Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

[tonys]

Hi everbody
I would like to here from members who have previously completed the camino, if they experienced any loss of body weight during their walk, and is it necessary to watch your diet.

Tonys

[William Marques]

No loss of body weight but better body tone.

It was not necessary for me to watch my diet as any extra calories taken on were burnt during the day or converted to muscles in place where I did not have them before.

I would watch your water intake in the summer. It may be me but I find being well hydrated minimises the possibility of sunburn. Someone mentioned the problems of taking on too much water so I carry some peanuts and dry fruit to nibble at when I feel like it.

Buen Camino
William

[Arn]

William wrote:Someone mentioned the problems of taking on too much water

I know...I know..you're expecting me to add a comment about water vs Vinotinto! Not going to happen...where safety and health are concerned I do draw a line.

Water intake is extremely important and if you wait for your body to tell you when and how much, that's not necessarily a good thing. We've done a lot of studies on hydration in the forces and, especially in a desert environment. Here's a few thoughts:

1. William is right about hydration and sunburn...to a point. If you are not hydrating sufficiently your upper layers of skin tend to dry out thus since there's less natural cooling (sweat doesn't only help cool by evaporation, it also helps circulate heat throughout the body and away from exposed skin. Less hydration...drier skin...less circulation...sunburn becomes severe.

2. With the event of Camelbacks and hoses directly into the mouth...drinking becomes a habit rather than a need. You walk, you sip, you trudge, you sip harder. You take in water at a rate not needed and you pee a lot more than normal.

3. If you're taking in pure H2O, your body uses it for a number of critical waste missions. It gets into your kidneys, liver and stomach...each of which must vacate waste and water helps wash away these waste products. Water in the stomach softens stool and prevents painful bowel movements. In the other organs, it washes away bad chemical residue trapped there. Which brings me to point:

4. Pure water also removes electrolytes. Here's the scoop:

The level of any electrolyte in the blood can become too high or too low. The main electrolytes in the blood are sodium, potassium, calcium, and others. Most commonly, problems occur when the level of sodium, potassium, or calcium is abnormal. Often, electrolyte levels change when water levels in the body change.

Doctors refer to a low electrolyte level with the prefix "hypo-" and to a high level with the prefix "hyper-." The prefix is combined with the scientific name of the electrolyte. For example, a low level of potassium is called hypokalemia, and a high level of sodium is called hypernatremia.
Older people are more likely to develop abnormalities in electrolyte levels for the same reasons that they are more likely to become dehydrated or overhydrated. The main reason is that as the body ages, the kidneys function less well. The use of certain drugs, including diuretics and some laxatives, can increase the risk of developing electrolyte abnormalities. Problems with walking can increase the risk of developing electrolyte abnormalities because getting fluids and food may be difficult. Many chronic disorders (such as Paget's disease) and any disorder that causes fever, vomiting, or diarrhea can result in electrolyte abnormalities.

To treat a low level of some electrolytes, such as sodium or potassium, doctors usually advise eating foods rich in the electrolyte or taking supplements. If the level is very low, the electrolyte may be given through a tube inserted in a vein (intravenously). If the level is high, treatment consists of consuming more fluids. Sometimes fluids must be given intravenously.

A low sodium level (hyponatremia) may result from not consuming enough sodium in the diet, excreting too much (in sweat or urine), or being overhydrated. The sodium level may decrease when a person drinks a lot of water without consuming enough salt (sodium chloride), typically during hot weather when a person also sweats more. The sodium level may decrease when large amounts of fluids that do not contain enough sodium are given intravenously. Diuretics help the kidneys excrete excess sodium and excess water. However, diuretics may cause the kidneys to excrete more sodium than water, resulting in a low sodium level.

A low sodium level (and overhydration) can result when the body produces too much antidiuretic hormone, which signals the kidneys to retain water. Overproduction of this hormone can be caused by disorders such as pneumonia and stroke and by drugs, including anticonvulsants (such as carbamazepine) and a type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs—such as sertraline). Other disorders that can cause a low sodium level include poorly controlled diabetes, heart failure, liver failure, and kidney disorders.

