[pct-l] TSA recovery

[Dave and Cindy]

It seems there is always a lot of discussion about "training" for a thru hike but what about when it's time to come home?  Now that most of the 2009 thru hikers are off the trail what about "Trail Separation Anxiety", (TSA) and Nutrition?  I know this was a big issue with us and as I talk to other hiker friends I find they are struggling with this dilemma also.

After months of walking we all know that our metabolism is sky high.  When we come home and are not exercising 12 hours a day we are still hungry due to our high metabolic rate but of course not able to burn as many calories.  Some of us do not want nor need to gain back a bunch of weight that took so long to take off.  

What would a personal trainer advise in the way of healthy nutritious food that would be fulfilling and curb ones "hiker hunger"?  At this point, what is the right percentage of calories that our run down bodies need?  Of course we can all still exercise and strength train but what is the balance the first month or so.  I understand that strength training builds muscles which in turn burns calories more efficiently.  Also I tend to believe that it would be better to find some other form of strenuous aerobics to burn calories rather than running or walking for a while to let the legs and feet recover.  Maybe bike riding and swimming?

Is there any professional advise out there?