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Post by peakbagger on Sept 21, 2017 17:46:19 GMT -8
All, I have a problem when I complete longer hikes, I lose my appetite and have a difficult time refueling. I more or less have to force food down. Does anyone else have this issue?
As an example, in August I hiked Kings Peak, which included a night out on the trail and 29 total miles of hiking (21 on the 1st day, 8 on day 2). On day 1 I didn't eat breakfast, and on the trail I ate a muffin and 2 packs of pop-tarts and some jerky (I'm guessing this is around 1600 calories total). That was it. Day two I snacked on ritz crackers on the way out. I had packed Tuna, peanut butter, cashews, but couldn't stomach the thought of eating any of these after I get started.
The truth is I don't feel too bad, or depleted of energy while moving, but usually crash when trying to drive out.
So again does anyone else share this issue? Should I really consider it an issue? Is there a way to resolve it beyond forcing down more food?
Thanks.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Sept 21, 2017 19:59:16 GMT -8
I have no idea about your fitness or acclimatization, but I know that altitude can sap appetite. I think that exhaustion can do likewise (not for me. Almost nothing affects my appetite, alas). A 21-mile day raises the possibility that your body is just working too hard to metabolize food, and you might be getting dehydrated, will can definitely cause nausea and loss of appetite.
I do think that if you are going to do days that long, a lack of appetite is a significant issue, because you need fuel. Maybe not a problem for an overnight, but what if you want to keep going for a week?
So I guess I would experiment with cutting back mileage, being careful about elevation gain, and working hard to provide yourself with foods that are appealing (sounds like sugar was high on your list of things you could stomach, so though that's not a great basis for dinner, you might think about keeping things sweet--but also be sure there's plenty of salt and electrolytes.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2017 3:40:00 GMT -8
My wife and I do not eat the same foods that we eat at home. We had to 'hunt' around to figure out what we liked whiles backpacking.
More so than me, my wife does not feel like eating when she is hiking, till about day 3 or 4. My wife will apply the logic of needing to eat towards snacking and eating meals. My wife carries an alarm that she sets for every 50 minutes. When she stops, at 55 minutes, she 'says' to herself if I do not eat, I am dying. Eating will be a matter of figuring out what works for you.
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Post by dirthurts on Sept 22, 2017 4:46:40 GMT -8
Loss of appetite can come from dehydration, low blood sugar, or even a depletion of salts. Try drinking propel fitness water, having lots of fatty/sugary snacks (M&Ms) while you hike, and just drinking as much as you can.
Also make sure you're taking enough breaks. You may be depleting your energy faster than you can refuel it.
Also, hyper/hypothermia can cause these issues.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Sept 22, 2017 6:33:21 GMT -8
I almost always have less appetite on the trail, at least up to a week. I eat what appeals to me and I try to get enough liquid and electrolytes. but otherwise I just don't worry about it.
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on Sept 23, 2017 18:24:25 GMT -8
On longer winter trips making sure you eat enough keeps you warm. Very important issue. Sometimes you just have to force the food down.
I am a east coaster for the most part so altitude isn't an issue. I would tie the appetite thing on dehydration and fatigue.
You might want to consider making sure you are well fed and hydrated when leaving the trail head. Skipping breakfast was probably not good.
And remember food needs water to digest. If you're not peeing or its very yellow you are dehydrated.
I like a nice warm cup of instant soup when I have appetite issues. Easy to get down and gives you water, salt and a few calories. Tends to prime to pump for getting some more food down.
But then there are other trips where I have a great appetite and the pleasure of eating in the outdoors is a joy.
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on Sept 24, 2017 5:19:12 GMT -8
Another tip for hydration I would suggest is to plan to spend a little time at a water source. Don't just fill your water bottles and cruise. Spend some time drinking water then top off your bottles and continue. It might be a good time to try and take some food. In the heat when I am not sure of my next water source a lot of times I stay until I have good pee going then move on. For me this means sometimes 30-45 minutes and a liter+ of water.
Dehydration can cause a lot of problems including the possibility of keeling over dead. Oh and causing reduced appetite.
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Post by oc6088 on Sept 25, 2017 10:37:35 GMT -8
I had the same issue. I think it was nerves. When I started my first solo hike I had a pit in my stomach for the first 2 days. I knew I had to eat something so I made Ramon noodles at night..but barely finished them. By the end of the hike I discovered that most of my "meals" were untouched but I tried to nimble on my snacks.
Keep in mind, I had chocolate that was untouched! At home I have to tell my husband to hid it on me so I don't overindulge!
I knew the importance of keeping hydrated and I did. It wasn't particularly hot/cold and the elevation wasn't significant.
By my third trip alone I did start cooking more at night. So maybe I just got more comfortable? I am not sure what your experience is. (BTW, I still don't eat a full mountain man meal..but you can divide those up in a freezer zip loc and save half for next time)
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whistlepunk
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Post by whistlepunk on Sept 25, 2017 11:44:58 GMT -8
Altitude causes loss of appetite in some people. Pretty common effect. Altitude can also cause food to taste different, and food preferences change. A commonly noted change is an aversion to fatty foods. Your favorites at home could become unappetizing at altitude, and vice versa.
Sometimes you just have to force yourself to eat, just to keep the fuel tank full.
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on Sept 25, 2017 16:54:50 GMT -8
Sometimes you just have to force yourself to eat, just to keep the fuel tank full. Sometimes I have looked at food like medicine. Just got to get it down for my health.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Sept 25, 2017 17:03:26 GMT -8
Sometimes you just have to force yourself to eat, just to keep the fuel tank full. Sometimes I have looked at food like medicine. Just got to get it down for my health. When I'm really not hungry, I create little goals and games to the food down.
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ErnieW
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Post by ErnieW on Sept 25, 2017 17:13:20 GMT -8
I had the same issue. I think it was nerves. When I started my first solo hike I had a pit in my stomach for the first 2 days. When I read in the OP that they skipped breakfast before getting on the trail that's what I thought caused that.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Sept 25, 2017 20:20:50 GMT -8
Sometimes you just have to force yourself to eat, just to keep the fuel tank full. Sometimes I have looked at food like medicine. Just got to get it down for my health. I am really having trouble relating to this problem! Seriously, my biggest problem is that after two or 3 days I am hungry ALL the time.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Sept 25, 2017 20:25:27 GMT -8
Seriously, my biggest problem is that after two or 3 days I am hungry ALL the time. I can't get there in less than four days. The real hunger doesn't kick in for me until most of my goals are ticked off and my mind is no longer consumed with calculating time/distance/water for the remaining decision tree. Most often, it kicks in a couple miles from the car and lasts for a week or two after I get back.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Sept 26, 2017 8:11:55 GMT -8
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