| Expedition - Trekking Food |
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| Monday, 06 November 2006 10:36 | |||
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What type of expedition food? This often depends on the type of expedition that is to be undertaken. A canoe expedition might require different types of food from a trekking expedition compared to a mountain climb although there would be some overlap in the type of food taken in all these expeditions. Food is an important part of expedition planning, as you general need more food intake that you would normally have. Expeditions require expending energy and therefore your food / calorie intake will increase dramatically. Therefore your food planning must take this into account. The importance of food on expeditions Everyone needs to eat but food should be far more than just fuel. But on many expeditions this is what it is, only fuel. If you undertake an expedition it often brings you into contact with other communities and eating is a sociable activity, which brings people together and can be a great way to meet new friends. When visiting other countries food can be a great leveller and a meal taken with the locals can be a good way to "break the ice". If you can do some research into the area to be visited prior to your expedition this helps. It can help you know what to expect. (On one expedition we were invited into a Zambian Village and not having research beforehand we were treated to a meal of rat, large caterpillars and maggots!!) In fact all three weren’t that bad and was quite a tasty meal. This example is a little extreme but it does help you if you know what to expect. In general research does help. On an expedition the quality of food is always important. Having both enough to eat and making sure that meals are tasty and enjoyable goes a long way to ensuring good morale. Treating yourself is also important have a few luxury foods such as chocolate, sweets, cakes and if available, fresh fruit, usually outweigh their cost and weight by their positive effect on mood. What food should I take? Whatever type of expedition you are planning; there are a few points which should always be considered. Food should be: A GOOD HIGH ENERGY CONTENT- average energy requirements will increase by 60% on an expedition and if weight and/or bulk is a problem then the food should be energy dense, e.g. chocolate, cheese, dried fruit, nuts, tinned meat or fish, biscuits. LIGHTWEIGHT- ULTRALIGHTWEIGHT -very important if you have to carry food yourself, either on your back or in a canoe. Where possible choose dry foods; (DRY FREEZE) don't end up carrying water, you can usually find it at the end of the day or in the latter part of the day. (Remember to have a lightweight water filter with you) see section on essential items for assessment of water filters. TAKE FOOD THAT IS EASILY PREPARED – Find food that is easy to prepare dry freeze food is a good options, many packs need to only add water and cook for 5 minutes. These type of packs are ideal- but don’t forget to take your treats with you, mind is a bar of chocolate (which usually melts and then later solidifies!) FOOD TASTY, APPEALING AND VARIED -this is always essential because food is no good unless it is eaten. Many of the dry freeze packs are this. There is no need to take along plenty of herbs, spices, but do take salt, pepper and garlic granules my favourite! Boring food will reduce appetites, something which you cannot afford to happen when energy requirements are so high. Therefore, take with you a variety of dry freeze packs and use locally tinned meat, fish, cheese and salami. Occasionally, share a locally cooked meal this help to acquaint you with local dishes and meet some of the inhabitants. WITHIN YOUR BUDGET –Depending on the expedition try to obtain food from sponsors. Companies will often give free food but remember what to give back in return -even if its just acknowledgement in the report and a big thank you. Try to buy food that is easily stored and has a long shelf life -buy dry goods if possible; tins, plastic bags and plastic containers with lids are useful. FOOD SHOULD BE NUTRITIONALLY BALANCED -this becomes more important as the length of the trip and /or the physical difficulty increases. For a week or two of easy trekking, what you eat is of less importance than how much. For a long trip of more than six weeks, consider taking a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. If the trekking is particularly strenuous or long, having enough energy, carbohydrate and fluid is essential if you want to keep going well. Energy is stored in the body in three ways: CARBOHYDRATE is stored in the liver and muscles as GLYCOGEN (800 kcals) PROTEIN is stored in the muscles (24,000 kcals) FAT is stored in the adipose tissue (141,000 kcals). Protein is generally not used as an energy source because it is less readily available. If you need to be trekking day after day and wish to delay the onset of fatigue, eat a high carbohydrate diet -plenty of bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, beans, cereals, sweets and sugary foods. In this way you are more likely to replenish glycogen stores or "refuel" fully – don’t depend on a low carbohydrate diet will lead to partial refuelling and therefore a poorer performance. Ideally you should drink before you feel thirsty, about 200mls every half hour. Always have at least a 2l rehydration pack with you. You don’t have to carry 2l but you can top it up as you need it and then at the end of the day fill it up. You will then have an adequate supply for all your cooking and washing up. Expedition foods THESE ARE THE BEST TYPES OF THINGS TO BUY – Freeze dried ready meals, Porridge oats, rice, flour, pasta, instant mashed potato. dried soups. Tinned meat, tinned fish, cured ham, cheese, dried lentils and beans. Dried milk, tea bags, coffee, cocoa powder. Sugar, syrup, condensed milk, margarine, oil. Tinned fruit, muesli bars, toffees, chocolates, boiled sweets, dried fruit, nuts. Biscuits, crackers, jam, chocolate spread, peanut butter. Salt, pepper, garlic granules and perhaps a few dried herbs. Plus the local dishes to supplement the diet perhaps every 3 days depending on your circumstances. Wherever possible we try to have a local dish every other day! This is possible if you are trekking between Refuge’s or hostel. e.g. High Pyrenees – you can get good Spanish and French local dishes at the refuge’s likewise in the Grand Paradiso region good wholesome Italian food is available. Our general philosophy for expedition food is to travel light (carry back up dry freeze food) and use local food wherever possible and keep to a high carbo and varied diet. Companies that supply expedition food www.expeditionfoods.com A very comprehensive range www.wildwestjerky.co.uk Mainly meat dishes
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| Last Updated on Monday, 06 November 2006 10:41 |
