Outdoor Nutrition

C

coyotlviejo

Joined
Mar 26, 2001
Messages
313
Does anybody have any good tips for outdoor nutrition? My main question is when to eat what? I seem to remember somebody saying that in the morning you should go heavier on protein and then go for the carbs while you're out-n-about during the day.

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Camine con tranquilidad, sirva con humildad, y viva en paz.
 
I have heard the same thing too. However I have also heard that you should get your protein at dinner. Im not sure that there is much agreement on the subject.

The protein for breakfast theory comes from the need to have protein to replenish muscles that are destroyed during the day.

The protein for dinner theory is due to the fact that protein rich foods make you slugish which is not good just before a hike or other exercise.

Maybe a small amount of protein for each meal would be best?

Do keep in mind that most people eat more protein than they need. So when they say 'go heavy on protein' they dont mean eat a bunch of sausage and a pile on beans.

Colin Fletcher has a good discussion on nutrition in his book The Complete Walker.
 
My instincts have always been to end with more protein because of the sluggishness, but I think you hit it on the nailhead. As always, balance is the key. Protein in the morning gives you stability throughout the day - as long as you don't overdo it.

Backpacker Magazine recommends about a 65/35 ratio of carbs to protein, but makes no recommendation about separating them out during the day.

I'd be interested to get any food recommendations, as well. I'm not so concerned about it personally, but I'm planning an adventure trip for a medium-sized group, so I want to be able to advise them as best as possible.

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Camine con tranquilidad, sirva con humildad, y viva en paz.
 
IMHO, the most important thing is to eat what works for you - In The Woods. It may take many trips into the backcountry (bummer), each time trying out a different menu, but you'll eventually figure it out.

For me, pasta, brown rice, and brook trout work the best.

db
 
You should take a look at the book Optimum Sports Nutrition by Dr. Michael Colgan. The whole books is informative, but the parts about nutrition for endurance athletes would be especially worth perusing.
 
Brothers & Sisters of the Outdoors,

Personally, if it's dead, (or I can MAKE it that way), it's dinner.
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Regards,
Lance Gothic
Shibumi
 
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