Whether you’re hiking, camping, kayaking, or fishing, it’s easy to let your eating habits fall by the wayside while you’re enjoying the great outdoors. Good nutrition is especially important when you are exerting yourself and burning more calories than you would by sitting at home. Not eating well can lead to a plethora of physical and mental ailments that have the potential to ruin your trip. Luckily, there are plenty of simple ways to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need to maintain your energy levels and boost your mood.

Today we’ll talk about how to fuel your body for a day of outdoor adventures and share some easy meals and snacks for you to eat before, during, and after a fun day outdoors.

Sure, it’s easy to stop at the local gas station for cheese puffs, potato chips, and candy on your way to the trails, mountains, or lake. However, eating too many of these foods in a short timespan will end up leaving you sleepy, sluggish, and may even lead to digestive discomfort.

Let’s talk about the key nutrients you’ll want to focus on, and the role they play in your energy levels and recovery at the end of the day. 

You’ll want to make sure you eat a nutrient-dense meal between 1 and 3 hours before your outdoor excursion, and bring plenty of snacks to eat along the way. Some great examples of easy-to-pack snacks include:

Don’t forget about post-hike recovery! After a long day outdoors, be sure to eat a meal or snack that contains plenty of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates within about an hour after your hike. Here are some great recovery meal ideas:

Nutrition is crucial for a successful activity-filled day. Focusing on nutrition before, during, and after your excursion will help you maintain your energy, prevent fatigue, and expedite your recovery so that you’re ready for another fun day outdoors!