Hiking is a powerful fitness activity. It benefits the body and mind, reducing
stress, anxiety, blood pressure, and heart disease one (literal) step
at a time. Unlike many other fitness activities, hiking takes place in
unfamiliar and sometimes isolated places, and can last a few hours at
a time. As such, hikers should make sure to bring food that can keep them
fueled and energized all day long.
Immediate Fuel Foods
When you are looking for hiking snacks, be sure to keep in mind what your
body will need on a hike. Your body will be constantly burning, so you
want quick-release energy that will immediately benefit your muscles.
These include carbohydrates and natural sugars, such as the ones that
can be found in fruit. Of course, it is better to eat foods that can be
eaten on the go!
Dried Fruits Packs
This includes products like raisins, banana chips, and apple chips. Dehydrated
fruit has a few different advantages for hikers. For one, it is much lighter
and takes up less space than normal fruit. Reducing the weight of your
pack can help you hike for longer, allowing you to plan for longer trips.
This also allows you to pack more fruit.
Another advantage is that they do not create a mess inside your pack. Dried
fruit is cleaner on trips, and often contains a little extra sugar to
help you keep moving.
Dried mango packs a great deal of calories inside a small package, so consider packing
this dried fruit treat in your hiking meal.
Water-Heavy Vegetables
While you will also be drinking plenty of water, having some food that
contains a great deal of moisture will help you stay hydrated. For example,
carrots and
celery are not only tasty snacks—they provide an extra amount of water
per bite than many other vegetables.
A bonus advantage to celery: it is naturally a perfect carrier for peanut butter, which provides a
little protein to your meal.
High-Calorie Energy Bars
For a high-calorie punch in the middle of the day, a good energy bar might
be crucial to your trip. When you reach the summit of your hike, the exertion
is only halfway over. At this moment, refilling on both carbs and
proteins can keep you moving for the long haul. These bars have the same advantage
of dried fruit—they pack a lot of calories in without sacrificing
space or weight. Many also contain chocolate, which can be a great morale
booster in the middle of a long trek.
Tuna & Crackers
Too much sweetness on a hike can be a little tiring. A few hours into the
trip, your body may be craving something substantial and savory. A Tuna
and cracker combination is a clear, low-calorie protein that packs some
major benefits. It contains the fish oils your joints need to stay lubricated,
provides some salt to keep your muscles from cramping, and breaks up the
monotony of a pack filled with high-calorie sugars and grains.
When you hike, the general idea behind your food choices should be
what provides the greatest amount of fuel in the smallest amount of space. Prioritize carbohydrates and other quick-release food sources to allow
you to move continuously throughout the day without feeling hungry or
malnourished.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician.
If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should
consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.