FROM JELLYBEANS TO CRICKETS: ADVENTURERS’ SUPERFOOD QUIZ

What do you eat to power-up for a big expedition?
Does a jelly bean have more calories than a cricket?
And what exactly is a walnut good for?

QUESTION 1:

You’re about to embark on a three-day trek over New Zealand’s Southern Alps via the national parks of Fiordland and Mount Aspiring. What’s your last meal before setting off?

1/10

Salmon
Oatmeal
Sweet Potato

- Although the trek is not one of the most arduous, muscle energy will be crucial over the next 72 hours. Oatmeal is high in complex carbs which will give you a prolonged slow release of energy.

QUESTION 2:

You’re kayaking along the Urubu River, a tributary of the Amazon - east of Manaus. It’s hot, sweaty and muddy. What’s the most important ingredient in your backpack?

2/10

Cherries
Jelly beans
Chia Seeds

- The humidity is causing you to lose fluid constantly. Dense little Chia seeds soak in up to 12 times their weight in water so they’ll help regulate your hydration – as well as providing a hit of protein.

QUESTION 3:

You are in Russia and making camp for the night on the summit of Mount Elbrus, Europe’s tallest mountain. The air is thin and cold and your muscles are screaming from the day’s climb. Which of these three fruits do you go for?

3/10

Cherries
Bananas
Blueberries

- Lightweight and packed with anti-inflammatories, cherries (or cherry juice) are nature’s antidote to exhausted muscles.

QUESTION 4:

You’re cycling through the Shan area of Burma. Temples peak through the lush jungle and you reach for a snack in your jacket. You pull out a pack of...

4/10

Jelly Beans
Raisins
Crickets

- Jelly beans are pretty much pure carb – 100gm is 94gm of carb. But raisins aren’t far behind with 100gm containing 80gm of carb. Crickets (a common dish in Burma) are fairly poor in carbs by comparison – only 13gm in every 100gm.

QUESTION 5:

You’re preparing to base jump at Navagio Beach in Zante – 200 meters of pure, vertical, adrenaline-fuelled drop. You’ve got 5 minutes to eat. What’s it going to be?

5/10

Walnuts
Bananas
Kale crisps

- Bananas are quick and easy to eat but more importantly they’re packed with potassium and magnesium so they help to rebalance your electrolytes and give you a boost of glycogen after the ascent.

QUESTION 6:

You are training for the ‘Grand to Grand’ Ultra Marathon in the US. After your usual midweek 16 miler you get home and pour down…?

6/10

Water bottle
Glass of Milk
Energy drink

- Surprisingly, milk is the post training refreshment of choice for the endurance adventurer as its combination of carb and protein is one of the best ways to repair exhausted muscles.

QUESTION 7:

You’re on a solo desert trek for charity in the Sahara and it’s time to make camp for the night. What foods are going to give you the energy you need to reach Jebel Sarhro tomorrow?

7/10

Dried dates
Dried meat
Walnuts

- Walnuts, plentiful in the region, are an incredible, natural source of plant-based protein. Light to carry, difficult to damage and they also have anti-inflammatory properties for those aching muscles.

QUESTION 8:

You’re preparing for a trek in the Arctic circle. You need to bulk up with calories as you will be burning 5000 a day. Which of these is the richest source of protein and amino acids...

8/10

Prime Steak
Cricket Flour
Eggs

- Around 80% of the planet eat insects for their protein (they have 3 times more than steak or eggs) and a 12 gram serving of cricket flour will contain 7 grams of protein, hardly any carb and all the essential amino acids.

QUESTION 9:

An earthquake in Asia Pacific has left thousands without food or water. As a member of DHL’s Disaster Relief Team you are organising supplies. What’s the most valuable food ingredient you can distribute to the hungry local population?

9/10

Whey
Flour
Brown Rice

- Although heavier and therefore more costly to transport, brown rice is high in complex carbs so releases energy over a longer period, and also provides fibre and nearly 90% of the body’s manganese requirement – vital to protect the nervous system.

QUESTION 10:

You’re in your office, running your business and earning the cash to fund your next adventure. So, what’s the best work snack to keep you going through the day?

10/10

Walnuts
Dried Fruit
Dark Chocolate

- It’s all three. Walnuts have high levels of anti-oxidants and vitamin E that can improve alertness, the sugars in dried fruit can boost your blood sugar levels whilst dark chocolate is rich in flavonols that lower blood pressure and improve flow to the brain.

YOUR SCORE

7/10

You are a wise adventurer who knows how to eat for your feats of greatness.

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