What is this video about?
In today’s video I share 7.5 pounds worth of food & food supplies for a 774 mile hike which if I walk 2 miles per hour and give myself lots of time for filming and vlogging will only take me between 38 and 50 days to complete.
As all hikers know, regardless of age or physical ability, carrying the least amount of weight without compromising nutrition and important essentials is crucial on long hikes. Long distance hiking puts tremendous stress & strain on the physical body. Chronic stress raises cortisol levels and leads to general inflammation which causes joint stiffness and pain; a hiker’s worst nightmare. To counter inflammation, a low-sugar diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids and adequate protein is essential. Eggs, liver and fish are superfoods, as are prebiotic and probiotic fermented foods. By dehydrating whole cooked eggs, raw liver, and a variety of lean and fatty fish for the trail, you provide your body with ultra light yet nutritiously dense foods. By adding dehydrated fermented foods to your pack, you ensure optimal absorption and assimilation of nutrients which results in a healthier immune system, rapid muscle recovery, and an overall increase in energy levels. Faster recovery means less down time and more hiking. And isn’t that what every hiker wants?
In my next video I will show you my water containers and the various systems I have for water filtration and purification. In subsequent videos I will show a) you my tent, bedding and gear, b) footwear, c) personal care products, d) clothing, first aid, e) sun & bug protection, f) personal hygiene products, g) technology used in filming the journey and h) any extras I choose to take.
Thanks for being a witness to and sharing in my journey. I greatly appreciate you.
Things You Might Want To Know About Me
What has prepared me for this upcoming journey?
Over the past 50 years I’ve had the privilege of backpacking & camping the jungles of Malaysia, the mountains & countryside of central Italy, the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon & California, the sand dunes of Utah, the deserts of Arizona & New Mexico, parts of the Grand Canyon, and much of Ontario, Canada starting in the Haliburton Highlands where I grew up.
My body is no stranger to physical fitness or long distance journeys. I am a former floor gymnast, downhill & cross-country skier, waterskier, jazz dancer, canoeist, long distance swimmer, long distance runner, and yogini.
What are my weaknesses?
I’m easily overwhelmed which is why I preplan everything and take my time executing each plan. As a result, I break big tasks down into small bite-sized pieces to mitigate mental & emotional stresses which can have severe detrimental effects on my physical body. I have a severe disability (triple prolapse, stage 4) that limits my capacity to carry heavy weights, hence the need to be a weight weenie. And due to multiple injuries and past traumas, I’m also prone to chronic pain, muscular tightness, swelling, and cramping. For these reasons, I train slowly and allow for ample recovery time between pre-training sessions. After 2 or 3 months of resistance training via free weights and hill training, muscle memory kicks in, and muscle recovery quickens. My body is more able to manage the physical stress as well as the mental & emotional stresses that often accompany long distance treks.
What are my strengths?
Awareness, preparation and patience are my greatest strengths. Awareness provides me foresight to all possible scenarios which I then patiently take action on to prepare myself mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. As a result of preparing, I am more readily able to handle myself in whatever situations arise along the journey. More importantly, I am ready and able to allow myself to relax and have fun.
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The Intuitive Body Foodie Network – an intuitive body-conscious approach to diet, health & fitness through radical self-care, natural pain management, shamanic reiki, gardening, yin cat yoga, wilderness camping, hiking & barefoot hiking, resistance training, thrift shopping, fermented food recipes, and low carb ketogenic style recipes. Food for body, mind & soul.
Email: judithwindover@email.com