bradley
Member
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2012
- Messages
- 219
Greetings everyone,
I just returned to the USA from spending 1 and a half months in the highlands of Ecuador. I spent most of my time at around 9000 feet, but ranged from 7-12,000, with moments up to 15k when i was trekking.
I noticed many positive effects from the altitude, both objective and subjective. Even though I upped my caloric intake, I still lost about 15 pounds, mainly body fat. I was doing a lot of trekking in the mountains which further upped the caloric expenditure. My veins were much more vasodilated. Muscles seemed more defined along with less water retention. More controlled appetite. I seemed "hardier", more energetic. Had zero allergies or signs of inflammation that i sometimes have at sea level. Slept more soundly.
At the very high altitudes, bag breathing worked splendidly in abating symptoms. I also chewed coca leaves from time to time while trekking which was a huge help. what a fascinating plant.
I tried to keep the diet Peaty, but it was difficult when not preparing meals. I got overloaded on PUFA, mainly from pork and chicken which i rarely ever eat. They made me feel tired. Sometimes, while trekking all there was to eat were chips fried in oil.
I mostly had eggs and fruit for breakfast, fruit for lunch sometimes with a veg juice and grilled plantain, and then starch+animal for dinner, like potatoes and grilled trout or goat stew. The fruit there is incredible. Cheap, abundant, lots of variety.
I absolutely loved Ecuador. The southern area around Cuenca is excellent for those looking for a high altitude place to relocate!
Let me know if you have any questions
I just returned to the USA from spending 1 and a half months in the highlands of Ecuador. I spent most of my time at around 9000 feet, but ranged from 7-12,000, with moments up to 15k when i was trekking.
I noticed many positive effects from the altitude, both objective and subjective. Even though I upped my caloric intake, I still lost about 15 pounds, mainly body fat. I was doing a lot of trekking in the mountains which further upped the caloric expenditure. My veins were much more vasodilated. Muscles seemed more defined along with less water retention. More controlled appetite. I seemed "hardier", more energetic. Had zero allergies or signs of inflammation that i sometimes have at sea level. Slept more soundly.
At the very high altitudes, bag breathing worked splendidly in abating symptoms. I also chewed coca leaves from time to time while trekking which was a huge help. what a fascinating plant.
I tried to keep the diet Peaty, but it was difficult when not preparing meals. I got overloaded on PUFA, mainly from pork and chicken which i rarely ever eat. They made me feel tired. Sometimes, while trekking all there was to eat were chips fried in oil.
I mostly had eggs and fruit for breakfast, fruit for lunch sometimes with a veg juice and grilled plantain, and then starch+animal for dinner, like potatoes and grilled trout or goat stew. The fruit there is incredible. Cheap, abundant, lots of variety.
I absolutely loved Ecuador. The southern area around Cuenca is excellent for those looking for a high altitude place to relocate!
Let me know if you have any questions