Eating and drinking correctly while hiking
Always stay balanced!
Hiking is wonderful
It is healthy, makes us fit, and relaxes us. However, one should eat properly, and it is important what you eat and drink on a hiking tour. We will introduce you to the right provisions!
Sweating causes valuable minerals to disappear.
When hiking, especially on strenuous tours or in high temperatures, the body sweats naturally, and with the sweat, we lose vital minerals known as electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, or magnesium. Sodium, for example, or salt, regulates the water balance in our body and ensures that nerves and muscles function optimally.
A lack of sodium can therefore lead to painful muscle cramps, among other issues. Since the body cannot produce this electrolyte on its own, it must be obtained through food, and one should drink enough fluids.
Electrolyte loss should always be compensated.
It is perfect when the drink during the hiking tour contains not only sodium but also carbohydrates like fructose. This combination actually speeds up the body's water absorption. But you do not need to resort to expensive sports drinks for this: A pinch of salt in a homemade apple spritzer works just as well.
And how much should one drink? There is a rule of thumb: During a strenuous hike and temperatures above 25 degrees, one should consume about a liter of fluid per hour. This helps prevent electrolyte loss and keeps you fit.
It is important: Even if you do not feel thirsty at the moment, you should drink regularly, as thirst is often a late sign of dehydration.
And to eat? It's best to have small snacks.
Fiber- and vitamin-rich snacks like whole grain sandwiches, nuts, dried fruits, or fresh fruit should be packed in the backpack. Tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, and the like refresh and are not heavy on the stomach. And muesli bars quickly provide strength and energy while hiking. A balanced breakfast is essential for a successful hiking day.