Preparation - Food and drink
Climbing the Aconcagua excessive calories are burnt. Over 3500 meters of altitude, a climber burns about 8000 calories daily. Taking into account that the body is constantly creating energy reserves, the diet at this altitude must supply at least 2500 calories daily to be energetically prepared for the big challenge. Excess of food, however, is detrimental since for a good digestion the body requires energy, and this may cause drowsiness and/or coldness at rest and heaviness when it is time to work.
On the other hand, physicians recommend drinking a minimum of 3 liters of different beverages a day, though five is ideal. Powder juice is not well accepted by our palate or stomach, although it the most widely used due to its practicality.
It is advisable to vary the beverages and flavors since this helps the body to accept them more readily. Tea, concentrated natural juice and soup are some examples of liquids that work well in the mountain.
The basis of the strength of a climber is eating properly. The recommended source of calories comes from sugars, lipids (of animal and vegetable origin) and proteins. The food must be easy to digest, agreeable in taste, easy to carry, not very heavy or bulky, and varied. It should be eaten slowly and chewing well. It is also important to eat moderately.