How long before a walk should I eat?

Two to three hours before you start walking is ideal. This gives your body enough time to digest without leaving you feeling uncomfortably full, but not so long that you're running on empty again.

Do I need to eat anything special before a short walk?

No, not really. For walks under two hours at a comfortable pace, your normal breakfast or lunch is probably fine—you don't need to do anything special or carb-load like you're preparing for a marathon.

Why should I avoid fatty foods before walking?

Fat takes longer to digest and sits in your stomach longer. When you're walking uphill, your body redirects blood to your muscles, so if your digestive system is still processing a fatty meal, you'll feel uncomfortable.

Food for the Fells

Getting the Timing Right: What to Eat Before You Start Walking

The principles of pre-walk eating are refreshingly simple—carbohydrates two to three hours before you start, hold the grease—but what actually matters depends entirely on whether you're popping to the shops or attempting something that involves contour lines and regret.

11 October 20269 min read