Friday, October 22, 2010

5 Things to Pack When Camping For a Fitness Enthusiast!

Camping is something that we all do in the summertime. It's fun to be out in the wild with other people that enjoy the same thing. There's nothing like spending time beside a campfire, roasting marsh mellows and catching fish. It's also one of the most difficult times for homeostasis for fitness enthusiasts.

Five things you need to remember to bring.

1- Protein bars. Nothing prevents atrophy like protein does. When your body fails to meet its demand for protein - amino acids are the first thing to go! You can prevent this by supplying your body with a few protein bars before the most demanding activities. And guess what? They don't take up very much room at all. And, on top of that, you can bring them with you by putting them in your pockets. Doesn't take time to cook, they're cheap, and you can bring plenty of them.

2- Lean meats. Protein bars are fine when you're out walking and getting ready to do something and need the energy, but if you're setting beside the campfire and getting ready to sleep, then you need a complete balanced meal. Lean meats like turkey, cans of tuna (which would of course require a can opener) and maybe some chicken would be an excellent way to way before you go to sleep.

3- Water. This is often something that is actually neglected. People far too often think that water is supplied through the river and is not needed to take with you; this is a very wrong assumption. Water is purified when you buy it from the store; furthermore, the water from the woods could easily be contaminated if you don't know what to look for. I suggest bringing at least 3-5 bottles per person for each day you're in the woods. After all, you burn significant more energy and water in the forest.

4- Olive oil. Easy to carry, lots of healthy fat for energy. And it is very easy to add into your water bottle. There's nothing wrong with drinking it all while you're taking a hike! Olive oil can also elevate HDL, which is what testosterone is made from, keeping your anabolic.

5- Rice crispy treats. Did I just say Rice crispy treats? Yep! Sure, they have some sugar in them, but you're burning so much fuel in the wild that it's almost required to eat dirty. Rice crispy treats are tasty and they have loads of complex carbs. Besides, they're cheap, affordable, and can easily be packed!