How to Pack a Lunch for Cross-Country Skiing

You've decided you're going to try cross country skiing this year. If you decide to cross country ski in a remote or uncommercialized area you better be sure to carry food with you. Cross country skiing is not only a chance to visit the quiet depth of a forest but is also a great cardio workout. Normally, there are ski huts where you can stop for a break, to warm up and to enjoy your picnic lunch.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bread
• Cheese,
• Sandwich meat of choice (if applicable)
• Mayonaisse
• Piece of fruit
• Small bag of nuts
• A couple tbsp. of butter/margarine
• Rice cereal
• Bag of marshmallows
• Flaxseed meal
• Medium size mixing bowl
• Cocoa mix, coffee, tea or apple cider
• Backpack to carry your lunch
• Thermos

1. Either the night before or the morning of your ski trek, make a batch of rice treats. I make a 1/2 batch (compared to the usual recipe) of rice treats as follows: If I only have a microwave in the room I melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a bowl and then add approximately half the bag of marshmallows. Or, if I have a stove I heat the butter in a saucepan and add the marshmallows into the pan.

2. Microwave: on medium heat (usually 7) for 30 seconds at a time until marshmallows are melted enough to stir. Remove from the microwave.
   Stove top: stir on a low heat until the marshmallows melt.

3. Regardless of whether you microwave or use the stove top: sprinkle one and a half (1.5) tbsp. of flaxseed meal on top of the marshmallows and pour in approximately two and a half (2.5) cups of cereal. I like more marshmallows vs. more cereal. You can make your own modification based on your own tastes.

4. Scoop into a pan, make even on top and leave it to set for a couple of minutes. If a pan isn't handy then just grease the sides of the bowl and push the treat mixture up the sides of the bowl and leave it to set.

5. 1) Make yourself a cheese or cheese and meat sandwich and pack in a bag.
   2) Cut up a wedge of your treat and put in a bag.
   3) Place a piece of fruit in your pack along with the sandwich and treat.
   4) Add the nuts to your pack.

6. If you can't eat nuts I would swap that item with a low-calorie/low sugar granola bar or energy bar. The nuts are great because you can snack on them if you get hungry while skiing.

7. Eat a healthy breakfast and take a multi vitamin.

8. Make a hot drink of your choice--cocoa, tea, coffee, apple cider. Pour into your thermos or hot beverage container. Place everything in your backpack and you are ready for a great day out in the wilderness!

Tips & Warnings

• I highly recommend booking accommodations that have, at the very least, a microwave if you can't book one with a half or full kitchen.
• Remember to pack out whatever you pack in (this includes your garbage).