The amount and type of food carried is highly dependent on what food can be collected or purchased during the journey. However, even when food is readily available it’s a good idea to carry some basics just in case of late arrivals or early starts. The average person requires 2000 (resting) – 5000 (working hard) calories a day. These calories are obtained from carbohydrates (sugars and starches), protein and fats (oil, butter, lard), supplemented with numerous vitamins and minerals. In general fats and carbohydrates are used for fuel, providing energy, proteins to restore body tissues and build muscle (may also be used for energy), with minerals and vitamins being essential to preserve well being and to prevent disease (not an important concern for short journeys). I read somewhere that your energy intake should be based on approximately 25 percent protein, can be higher up to 50 percent (not recommended) but not less than 15 percent.
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