Peak Nutrition:Exploring a New Take on Trail Food
I’ve never been a fan of performance powders, gummies, or gels – not only do I not love the taste, they honestly make me feel a bit sick. I cook up a storm at home, but I feel like I’ve never really dialed in on how to fuel my adventures on the trail or at the crag. So when I came across a copy of Peak Nutrition: Smart Fuel for Outdoors by Maria Hines & Mercedes Pollmeier, I was definitely intrigued.
It’s co-authored by two incredibly talented women (and climbing buddies) - one a big-wall climber, award-winning chef, and nutritionist, and the other a seasoned strength and conditioning coach. They dive into general nutrition and also give special insights for women's dietary needs. They have the radical idea that rather than stocking up on astronaut goo and sugary bars, the best food for athletes was, well…food.
I decided to try out five of their recipes to see if they could change my trail food game.
Wild Salmon Jerky
Tastiness: 8/10
Difficulty: Easy
Time to Prepare: 10 mins prep, 2 hours marinating, 6 hours in the oven
Ideal for: Multi-pitch days and marathon hikes. It offers the perfect balance of fat and protein, keeping you fueled for extended days.
Plum Cardamom Fruit Rollups
Deliciousness: 10/10
Difficulty: Easy
Time to Prepare: 10 mins prep, 4 hours in the oven
Ideal for: Convenient snacking anytime. The cardamom is mind blowing and when I brought them into work they disappeared in 10 minutes.
Blackened Shrimp with Kale & Cheesy Grits
Deliciousness: 10/10
Difficulty: Medium
Time to Prepare: 30 mins
Ideal for: Quick, satisfying campsite dining. This meal is practical, as most ingredients don't require refrigeration except for the shrimp, which can be easily packed in frozen and thawed.
Salmon Avocado Bowls
Deliciousness: 9/10
Difficulty: Easy
Time to Prepare: (Time not specified)
Ideal for: A hearty trail snack, perfect for refueling between routes. Easily adaptable into a full meal, especially with additions like leftover bacon and salad greens.
Chia Banana Pudding
Deliciousness: 8/10
Difficulty: Easy
Time to Prepare: 10 mins prep, 2 hours in the fridge
Ideal for: A healthier dessert option that doesn't compromise on taste. Great for satisfying sweet cravings while maintaining energy levels.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fellow outdoor enthusiasts who want to switch up their culinary routine. The snack category in particular was a welcome change from the onslaught of bars and apples. I love experimenting with new recipes and all of these dishes hit the spot, as well as being easy and quick to prepare.
To share this culinary adventure with you, we will be offering a 10% discount on Peak Nutrition throughout the month of July. Simply present this blog article to enjoy the savory benefits of these trail-tested recipes. Here's to elevating your outdoor experience with a dash of gourmet goodness!
