by If you knew there was one thing, if done right, that would be a major factor in your success or failure on a hike, would you do it? Your food must contain more than calories, it must contain good and appropriate nutrition to fuel your body to withstand what you ask it to withstand. Nutrition is a science, follow the science.
Disclaimer:
I am educated and trained as a Chef, have degrees and diplomas in Culinary Arts and Professional Baking and Pastry, and am completing a diploma in Holistic Nutrition at the Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. As part of my externship I will be hiking 6 weeks of my entire time mainly vegan to document physical and mental changes, body measurements, dietary adjustments, and many other metrics. This will be done under the supervision of a Foster.
I have spent the last three and a half years studying this subject. The way I buy and consume is nutritionally sound, and if we have free will we will make our own choices. Regarding the products mentioned, I have not received any form of compensation for my personal recommendations and preferences. I won’t turn down free stuff. I’m just saying…
Have you thought about how many illnesses or other issues a hiker can get from a poor diet? Food for thought, no pun intended. From my schooling in Holistic Nutrition and Wellness I have found a great tool for me to analyze and adjust my diet on a website, My Fitness Pal https://www.myfitnesspal.com. You can sign up for a free account and have the tools to help you with your overall health goals. There is a section to input the foods you eat, and their database provides options, sizes, types and brands for your input. A report can be created showing calories, percentages, and deficits. Combined with intermittent fasting, and strength building exercises, I used this tool to lose 20 pounds of fat and gain 25 pounds of muscle in preparation for my walk. The USDA website, My Plate https://www.myplate.gov, provides guidelines for healthy food choices.
I would recommend preparing a shopping list for your replacement runs. That’s right! You should have a list handy before your replacement run so that your needs are met before your wants. Feed your body properly and it will carry you down the trail more efficiently!
My Food Bag
I pack my food bag based on daily calorie intake and overall nutrition, not by meals and snacks. A 72 hour bag will contain ~12,000 calories with a balance of protein, carbohydrates, sugars, fats, micronutrients and macronutrients, and any supplements needed. Knowing that, while I may not feel like breaking out the Jetboil for something hot, my purchases are mostly prepared foods, and the stove uses meals as a secondary. Although I am an omnivore my diet is very plant based and heavy on grains, seeds, nuts, fruits and vegetables. The goal is about 130 calories per ounce. I rarely sit down to a multi-course meal in my daily life, so eating small portions is often part of my ritual.
My Product List
I make Honey Stinger products, Greenbelly Meals, Range Meal Bars, Sans Meal Bars, ProBar Meals, BoBo snacks, Nature’s Bakery Bars, peanut butter squeeze packs, LMNT and Liquid IV electrolyte packets, and a variety of granola, bars, and fruit and nut mixes . These products provide me with more than 4,000 calories before I prepare a meal. I’m planning on buying one backpacker meal every three days. Again, personal preference. Quality food is expensive compared to junk food. To reduce the financial pressure I started my purchases 3 months ahead and I was careful about the shelf life. I also find online discounts of up to 30% on the most expensive items by searching for discount offers. I wasn’t born with a titanium spoon in my mouth, budget, budget, budget. Items from my own recipes for pre-prepared hot meal recipes can be purchased at most grocery stores along the way.
The Sludge and Other Goodness
I usually start the day with “The Sludge 1600” if I eat a hot breakfast. My creation is quick oats, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, raisins, dehydrated banana chips, Ka’Chava Protein Powder, and peanut butter powder. The sludge has 1600 calories and I split it into two servings early in the morning, and I put one in a small plastic container for the Eleven so I don’t burst my kidneys with 62 grams of protein at once. Other creations are Jasmine rice or buckwheat Soba noodles, plant-based Korean BBQ meat, and shelf-stable Kimchi. This type of meal is light enough to let you sleep and contains probiotics to aid digestion. A variety of ramen-bomb and stew meals and potatoes, tamale pies, champurrado and more in my store, will be pre-packaged at home for shipping or assembled after a replacement run. I’ll make sure to eat green juice, yogurt and other probiotic foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and anything else my body needs while I’m at home. This is the way I eat daily at home except using smaller portions of each to regulate calories.
Final Thoughts
Eat healthy and be healthy! An occasional guilty pleasure is a positive reason. There is no “Sharing Size” bag of Peanut M&Ms… Me, all Me!
See you on the other side! 
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