5. So, how do we ward off these possible problems:

A. Eat a good diet.
B. Drink water as you move along, but don't over hydrate.
C. If you're going to be away from a source of natural electrolyte replenishment, consider an additive to your water such as: Gatoraide powder, or other sports additives.

Hope that helps:

And, yes, Vino IS a good source of many nutrients and antioxidants. Moderation in all things!

Buen Camino,

Arn

[William Marques]

That's why the peanuts I nibble are the salted type.

[vinotinto]

if they experienced any loss of body weight during their walk, and is it necessary to watch your diet.

I went from St. Jean to Santiago, and lost about 20 pounds (gained it back after I got home, though). I ate pretty much whatever I wanted along the Way, and also made sure I was constantly hydrated.

It's interesting to note that at my Camino's beginning I couldn't finish a typical pilgrim meal, but as time went on, I was able to easily scarf one down. And I still lost weight.

[jeff001]

I lost about 5 pounds but it may have been more during the trip. I also tended not to eat enough during the first days. You need to eat even if you don't feel hungry just as you need to drink even if you don't feel thirsty.

[oursonpolaire]

Like vinotinto, I lost about 20lb on my last Camino, but had no trouble regaining it on return (over four months). My basic Camino calorific intake was likely about the same as it is at home, but 25km/day eats up a lot more energy than does 8 hours each day in cubicle. I should note that, on my return, I dropped the healthy habit of consuming at least one baguette and a bottle of wine each day, returning to my normal single glass at dinner.

[vinotinto]

Moderation in all things!

a bottle of wine each day

Guess which one of the above statements I adhered to while on the trail... Indeed, the Camino is one of the few places where vino goes well with breakfast...and lunch...and dinner...and with that pre-lunch pastry...and so on (hehe)! Heck, the only day I got sick on the Way was the only day I was on the wagon...buzzkill!

[Arn]

Vinotinto wrote:Heck, the only day I got sick on the Way was the only day I was on the wagon...

My Brother, now why in the heck would you do something as crazy as that....I'm so disappointed!

I may have to reconsider that joint walk along the Way in the future. I hate to have to talk up to someone on the wagon when I still walking, er, at least still moving under my own power.

Buen Saludos Camino,

Arn

[vinotinto]

now why in the heck would you do something as crazy as that

I had no choice - I was at the albergue in Cizur Menor, and there was no vino to be found anywhere. Apparently, the nearby store/bar/restaurant (perhaps more than one, I wasn't sure) was closed, and I would've had to go all the way back to Pamplona for a proper sit-down meal (I think it was a Sunday).

Therefore, my repast that day was out of the albergue vending machine - raw hot dogs, bread, and cookies (no wonder I got sick, eh?). Ya gotta cut me some slack - it was only my fourth day on the Camino, so I was still a boot pilgrim.

[Arn]

Vinotinto wrote:Ya gotta cut me some slack

SLACK granted...Carry on!

Buen yellow footprint Camino,
Arn

[vinotinto]

SLACK granted...Carry on!

Aye, aye! - Semper Fi, do or die, stick a scallop in yer eye!

yellow footprint

At that point on the Camino, I still had the pungent scent of Cash Sales on me (in this case, REI - hehe!) Hmmm...yellow footprint, yellow arrow - both signposts to a quest fraught with danger, where the ending is uncertain - a coincidence, perhaps...?

[Arn]

VT..from what I've surmised from the many and varied threads that you'd added or commented on...there's very little that you'd not be successful at!

Many folks wouldn't understand the deep and permanent changes that come about from our shared experiences and, yet, I think that those in this Forum are either IN on what it takes, or soon shall be.

I applaud each and every one of us that have chosen to step outside our collective comfort zones and trod the Camino. The reason doesn't matter as much as the effort to succeed in reaching deep and doing your very best.

