Thru-hiking pushes your body to the limit, burning over 5,000 calories a day. To keep up, many hikers rely on high-calorie junk food—candy, ramen, honey buns. But is this diet sustainable? Studies show that it can lead to serious energy deficits and other health issues, affecting endurance and recovery. The good news? A few simple tweaks can make a huge difference in how you feel and perform on the trail.
In this video, we talk about the extreme eating habits of thru-hikers and the risks of fueling with processed foods. We also break down two easy changes that can improve energy levels, support recovery, and help you hike stronger for longer. If you're planning a long trek or just curious about hiker nutrition, this is one you won’t want to miss!
Chapters:
- 00:00 INTRO
- 01:07 BURN RATE
- 03:48 CURRENT DIET
- 05:03 NUTRITION MACROS
- 06:24 MINIMALLY PROCESSED
- 09:22 HEALTHY SUGGESTIONS
- 10:39 CONCLUSION
650-Calorie Fuel