Anytime you’re on an extended hunting or fishing expedition, you’ll want to stay fueled to stay sharp. That means bringing food, but only the right food. A wrong pick could lead to you feeling tired or crashing and not being your best or having to cut your fun short. Below is a summary of the four macro-nutrients and some suggestions for foods to bring.
Carbohydrates - Carbs provide immediate energy, and unless you’re on a keto diet or have diabetes, are probably in every meal you eat. Carbs come in a spectrum - more sugary and less sugary (also called “complex” carbs), for lack of a better term. When in the great outdoors, you’ll want complex carbs rather than sugars because sugars can spike blood sugar and then cause a crash. Almost everyone has felt a sugar crash before and it certainly impedes focus and energy. An exception to this is sugars from fruit. Fruits have enough fiber and nutrients to balance out the sugars in them, and these sugars from fruits sometimes actually act more like complex carbs in the body. TLDR: stay away from sugar and snack on complex carbs and fruits.
Fats - Like carbs, fats are another energy source. The news may have made you scared of fats, but this is medically inaccurate; there is nothing to fear if they are consumed in moderation and not in combination with sugar. In fact, some people stay leaner and feel better incorporating more fats and less carbs in their diet. Plus, fats are very convenient. Pack a bag of almonds or peanuts and you’re got an easy to consume and store fat source that will keep you energized.
Protein - Unlike fats and carbs, protein is not a direct energy source, but that does not mean it should be neglected. Proteins are an essential macro-nutrient. Plus, being away from the kitchen means you have an excuse to eat jerky.
Alcohol - Alcohol is by no means essential or its consumption even advised, but it’s a fact that some people drink while hunting and fishing. So what’s the best way to do it while still maintaining your edge? First, stay hydrated! Second, don’t pick a poison that doesn’t agree with you; if beer makes you sleepy, don’t pack a cooler of it!
This is not dietary or medical advice. Always consult your doctor and/or nutritionist before making dietary changes.
