Eating after a hike

LouiseH238

So here's my problem. On a Saturday I usually go out for a hike - 2 hours on a short day, maybe up to 4 on a long day. I also sometimes take a Friday off work and go out into the country - I can get a good 6 hours in on those days.

I've usually not eaten even half my daily allowance before I go out walking. I track with Endomondo and then plan to eat back about half of the calorie burn it gives, minus another deduction for BMR. This is partly because I am fairly sure Endomondo overestimates my burn, but also because the prospect of having to eat 2000 calories (burn plus what remains from daily allowance) when I get home at 8.30 is daunting.

However...I've been slowly upping my exercise levels this month, to the point where I now walk every day, do tai chi once a week and will be starting swimming after work next Thursday. Increasing my exercise, at 220lb, has taken its toll on my body and yesterday while walking I was really fatigued - my whole body felt heavier and I was moving much more slowly.

So, I came home, had over a thousand calories left to eat and promptly ordered a takeaway. Past experience shows that it's not a good idea for me to get into this habit - at one point I was eating takeaway almost every night. I don't have the money or, frankly, the inclination to go back there. It's not good for my mental health - it doesn't feel like a treat, it feels like a crutch, total emotional eating that puts me into a sneaky shame spiral. If I'm going to have a treat meal, it'd better be one that makes me feel good!

So my question is this - do any of you have any suggestions for things that I can prepare quickly and easily when I get home after a hike, when my body is tired and walking/moving is a struggle? I don't eat much meat, but a lot of veggies, soups, hummus, cheese, eggs, crackers, granola bars, greek yoghurt...I could do seafood at a stretch. When I get home I have the kidlet to deal with, so any cooking needs to be light and quick so I can get it down my neck asap (otherwise I end up not eating until 10; nothing wrong with that per se, I just don't enjoy my food as much if I eat late at night.)

Thanks in advance!

CaffeinatedConfectionist

Maybe try having something on hand that is already prepared? Make a cold salad before you go to stick in the fridge (tuna, pasta or soba, lettuce, quinoa, corn and black bean, etc), or prebake a quiche or savory pie, or really any other kind of food that you just have to reheat? Maybe make a protein shake right away when you get home? You CAN make them in advance, but they tend to separate. Do you take snacks on your hikes with you? Sounds like having some nuts or jerky or fruit (dried or otherwise) or granola bars with you might be a good idea.