If you’re thinking of doing the Camino de Santiago, surely one of your doubts that arises is when and how much to eat on the way. For this reason, today at ALBERGUES DEL CAMINO we bring you some basic tips so that you have a good daily diet while you travel the different routes that will take you to Santiago. Let’s go there!
Breakfast
The subject of breakfast is something that causes a lot of controversy, since there’ re people who can’t start the day without it and others who need a reasonable time to pass to have their stomach prepared and be able to eat something.
Our advice is that you don’t start walking on an empty stomach, but don’t gobble like a turkey either. Breakfast must contain the amount of food necessary to help us face the sections of the Camino with energy. Some basic options for a balanced breakfast are the following:
- A sandwich, sandwich or toast with sausage, a coffee with milk and a piece of fruit.
- Cereals with yogurt, a coffee and a natural juice.
The important thing is that the breakfast menu includes carbohydrates, proteins, dairy products and some fruit.
Snacks during the stages
Since most of the day on the Camino de Santiago is spent walking or cycling, it’s advisable to eat frequently. Most nutritionists recommend eating five light meals a day, even if you’re not hungry.
Therefore, snacks throughout the stages are essential. Eating something mid-morning will help you keep your energy levels in an optimal state. Fruit or nuts are usually the most convenient and nutritious option.
In addition, you will avoid arriving at lunchtime, starving. In this way, you won’t eat very copious meals that make you feel heavy, when it comes to continuing to walk.
Light and nutritious food
Lunch on the Camino de Santiago shouldn’t be heavy, since, generally, the stage hasn’t yet been completed and it will be necessary to continue walking or pedaling.
At lunch you can take the opportunity to enjoy the traditional cuisine of the region you’re going through. However, you should find out what the dish is like before ordering, to avoid those that are very heavy.
Our advice is that you look for places that offer menus for pilgrims since they’re usually thinking about being able to resume the pilgrimage with their batteries charged.
In addition, you will also find supermarkets where you can buy food for the moment, so you can control much better the food you eat.
Drink a lot of water
That you should drink a lot of water on the Camino de Santiago is something you probably already know, so we won’t insist much on this topic. We just want to remind you that it is advisable to drink short sips of water, leaving an hour between drinks and not waiting until you are thirsty to drink or hydrate.
Also, along the way you’ll find fountains where you can fill your canteen.
Quantity of food for dinner
For dinner we recommend a hearty meal to help you recover from the walk, but not in excess, because if the stomach is full it will not allow you to get a good night’s sleep to recharge your batteries.
Our recommendation is that you eat foods that are digested quickly and do not produce heaviness, since otherwise you may not fall asleep well and the next day you will not have the energy to face the next stage.
Finally, we want to emphasize that each person knows her body and knows what suits them and what does not. For this reason, it’s important that you adapt the meals to what feels best for you.
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