Hiking requires a combination of cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, so a balanced diet that provides enough energy and nutrients to support training is important.
Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, can help ensure that you get the nutrients you need.
It's also important to stay hydrated while hiking and training. Drinking enough water throughout the MammothMarch event day can help prevent dehydration and muscle cramps.
In addition to a balanced diet, MammothMarch participants may also benefit from eating foods that are high in carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, to fuel their muscles during long hikes.
Eating protein-rich foods, such as lean meats, fish, and beans, can help repair and build muscle tissue. And consuming healthy fats, such as nuts and seeds, can provide energy and help absorb certain vitamins and minerals.
It's also important to eat enough calories to support your energy needs, especially when you are training for MammothMarch.
Some examples of healthy foods to eat when training for MammothMarch include:
Whole grains: oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat bread
Fruits: berries, apples, oranges, bananas
Vegetables: broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, sweet potatoes
Lean proteins: chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, beans, lentils
Healthy fats: avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil
Hydration: water, coconut water, herbal teas
Breakfast:
Oatmeal with berries and nuts
Whole wheat toast with avocado and a fried egg
Greek yogurt with fruit and granola
Snacks:
Fresh fruit
Trail mix (nuts, seeds, dried fruit)
Energy bars with whole grains and nuts
Jerky or turkey roll-ups
hummus and veggies
Lunch/Dinner:
Grilled chicken or fish with a side of quinoa and roasted vegetables
Lentil soup with a side salad
Whole wheat pasta with marinara sauce and a side of steamed vegetables
Tofu stir-fry with brown rice and mixed vegetables
When training for MammothMarch events, it's generally a good idea to avoid foods that are high in saturated fat, added sugars, and processed ingredients. These foods can be high in calories but low in nutrients, making it difficult to meet your energy needs while also getting the nutrients you need to support your training.
Here are some examples of foods that you may want to avoid or limit while training and getting in shape:
Fried foods: French fries, fried chicken, onion rings
Fast food: burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, milkshakes
Processed snacks: chips, crackers, candy bars
Sugary drinks: soda, energy drinks, sweetened iced tea
High-fat meats: bacon, sausage, hot dogs
Baked goods: pastries, donuts, cookies
High-fat dairy: whole milk, cream, butter
High-sugar foods: candy, chocolate, ice cream
Although this regimen is good for training, on the day of the event (especially with the thousands of calories you burn anyways), our aid stations will provide food and drinks to get you through the whole 20/30 miles, focusing on calories/protein intake and hydration.
We offer (re)fill options for your water bottles/bladders at the start/finish at every aid station and should provide enough food (with gluten-free/vegan options) to get you through the day. However, if you have certain allergies, special dietary requirements, or simply don’t want to miss out on your go-to snack to get you over a hump, you should always pack it.
It's always recommended to consult a healthcare professional or sports nutritionist to help you with a personalized nutrition plan based on your fitness level and specific goals.