Getting out of bed and being active outdoors is a great way to spend beautiful summer days. Trying to stay energized throughout a 10-mile hike in 80 degree weather, however, can be quite the challenge. You don’t want to eat too much because you’ll feel heavy and sluggish. But if you don’t eat enough, you’ll end up using all your energy within the first couple of miles. The trick is to eat a light, healthy breakfast, but also pack nutrient-rich hiking snacks that you can consume while on the trail. Whether you are a hiking enthusiast or a student taking culinary courses, try out these energizing hiking snacks for your next outing:
Cherry almond granola bars – These granola bars have everything you need to make it to the end of the trail. The cherries provide plenty of antioxidants, the almonds are packed with protein and the granola contains slow-burning carbohydrates to fuel your muscles. Other ingredients in this mix include coconut oil, unsweetened finely shredded coconut and flax and sunflower seeds.
Frozen yogurt berries – Low in calories and full of fiber, frozen yogurt berries are a refreshing and tasty treat perfect for long walks through a forest. You can choose pretty much any type of berry you like. Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries work well with different kinds of yogurt. If you like matching flavors, you can dip the berries in similarly flavored yogurt. Blueberry yogurt would go well with blueberries for example. Then all you need to do is place the coated berries on a baking sheet and in the freezer for a couple of hours.
Brown butter pecan granola – This semisweet concoction is a perfect hiking snack that is not too difficult to prepare. The recipe calls for dark brown sugar, some honey, vanilla extract, pecans, old-fashioned oats and raw pumpkin seeds. To add a bit of tartness and flavor, try adding finely grated orange zest, unsweetened coconut flakes and ground cinnamon into the mix.
Homemade mango fruit leather – With no added sugar and no additives, freshly made mango fruit leather is a great way to end your hike. All you need to do is puree mangoes, pour it on a lined baking sheet. Spread it about 1 /8 inch thick. Place it in an oven at 180 degrees Fahrenheit for three to four hours. Once the sheet of fruit cools, you can cut it into strips and roll them up to eat on the trail.
