Food Or Meals Options While Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro

Food Or Meals Options While Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro : Conquering Mount Kilimanjaro is not easy. It requires fitness, determination, and the right fuel. That means food. The kind of meals or foods you eat may deter your success when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro positively or negatively. The foods taken can be grouped into three categories: meals, snacks, and drinks.

Meals

The main constituent of many meals is carbohydrate. Some commonly used foods include porridge, pancakes, potatoes, rice, and pasta.

Why is carbohydrate required in large amounts? According to dieticians, carbohydrate requires little oxygen to be converted into energy. As you hike to high altitudes, the oxygen supply becomes low. Therefore, the body shifts its energy sources from fat to carbohydrates.

Proteins and lipids should be in a limited amount. These foods reduce the rate of absorption in the intestines. They are also digested slowly. So, you may probably feel full when you eat these types of meals.

Hot meal or Lunch box, which is better?

A hot meal is the best option than a box lunch. A hot meal has good taste, and variety, and is nutritious. A box lunch is however a good option when the weather is not good. Rain can prevent the preparation of a hot meal. Therefore, you will pack a box lunch during the hike.

 Drinks

Water

Hydration is very essential to succeeding on your Kilimanjaro climb. You should take at least four liters per day. This helps combat altitude sickness symptoms. As you hike up the mountain, the air becomes dry. Such dry air will dehydrate you quickly. So, it is essential to drink plenty of water to hydrate your body.

Milk or soya milk

Hiking makes your muscles tired. Drinking a glass of milk can help them recover from fatigue. You should, however, choose low-fat milk for your hike.

 Snacks

Snacks are very important during the hike. You will have several short breaks on each day of your hike. In such short breaks, you can spend time eating snacks.

You can take salty snacks like mini pretzels, trail mix, or salted nuts to satisfy your cravings. You can also include sweet treats, like candy bars or hard candies for a sweet respite.

Dried fruits should also be included in your snacks. They include raisins or mango cans. They can provide a quick and healthy energy boost during the hike.

You also have to bring protein bars or jerky that will provide you with protein. You can also include comfort foods like almonds, biscuits, and cookies.

 Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables supply vitamins and minerals to the body. Brightly colored fruits are the perfect choice as they provide vitamins A and C. You can also drink freshly squeezed fruit juice to gear up your immunity.

 Diary

Include milk soya milk or other alternatives in your diet. They give you calcium, vitamins A, D, and B12, protein, and fat. Your bones require Calcium and vitamin D to be stable for your hike. Calcium and vitamin D also help to reduce muscle cramps.

 Typical menus

Breakfast: Porridge is usually served as breakfast. Sausage and eggs may follow, and toast and marmalade or jams may also be included in the breakfast menu.

Lunch: Your lunch may consist of some sandwiches, boiled eggs, chicken portions, fresh fruits, and a cold drink.

As your afternoon ends, you may be served with peanuts, biscuits, salted popcorn, hot drinks, and tea.

Dinner: The dinner begins with soup to warm up your gut. The main course consists of chicken or meat, some cabbage, vegetable sauce, pasta or potatoes, rice, and fresh fruit for dessert.

 Pros of having a nice meal when hiking

A meal with high carbohydrate content can prevent symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS). It also provides more calories, which play a large part in producing energy during the hike.

Drinking fluids helps to replace lost electrolytes. Hiking is a strenuous activity. It requires energy and ions. You also lose electrolytes, such as sweat.

 Eating Practices on Kilimanjaro

Do not skip meals. Make sure you eat even when you feel your stomach is full. Skipping meals has been the cause of failed climbing activity.

Bring the snacks from home. You are in Tanzania. Some snacks may not be available in stores. It is a good idea to bring your favorite snacks.

Avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, or using depressants like sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and opiates. These drugs interrupt the normal functioning of the body.

Do not consume caffeine excessively. Focus East Africa Safaris will provide you with a meal plan with a small amount of caffeine.

Wash your hands before every meal. Contamination can make your hike fail. Try as much as possible to avoid it.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is the ultimate thing you should try on your next adventure in Tanzania. At Focus East Africa Safari, we organize memorable hiking safaris through any route of your choice.

Our mountain chefs are experts at preparing your ideal meal when hiking Mount Kilimanjaro. We can also accommodate dietary conditions including vegetarian meals. You should consider planning your Kilimanjaro climb in the now or next few days. We promise you won’t forget the experience.