We all love food, but eating while on a trek is a little trickier than it seems. While trekking, we need to keep in mind our stamina and how much we can carry without any spoilage or spillage. It isn’t just about the fact that you have to eat so that you stay active and energetic throughout the trek, but it is also about the fact that you enjoy what you eat. Food is not just food, but an emotion to many. So why compromise on taste when you are trekking? Don’t you worry, here are the top 8 foods and meals that you can carry while on a trek and still enjoy eating them.
- Instant Oatmeal
Be it Quaker Oats or Saffola Oats, Indian market has quite a few of these magic foods. They are not only healthy and easy to carry in your backpack, but cooking them is hassle-free and quick. And if you are worried about the taste, don’t be! From Chinese flavored oats to Indian masaledar oats, there is a wide range of tasty flavors to choose from. Oatmeal is packed with B vitamins and manganese and are a great source of carbs. Try choosing the right oatmeal by reading the ingredients. Avoid the ones that contain added sugar as they are unhealthy for trekking or any activity that requires one to have high stamina.
2. Powdered Milk
Dairy products are a big no for trekkers and backpackers. Dairy products usually need refrigeration and can get spoiled very easily. But powdered milk contains almost the same amount of nutrients that fresh milk might contain. Like fresh milk, powdered milk is a great source of protein, calcium and potassium. As Indians, we love our chai and powdered milk is a bonus if you want to drink chai on the go. Carrying them in your backpacks is easy as they are powdered and hence, dry. Remember your childhood when your mom used to tell you how healthy drinking milk is? Well, a trekker can apply that while trekking too with this product.
3. Dried Fruits
Fresh fruits are juicy and yummy, but on treks, they are perishable and sticky. Dried fruits are healthy and can be stored for a long time. Dried fruits are rich in nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and carbs. Especially raisins are said to contain resveratrol that is very good for heart health. Dried fruits are a great snack option for trekkers who are needed to eat less, but often. These can also be sprinkled all over your bowl of oats so that your meal is not only yummy, but also pleasing to the eyes.
4. Protein Bars
Proteins are great for your muscles and take a long time to digest, hence keeping you full and off the pain of hunger. Protein bars have a long shelf-life and do not need refrigeration. Also, are you vegan? Then do not worry because there are a few companies that make vegan protein bars, just make sure you check the ingredients before purchasing. Like the name of the product suggests, these are high in protein and are made to please your palate.
5. Preserved Meats
If you are a meat lover and eating vegetarian food makes you feel incomplete, you can opt for preserved meat. Salami and pepperoni are taste great and have good shelf-life. These meats are low in moisture and high in sodium content. But like any processed foods, they can be harmful to the health if eaten too often. Hence consume them in less numbers and you are good to go!
6. Poha (Flattened Rice)
Poha is one of the main breakfast dishes for us Indians. Some like it with spices and peanuts while some prefer it soaked in milk. For trekking, it is easy to soak poha in the powdered milk you mix with water. Avoid adding sugar because like I mentioned before, sugar might give you instant energy, but it is not healthy while on treks as it can slow you down.
7. Sprouts
Sprouts like green grams, horse grams, etc. are again a great choice of snacks while hiking or backpacking. Even as children we were forced to eat sprouts by our parents for its nutritional value. They are rich in nutrients like vitamins, C, A and K, protein, fiber and many more. They just require overnight soaking and can be eaten with a pinch of salt or even just like that.
8. Nuts and Seeds
If you are not allergic to nuts or seeds, this is a snack option you can count on. Just like dried fruits, they are moisture-free and have a long shelf-life. They are said to be high in calories even though they are tiny and this just tells us how great they are as a trekking snack! Almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are some examples of nuts and seeds you can carry while trekking.
The length or the duration of your trek should not matter, healthy, durable and portable food and meals are a must when you are a trekker. Life is short and making memories is a must. As a trekker, you are exploring nature and making some beautiful memories. Eat healthy and stay fit and do what you love doing – Trek!
Compiled by: Shrija Bhattacharya
shrija.b9@gmail.com
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