Buen Camino...my friends,
Arn

[ehaldenb]

I lost about 10 lbs. I had issues with nausea for the first week which inhibited me from eating normally. When I got into a routine, I discovered that a high-fiber and high-protein and overall high-calorie morning meal was absolutely essential. 7 Granola bars between 8am-12pm was normal (I am a high-energy, athletic, thin female). I stayed away from instant-energy foods with refined sugar or white bread because I burned through them very quickly. Eat as much as you need to- if weight loss is a long-term goal for you, the Camino is a good place to begin, but no drastic weight loss following such an event can be easily maintained. It can be an inspirational jumpstart, but most people regain rather quickly, I imagine.

[Javier Martin]

You can lose weight or not, lose more and less weight, but you always lose volume. Normally lose weight (may be not in the Camino del Norte) but always lose volume.

The Camino is not the best momento to maintain a diet.

Buen Camino, with the best gastronomy

Javier Martin
Madrid, Spain.

[Bridget and Peter]

You can lose weight or not, lose more and less weight, but you always lose volume. Normally lose weight (may be not in the Camino del Norte) but always lose volume.

Why might you not lose weight on the Camino del Norte, Javier?

Bridget

[Javier Martin]

Why might you not lose weight on the Camino del Norte, Javier?

Bridget[/quote]


Because gastronomy in the North: Very rich and caloric in Euskadi, in Cantabria, Uffff ¡¡Asturias!! and of course in Galicia.

You have to consider that meals in restaurants are "big meals", for everybody and of course for a pilgrim, you have to earn energy to walk. Have you ever tasted the fabada? The cheeses from Asturias? The cocido montañes? Only in Asturias there's 120 different kind of cheeses!! Every little region has a different speciality to taste. From the France border in Hendaya to Santiago you are always crossing little valleys around the coast. In the Camino Frances is different, a very rich gastronomy but not so caloric.

Mmmm, what a danger, spanish gastronomy!! and don't forget, in Spain the best gastronomy is said to be the one from Euskadi. So, it's well known the paella, gazpacho, cocido, fabada, but the fame of best restaurants in spain is for the Euskadi restaurants.

Buen Camino,

Javier Martin
Madrid, Spain

[JohnnieWalker]

and of course it has nothing at all to do with the amount beer Spaniards drink! Nor the pata fritas with everything

[alipilgrim]

Hate to say it but I actually gained weight on the Camino! It was all the bread! Save a bit from the night before for breakfast or get a little cake when have morning cafe con leche, then a bocadillo for lunch, and bread always served with dinner....else making pasta meals in the albergue for myself - the carbs add up!

[sillydoll]

The Star online has this article today about - A Galician gourmet adventure

http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.a ... lifetravel

[ivar]

The Star online has this article today about - A Galician gourmet adventure

Talking about food, this is one of my favorite restaurants in Santiago:
http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/03/11/travel/11Bite.html

Ivar

[Bridget and Peter]

!! and don't forget, in Spain the best gastronomy is said to be the one from Euskadi. So, it's well known the paella, gazpacho, cocido, fabada, but the fame of best restaurants in spain is for the Euskadi restaurants.

That settles it, then, Camino del Norte it is , then.

and of course it has nothing at all to do with the amount beer Spaniards drink! Nor the pata fritas with everything

Hate to say it but I actually gained weight on the Camino! It was all the bread! Save a bit from the night before for breakfast or get a little cake when have morning cafe con leche, then a bocadillo for lunch, and bread always served with dinner....else making pasta meals in the albergue for myself - the carbs add up!

So if I don't drink the beer (don't like it anyway) and go easy on the fried potatoes and bread (leaving more room for everything else) I can hang on to the sin of greed and still emerge toned and lean from all the exercise?

Bridget

nb, alipilgrim - don't they say muscle weighs more than fat - you weighed more BECAUSE you were fitter!