Backcountry nutrition

[briancorneal]

I've gone on a few week-long backcountry hunts (6+ miles deep and lot of elevation gain) and I'm wondering what I can do for feeling "tired".  I know that I'm using a ton of calories, and have that covered, or so I think, but is there some supplements that help boost your energy that won't rot my gut?  My stomach doesn't like coffee, or energy drinks, so that's out of the question, and they only provides a quick pick-me-up with a crash later.  I always feel pretty beat down by the 3rd or 4th day, and then my appetite seems to disappear as well, even though I know I should be eating.  I usually eat mountain house meals, tortillas with pb&j, gatorade, sweets here and there, and MRE's.  I'm trying to keep to 50% carbohydrate, 35% fat, and 15% protein diet, but I usually just eat a mountain house meal 1 or 2 times a day with snacks.  I just started (and love) eating pre-ziplocked powdered milk and granola for breakfast, and have a granola bar for snacks until lunch time.  Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[Hunter mike]

One thing you might consider is using powdered Gatorade in your water (some of the cycling running supplement versions of this are probably even better, but I use the cheap stuff).  As a paramedic, I see mild heat exhaustion and over-exertion all the time where people become weak and are depleted of electrolytes.  Most of these patients feel like a million bucks in comparison after 2 bags of IV fluids (which does about the same thing).  There's more to the equation of course, but I've noticed I feel better longer and keep a stronger appetite if I drink something other than plain water. 

[fillthefreezer]

ive had good luck with mega men endurance program from GNC, its like 6 prepacked pills

[Huntbear]

There was a similar thread like this a couple years ago...

I think there was an article posted.  A guy made 2000 calorie sandwiches out of bagels, peanut butter, bacon, and honey, I believe.

B vitamins give you energy as well.. staying well hyrdrated.. not skipping a meal when you are going hard... 

[briancorneal]

ive had good luck with mega men endurance program from GNC, its like 6 prepacked pills

$69.99. Ouch!

[KopperBuck]

There was a similar thread like this a couple years ago...

I think there was an article posted.  A guy made 2000 calorie sandwiches out of bagels, peanut butter, bacon, and honey, I believe.

B vitamins give you energy as well.. staying well hyrdrated.. not skipping a meal when you are going hard...

I make those sandwiches too. Think I got it from Eastman's. Either way, they're killer.

[JPhelps]

EAT MORE PROTEIN (not yelling, just adamant)

You are tearing your muscles up and you need to provide yourself the building blocks to rebuild them.

Ways that I squeeze in protein are; homemade jerky, white cheddar, Peanut Butter, protein bars, nuts, etc...

Also when picking out mountain house meals I migrate to high protein meals like; turkey tetrazinni and the new wraps style is mainly meat meant to be used with a tortilla. 

Also there is no better food in the backcountry than peanut m&ms.  They almost provide a mental boost.

[MikeWalking]

You don't have to get very dehydrated at all to see a big loss of energy.  Drink more and then some more after that.  I'm a die hard believer in  Gatorade. I'm the guy that buys all the Grape G2 on the shelf....sorry   I go a little higher in Protein (more so since diabetes showed up)  One thing that helps me a lot is bringing a Good quality Multi-vitamin  like Centrum (no cheapo budget brands) plus a B complex.  Take'em every night at bed time.  Vitamins only do their job when you're sleeping.

[Huntbear]

I put powdered gatorade in my 3L camel back... stains it,, but oh well.. not like anyone else is gonna use it... I also use the caffenated orange flavored tablets...

[7mag.]

I also eat the peanut butter/bacon/bagel sandwiches. Very high in protein, both animal and vegetable. There are some protein gels for just the problem you are talking about out there too. GU energy gel, I believe, and they are full of carbs. CLIFF bars are great for that too.

[buglebuster]

how long do those sandwiches last, and how do you prepare them?

[fillthefreezer]

ive had good luck with mega men endurance program from GNC, its like 6 prepacked pills

$69.99. Ouch!

if u sign up for their emails i pick them up when they are 2 for 1 free shipping so $1 a day...

[kentrek]

eat more snack food ! try eating a snack every 2 hours (in the 300-400 calorie range)

youl get more energy this way and be able to last longer due to the fact your taking in 4+k calories a day

[JLS]

Nuun electrolyte replacement is a hell of a lot better for you than Gatorade.

Yes, eat more often.  Nuts are great snacks too.  You can get nut clusters at Costco that have almonds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, etc.  High in protein and your body can use the fat too when you are hiking hard.

[Huntbear]

how long do those sandwiches last, and how do you prepare them?

They will last forever, sealed in a ziplock... 

just cook you some bacon up (I prefer the thick cut pepper bacon) 

get you bagels of your choice.  I mix up a concoction of soft butter, honey, and peanut butter, blend it together...  spread it on nice and thick on the bagel sides, then put bacon in the middle, and seal up...  when up in the woods, if sunny out, I will lay one out on a log while taking a break, let it get semi warm.  During modern rifle, I have been known to build a little warming fire and toast it on a forked stick...

OR, you can go buy the protien bars that have at least 30 gm of protein (equivalent to a steak dinner).  I think they taste like $hit though...