Hiking is not only a great form of exercise but an active way to share time with someone. It can be a great date activity, a way to be active with your family or a healthy, fun way to travel and explore different areas.
The question I get asked most often is: What are some healthy snacks and meals I can pack on my hike?
The three things to consider when planning food for hikes are:
- Lightweight
- Minimal Prep
- High Nutrition
For a day hike, you can pack perishable foods, like sandwiches, cheese sticks, yogurt pouches, hard boiled eggs and hummus. Be sure to include an ice pack to keep those foods properly chilled.
Of course you want to keep your backpack light, so choosing mainly for non-perishable foods that are relatively lightweight and nutrient dense, is recommended.
- Trail mix
- Nuts, seeds, nut-based bars or nut butter packs
- Dried or freeze-dried fruits and veggies
- Energy bars, chews or gels
- Granola or granola bars
- Ready-made tuna salad pouches
- Whole-grain tortillas
- Poultry, salmon or meat jerky
- Fruit like bananas, apples, pears
- Veggies like carrots, celery, broccoli
While there are a few packaged energy bars out there that are OK, try one of these recipes/ideas I’ve collected for you. Here are some healthy snacks for hiking. You may also want to check out these homemade energy bars and ball recipes.
Don’t forget to hydrate.
Depending on the length of your hike and the temperature, you may benefit from replenishing electrolytes. I recommend trying Ultima Replenisher powder or Nuun tabs. You can easily add them to your water and they add great flavor if you are not a water fan.
Live Well.
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