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Skipping breakfast on a hike?

I don’t eat breakfast for the last month or two but was wondering if I should make an exception on a hike to have more energy?

Thanks for your opinions!

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Answer

It’s important to remember what is happening in your body when you fast. Your body starts to use your fat stores for energy (ketosis). You will have no problem with energy if you regularly fast as long as you are hydrated and have enough electrolytes on board (sodium, potassium, and magnesium).

It is true, however, that glucose will help with short boosts in energy so you may feel like you have less strength compared to when you exert yourself with carbs on board, but you will be fine.

Answer

Except for about 12 days since May of 2021, I’ve only eaten between 5pm and midnight. Every weekend I go on a different strenuous 3-5 hour hike that usually ends around 4pm. I haven’t noticed any issues at all. If anything, it’s the opposite. I’ve been tracking my hikes on the Strava app for years and I am hiking routes as fast or faster than I ever have before doing IF, including hikes from several years ago when I weighed the same as I do now with a COVID weight gain and IF loss in between. Also, I never feel bloated and since I don’t have to go to the bathroom (#2) multiple times a day, it doesn’t overlap with my hiking schedule. So, I’m doing more than OK hiking without breakfast or lunch. Your experience might differ.

Answer

If you’re used to skipping breakfast, you’ll likely be fine on the hike and not even feel hungry. But…Always take a snack with you just in case…it’s no fun to be stuck miles from the car if that low blood sugar feeling happens.

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