Brains
There are many angles to being able to crush laps or a tour with your mates. Beyond waking up that morning, a person needs to prepare their body for what they may endure skiing/riding. With the average 160-pound person burning almost 500 calories an hour skiing in a day, one must prepare their body by more than just stretching and a few parking lot coldies.
Whether you’re entering the backcountry or at the resort, your body needs certain nutrients and vitamins to find the pow lines you desire. To prepare your body one should eat a nutrient-rich breakfast and dinner, packing smart snacks and taking a multivitamin or other supplements.
To spend a full day in the mountains everyone should always start their day putting something in your stomach. Ideally, your breakfast should include whole grains, fruits, protein, and plenty of water. The body’s metabolic rate increases while at altitude so it’s best to start your day with a good breakfast. Toast, an egg, and avocado or granola and fruit are great meals that give your body what they need and are very simple to execute on the run. As well as getting your body what it needs in the morning, the body also needs to end the day with nutrients so it can recover. Adding in some protein, carbs, and veggies to your few cold ones at the end of the day will give your body what it needs.
As well as eating to get ready to ride or to recover from the day, you should also have some smart snacks that you can eat throughout the day. Stay away from the burgers and fries lurking in each ski resort cafeteria and try to bring more nutrient-rich food your body will appreciate. A sandwich with lean meat or nut butter makes a great lunch or even just packing snacks for periodic snacking. Trail mixes, beef jerky, protein bars all contain nutrients that will keep your body going without being too heavy.
Taking a multivitamin and even adding a few extra vitamins and minerals help regulate the metabolic systems in your body, which creates energy. When the food you eat fails to complete your daily recommended doses, these supplements will help your body create energy and recover. A multivitamin with breakfast will help restore some of the lost vitamins and minerals you use while skiing that your meals don’t give you. Always consult your doctor when taking extra supplements as some can be toxic like iron, when overused for example.
This basic platform will vary from the weekend warrior to the frequent backcountry visitor. To have your body and mind fed for the day on the mountain is crucial for your safety and awareness. Besides who doesn’t love a nice break to take it all in?
