There's nothing better than finding that picturesque rest stop and knowing you have something delicious in your backpack. Finding a snack that's appetizing, nutritious, and energizing can be a bit tricky, so here are 8 delicious snacks to keep you going on your hike.
1. SEASONAL FRUIT
It provides the antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber you need. Along with that quick energy boost you crave, your favorite fruit is a great hiking food. Simply slice or dice some of your favorite fruits and place them in a container or reusable bag. We suggest apples, berries, pears, mango, and kiwi.
[ Advice: Fill a bag with grapes and put it in the freezer overnight. When you eat them, they'll be cold and so delicious you'll think they're candy.
2. OAT BARS
Savory and sweet, as well as crunchy, oat bars are the perfect snack to keep you going. Rich in carbohydrates, oats release energy slowly, providing fuel throughout the day. At your local store, look for good ingredients and natural sugars like dates, agave, and low-chocolate options. You can also bake your own bar by combining oats, almond or peanut butter, coconut oil, honey, nuts, and seeds.
3. SANDWICHES
For that lunch break, you want something filling, light, and absolutely delicious. Snacks are a hiking staple, but they never taste as good as when they're freshly made. To avoid the typical bland sandwich, I suggest the following: ham, salad with cucumber or Caesar dressing, tuna with cucumber, or cheese and tomato on a whole-wheat roll.
4. Rice and Plantain Tortillas
When your knees are shaking and you feel cramps in your calves, grab a banana. Packed with potassium, which helps with muscle contractions and nerve signals, bananas are the perfect snack. Want something extra? Add mashed banana to a rice cake and spread with peanut butter for a salty, crunchy touch.
5. NUTS AND SEEDS
Nuts have been repeatedly shown to have a positive impact on our cardiovascular health. Walnuts are tasty, convenient, and the perfect snack.
Peanuts are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, folate, copper, and phosphorus, while other nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews are known for their high calorie content and abundance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. These nutrients provide a slow release of energy during your hike.
6. Hummus and Vegetable Sticks
Chickpeas are amazing for fighting inflammation, so if your feet and hands are prone to peripheral edema (swelling due to altitude), this is the perfect snack for you. Cucumber is 95% water, which keeps you perfectly hydrated. Combine sliced cucumber with your favorite vegetables and mix it with hummus for a tasty and nutritious snack.
7. Assorted Dried Fruits
It wouldn't be a hike without a selection of nuts, right? They're easy to find in stores, but the fun part is making your own. Whether you like fruit, nuts, or chocolate, choose your favorite snacks and mix them all together in a bag.
8. Dried beef or vegetable chips
They're high in protein and easy to eat. If you don't crave sweet snacks, then jerky is for you. There are different flavors to choose from at any supermarket or store. Plus, there's vegetarian jerky, so there's something for everyone. As an alternative, vegetable chips are also delicious.
I hope your backpack is now full of delicious and nutritious snacks that will take you to the top along with your hiking boots .