Eat smart for better skiing

A hangover and a large cup of coffee for breakfast might seem like the best combination for “surviving” a skiing trip, but after a couple of hours on the slopes you’ll be needing to head home for a nap and a good feed. Instead, why not take on board a few nutrition tips for longer days of skiing, and a slightly lower degree of hangover?! [caption id="attachment_1291" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="Bananas make great fuel for skiers"][/caption] Skiing is an high energy activity that quickly burns calories. That means it’s great for cardiovascular health and muscle toning, but if your body isn’t adequately fuelled it will run out of energy in less than a couple of hours at most.

Top nutrition tips for skiers

Start the day with a carbs-fuelled breakfast: Really, you’re going to have to trust us on this one, a breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. If you’ve been drinking the night before you’ll  find that refuelling on water and a bowl of good carbs, such as porridge, will do a whole lot more than a large coffee. Alternative brekkie ideas include wholemeal toast/bread and jam, cereal, fruit and yoghurt. If you fancy cooked, go for lean bacon and sausages, poached egg, baked beans and wholemeal toast. Eat little and often throughout the day: Eating more regularly will keep your glycogen levels topped up so that you will be less likely to experience brain and muscle fatigue. Smaller meals and snacks are also easier to digest so you can carry on skiing after  stopping for a quick snack. Great snacks: Think natural sugars rather than chocolate (although the occasional choccie bar will not do you any harm). Nuts and dried fruit, as well as fresh fruit, make great snacks. For a more substantial snack take a wholemeal roll and a banana with you and combine these when you feel peckish. Oat cakes and peanut butter also make another great snack. Drink plenty of water: You might think that because you’re somewhere cold that you will sweat less – but it’s just not the case. Drink lots of water and to save money make sure you take your own water with you. A sports drink can help to give you a higher energy hydration boost but remember to drink plenty of water as well. Take a rucksack: Carrying all your snacks and water on to the slopes with you is cheaper and more convenient. If you’ve seen the price of mountain café food these days you’ll soon be persuaded of the relative benefits of carrying your own food in a rucksack. Off-piste drinking: It's all part of the skiing holiday experience and no-one is going to tell you to stop. But if you're looking for more quality time on the slopes we'd suggest alternating an alcoholic drink with a soft drink, or enjoying a couple of drinks before heading straight to bed. Try it to see how much more you enjoy the days of skiing!