Adventure fitness: Sheryl Salis chalks out a healthy route for your next trek

The adrenaline rush after reaching the goal can only be cherished and relished by a trekker. And in case you are already into trekking or you are planning to strike it off your list soon then Sheryl Salis, a dietitian and certified diabetes educator gives you a lowdown on your diet to make enjoy the adventure sports and make the experience less strenuous.  

Here are a few essentials that you must ensure are taken care of for your next trek:

1. Start your day with a healthy wholesome breakfast. It is very important to have a nutritious breakfast to kick-start your hiking trip, it will keep you going and help you recover too. Healthy breakfast choices include Upma, Poha, Idli, Dosa, rolled oats with milk or yogurt, granola in milk with nuts. These days you also get healthier version of Upma and Poha made of Quinoa and Millets available across Modern retail and ecommerce.
   
   

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2. Carry lightweight, filling and nutritious meals to power you through the journey. While there are some treks where you pass by sparsely populated regions where the residents might welcome you with a warm beverage, the chances of that happening get slimmer as you climb up. Hence, you should pack your food well, keep it simple and nutritious. Soups and health shakes are ideal since they take hardly any time to make and are easy to carry. However, instead of regular instant soups, you should opt for High Protein Soups and Meal replacement shakes which are infused with ingredients like Moringa, Quinoa, Buckwheat, Amaranth and Turmeric.
    
3. Avoid sugar as much as possible. If you want to steer clear of problems such as a sore throat or dehydration, cut down on your sugar intake before the trek begins. Sugar is essential for the human body, but most of us consume it in excessive amounts without realising it. This can have ill effects on the heart, which is something you want to avoid at high altitudes.
   
   

2. Drink at least four litres of water. At high altitudes, the oxygen level decreases for obvious reasons, and the oxygen properties in water can compensate to some extent. Additionally, water will reduce the chances of a muscle cramp which is a common occurrence for first time trekkers. Keep in mind, four litres of water can add a significant amount of weight to your bag. Hence, tread carefully on the mountain, and pack carefully for the climb!

Sheryl Salis is a Registered Dietician, Certified Diabetes Educator and Wellness Coach. She is the Founder of Nurture Health Solutions, a true health & wellbeing company offering niche wellness programs to corporates and individuals.