I'm now 70 and a keen hill-walker who was diagnosed with prediabetes just before a planned sortie up to the Scottish Highlands a couple of weeks back.
I spent 8 hours solo climbing and walking on the first day, the last 4 of which were in gale-force winds and driving rain. I'd planned on making it to the 3,100 foot summit before the weather deteriorated but I'd overestimated my prowess on the day. So climbed in these rough conditions for an hour before summiting. Not a time or a place to be devoid of energy.
My walking app estimated I used up 6,000kcal. The B&B breakfast included porridge, toast, fruit juice, bacon, eggs, sausage - but not huge. As I mentioned this was immediately after I had been diagnosed with prediabetes and before I had learned very much about it. To sustain energy levels on the walk I took some energy gels, dried cranberries, and energy bars, with some glucose tablets in reserve for emergencies, and water to drink, intending to take on energy foods little and often. To be honest at my age I need these aids more than 5-6 years ago. On the day only the gels and glucose pills gave me a short boost when I was struggling. But of course they left me feeling worse some 20-30 minutes later.
I have read on the website that with a low carb/high fat/high protein diet, the fat and protein will replace the energy normally provided by carbs.
I'd appreciate any advice on how to provide and sustain energy levels, and hopefully avoid major spikes and troughs. Can it be done effectively without these high-carb supplements especially. If so will it take time for the body to adjust ?
When at home I do find a large bowl of porridge with a little honey is a great way to get started and can sustain me for 2-3 hours. and it doesn't send my blood sugar rocketing. But what else might I try ?
Sorry to be long-winded but wanted to explain properly.
Any replies greatly appreciated.
I spent 8 hours solo climbing and walking on the first day, the last 4 of which were in gale-force winds and driving rain. I'd planned on making it to the 3,100 foot summit before the weather deteriorated but I'd overestimated my prowess on the day. So climbed in these rough conditions for an hour before summiting. Not a time or a place to be devoid of energy.
My walking app estimated I used up 6,000kcal. The B&B breakfast included porridge, toast, fruit juice, bacon, eggs, sausage - but not huge. As I mentioned this was immediately after I had been diagnosed with prediabetes and before I had learned very much about it. To sustain energy levels on the walk I took some energy gels, dried cranberries, and energy bars, with some glucose tablets in reserve for emergencies, and water to drink, intending to take on energy foods little and often. To be honest at my age I need these aids more than 5-6 years ago. On the day only the gels and glucose pills gave me a short boost when I was struggling. But of course they left me feeling worse some 20-30 minutes later.
I have read on the website that with a low carb/high fat/high protein diet, the fat and protein will replace the energy normally provided by carbs.
I'd appreciate any advice on how to provide and sustain energy levels, and hopefully avoid major spikes and troughs. Can it be done effectively without these high-carb supplements especially. If so will it take time for the body to adjust ?
When at home I do find a large bowl of porridge with a little honey is a great way to get started and can sustain me for 2-3 hours. and it doesn't send my blood sugar rocketing. But what else might I try ?
Sorry to be long-winded but wanted to explain properly.
Any replies greatly appreciated.
