How to Calculate Your Calorie Intake While Hiking

Adventure Planning, Food for Thought, Long Distance Hiking -

How to Calculate Your Calorie Intake While Hiking

Hiking is a fantastic way to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors. However, it's important to fuel your body properly to meet the increased energy demands of hiking. Calculating your calorie intake while hiking can help ensure you have enough energy to sustain your activity level. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of calculating your calorie intake while hiking.

Step 1: Determine your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
To start, you'll need to determine your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). This is the number of calories your body needs to function at rest. You can use an online calculator or consult with a healthcare professional to determine your BMR. Let's say your BMR is 1500 calories.
Step 2: Estimate the additional calories burned during your hike
Next, estimate the additional calories burned during your hike. Factors such as hiking duration, intensity, and terrain can affect calorie expenditure. You can use a hiking calorie calculator to estimate the additional calories burned during your hike. For example, if you're hiking uphill for 3 hours, you might estimate burning an additional 500 calories.
Step 3: Factor in weather conditions
Weather conditions can also impact your calorie expenditure. For instance, hiking in hot and humid weather can increase your calorie burn by an estimated 10%. To account for this, multiply your total calorie expenditure (BMR + additional calories burned) by 1.1.
Step 4: Calculate your total calorie expenditure
Now, calculate your total calorie expenditure. In our example, the BMR was 1500 calories, and the additional calories burned during the hike were estimated at 500 calories. Factoring in the 10% increase due to weather conditions, the total calorie expenditure would be: (1500 + 500) x 1.1 = 2200 calories.
Step 5: Choose high-calorie meal options
To meet your increased energy needs, it's important to choose high-calorie meal options while hiking. Aim for meals that provide around 500-1000 calories per meal. The Fell Store offers a range of high-calorie meal options to choose from, ensuring you have the fuel you need for your hiking adventures.
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Calculating your calorie intake while hiking can help ensure you're properly fuelling your body for the activity. By determining your BMR, estimating additional calories burned during your hike, factoring in weather conditions, and choosing high-calorie meal options, you can meet your energy needs and enjoy your hiking experience to the fullest. Remember, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist for personalized advice based on your specific needs.
And if in doubt - take more than you think you need!
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How do you work out your meals for adventures? 

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