Food is essential for humans, but the right food is more important for high-output activities like mountain climbing. What you eat before and during your mountain climbing has a direct effect on your endurance and performance.
What Should You Consume During Mountain Climbing?
Everyone has different needs for calories, but for mountain climbing, everyone needs more calories than they usually consume. You can pack calorie-dense items with plenty of healthy fats and protein. You can also carry your favorite treat or energy food.
- Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate is the necessary fuel that helps your muscles keep moving. You can consume both types of carbohydrates, including complex and simple. However, choose one that your body can easily ingest and break down into glucose, which provides you with sufficient energy. You can add these food items to your backpack, including oat bars, bananas, and milkshakes.
- Calorie-rich
Most foods rich in carbohydrates are also rich in calories. This type of food offers high energy, essential for climbing. You can eat eggs, bananas, avocados, cheese, and dried fruits.
- Easy-to-digest
When you are outside, getting an upset stomach is not a good idea. You can add foods such as dairy products, white rice, vegetables, whole grain, and apples. You should also make sure that your diet is delicious.
- Protein
Protein is another important element necessary for climbing. It helps boost muscle recovery. Eat sufficient protein to aid the repair and growth of muscle tissues.
- Balanced Diet
Ensure your diet balances salt, fat, protein, calcium, and zinc. Avoid overeating sugar.
Some Food Ideas for Aconcagua Expedition
Some foods are ideal for climbing as they contain high carbohydrates with balanced protein. Keep these foods in your backpack, including nuts, protein bars, oat cakes, granola bars, homemade banana bread, and whole grain sandwiches. You can also add these food items: fresh fruits, hard cheese, rice, pasta, chocolate, and pretzels.
At Aconcagua Base, you can hire a guide who helps you plan your diet. Eating even if you don’t feel like it during the climbing is important.
Why is hydration essential?
Besides high-calorie food, water is also essential for mountain climbing. You know that climbing a mountain causes a lot of fluid to be lost from your body in the form of sweat. Make sure you get plenty of water at regular intervals.
You should drink 4 to 5 liters of water a day. However, a person can’t carry that much water. With Aconcagua Guided Climb, you can refill the water at some routes and keep yourself hydrated. You should carry a portable water filter to ensure you drink clean water.
Conclusion
Pack the right type of food and eat adequately to get energy during the day and fast recovery during the night. If you have already climbed a tall mountain like Aconcagua Ascent, you may have realized that the right fuel is necessary for climbing.
At altitude, your taste buds become less reactive. Prepare a tasty diet plan so that you can enjoy your food at a high altitude.