for meals to bring on a trek, particularly if you want to prepare your supper as you go. These are quick and simple to make, and the noodles will taste fantastic. Add your preferred veggies and seasonings to make them more interesting. They both contain a lot of carbohydrates. After dining, cleaning up is also simple. You can also go with pasta and oats, although the pasta will get a bit difficult to digest.
Trail mix is a great snack option to carry with you while trekking. It is lightweight, easy to store, and provides a good source of nutrition to keep you fueled throughout your trek. The carbohydrates in trail mix provide a quick energy boost, while the good fats help sustain energy levels over time. It's also readily available in most general stores, making it a convenient snack to pick up before your trek.
Trail mix typically contains a variety of nuts and seeds, including almonds, walnuts, peanuts, cashews, pecans, macadamia nuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. It is a popular snack among trekkers and hikers because it's convenient and can be eaten on the go. It's also known as a "20th-century food" because of its popularity in the United States during the early 20th century as a snack for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
It's important to be mindful of what foods to avoid while trekking to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Canned or bottled foods can be heavy and bulky and contain preservatives that can affect your digestion and blood pressure. Fresh fruits and vegetables, while healthy, are perishable and can attract insects and animals, posing a risk to your safety and hygiene.
Spicy or oily foods can cause indigestion and dehydration, while alcoholic or carbonated drinks can impair your judgment and coordination. By avoiding these foods, you can ensure that you have the energy and stamina needed for a successful trekking adventure.