The Thru Hiker Cook Blog “Trash Panda Edition”

Currently I consume a minimum of 3400 calories a day on trail with some days reaching upwards of 5000.

Due to my ability to finish my own meals and then finish off my Trail family’s leftovers as well, I was dubbed “Trash Panda” early into my hike.

Since starting my hike I have become a fan of meals in a bag. Thus, I have ditched my large cook set since I only need to boil water. These can be made in a pot, but a freezer ziplock provides simplicity on many levels.

Seasonings: it’s all about doctoring it up!

personal mix

various mixes

What follows is an example of what I eat on a daily basis

Breakfast Suprise:

  • 2 packets of grits
  • 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes
  • 4tbs of bacon bits
  • 1 string cheese stick
  • lipton soup onion mix (add to liking)
  • personal season mix (add to liking)
  • favorite addition seasons (add to liking): taco mix or chili mix

Calories: ~ 550

Lunch Wraps

  • 2 whole wheat tortillas
  • 1 spam packet
  • 2 string cheese sticks
  • personal season mix (add to liking)
  • favorite additions: Arby’s sauce, Taco Bell fire/diablo sauce, mayo/mustard
  • other additions: buffalo pretzel pieces, spicy trail mix, crackers

Calories: ~ 600-800

Bag Bombs “Ramen Dinner”

  • 2 packs of Ramen noodles (only use one of the season packets)
  • 1 pack of tuna (I prefer sweet and spicy)
  • personal season mix (add to liking)
  • lipton soup onion mix (add to liking)
  • favorite additional seasons (add to liking): chili mix & ranch dressing mix, taco mix
  • Ramen Pad Thai (as pictured): 2 packs of Ramen noodles, 1 packet of Thai chili tuna, 1 dip cup of crunchy peanut butter, personal season mix, Thai mix and peppers if available

Calories: ~ 1000 – 1200

Snacks

This is an example of what I typically eat throughout my hiking day. To keep my energy levels up I eat a snack every hour to hour and a half.

Calories: ~ 1200

 

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