Trekkers, what to eat while migrating on The Nomad Way – Turkey

The Nomad Way – Turkey is interestingly different from other trekking/hiking ways in terms of orientation from south to north and therms of altitude climbing from the sea level to 2000 meters. So the nutrition regime should be also compatible with this altitude and climatization change.

Trekking, South-West Turkey

During the day, trekkers will need to spend energy to climb an altitude difference of 600 – 800 meters within 10-15 kilometers, so it is advised to add breakfast energy boosters such as honey, molasses, or jam. In order to avoid heavy and liquid food, trekkers can also take some pastes made with sweet fruit juices boiled with starch or flour and dried like paper. This special food’s name is “pestil”. Supple and dried, these sweet filo papers can be easily stored in backpacks.

Pestil, a real energy booster made from fresh fruit juice and flour or starch

The salty cheese “skin cheese” specific to the area is also recommended. This cheese, dried and matured in animal skins, does not rot with the effect of heat. It is dry and powdered so it is easy to keep it in a plastic bag. The consumption of salt is very important during these journeys because the excess of perspiration takes away the salt needed for the nervous system of the body, and it should be balanced with salty foods such as skin cheese and olives that can be easily found in the area.

Skin cheese, durable in heat, delicious and a strong protein source, available in the local area

Instant tea and coffee made in the morning and drunk with breakfast will have a stimulating role that will help on tired mornings due to a “tough day before”.

Mid-day lunches should be light, and short. The preparation should not take too much time because there is a certain distance to be traversed until the evening campsite. The digestion of heavy foods such as meat will also steal from the energy required for the rest of the daily route. The best choice will be fruits, or vegetables if possible, which will give energy and will ease up the digestion. Carbohydrates such as pasta, or rice, can also be eaten during the mid-day breaks, with certain limits. An excess of carbohydrates will make trekkers sleepy and tired, but a bit of them will boost the energy that they will spend until arriving at the evening camp.

Benefit from fresh fruits and vegetables around you during the mid-day break

The water should be drunk continuously and little by little, but not to have difficulty walking with a full and uncomfortable stomach.

In the evening, protein suppliers such as dried meat or legumes can be eaten. The digestion of the protein will require extra water. This water will be consumed from the body, not during the heat of the daytime but during the chilly nighttime. Another important accompaniment to protein digestion are herbal teas. The herbal teas will provide electrolyte balance for the body and also help digestion. Some herbs such as thyme, oregano, sage, and laurel can be collected during the hike. They have medicinal properties very suitable for the hikers such as stomach ache blocker, upper respiratory system protector, or immune system protector.

Evening’s camp meal with potatoes and legumes

As the altitude changes the weather can be more chilly. So trekkers can increase the level of the sugar in their body and make a bit of excess in the caloric input. These “heating” foods such as dried fruits, molasses or ginger, will protect them from flu in colder places and times in the Nomad Way – Turkey.