Supplying your body with enough calories before hiking is crucial for feeling energized and performing your best. Calories provide energy to prevent early fatigue and push through the steep or strenuous sections of your hike. About 3-4 hours before your hike, enjoy a meal that is rich in carbohydrates but lower in protein, fat, and fiber. Carbohydrates and quickly digested and used by our body for energy, while fat, protein, and fiber are more slowly digested. These slower-digesting nutrients can cause some nausea or stomach discomfort if eaten too much, too soon before exercise. An example breakfast would be pancakes with a little peanut butter, maple syrup, and a side of fruit. About 30-60 minutes before your hike, aim to have a small snack that is rich in carbohydrates but very low in protein, fat and fiber. Grab and go examples include fresh fruit, pretzels, applesauce pouches, and fruit leather. If you’re waking up to catch a sunrise and don’t think you’ll have time to stomach a full breakfast, prioritize your pre-hike snack!