6 Healthy Snacks For a Day on the Hiking Trails

We all know the feeling of wanting to get out of the house and be active when the weather is nice and the sun is shining.

Many people enjoy hiking, as it’s an enjoyable form of exercise that keeps you on your feet and lets you explore nature at the same time. 

Though, if you’re going to spend a day on the hiking trails, it’s important that you take the time to prepare necessities beforehand.

Depending on how long you’re planning to be out, it can sometimes prove to be dangerous if you don’t organize provisions. 

It’s also essential to make sure that you’re packing snacks that are going to provide you with the right nutrition until you get home.

If you find yourself hungry in the middle of a hike, you need something quick and easy to get your energy levels back up.

Certain foods, such as granola bars, can make you hungrier, which is what you want to avoid. 

In this post, we discuss a few of the best snacks that you can take with you when you hit the trails. 

 

1. Macadamia Nuts 

Experienced hikers will usually have a few go-to snacks to take on hikes, and nuts are definitely a big staple. This is because nuts pack in a lot of nutrition in a single serving. 

Macadamia nuts are no exception, as they’re rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins which provide a range of health benefits.

 

 

The healthy fats provide long-lasting energy which is going to give you an extra boost during your hike.

Additionally, certain studies have shown that macadamia nuts may lower the risk of heart disease and boost brain health. 

 

As these nuts contain high amounts of fats, protein, and fiber, they’re also good for keeping you satiated for a long time.

This makes them an ideal snack to pack in your bag, as well as the fact that they’re readily available in stores and will last you a while.  

 

2. Pasture-Raised Beef Jerky

Another great snack to have on hand is beef jerky, as it’s one of the healthiest lean meats that you can get.

Pasture-raised beef jerky is a great option, as the cattle will have also been grass-fed, which provides many more vitamins. 

Beef jerky is also typically high in protein and minerals, which makes for a tasty and energizing snack while you’re out soaking up the sun.

This snack is high in zinc and iron, which will provide even more energy level support. It’s also low in carbohydrates, so it’s also suitable for low-carb diets. 

The one thing to look out for is the sodium content.

You don’t want to become dehydrated while out on a hiking trail, so look for a brand that does not pack their beef jerky with high-sodium ingredients.

Also, make sure you take enough water to last throughout your hike.

 

3. Grass-Fed Whey Protein 

Grass-fed whey protein is an excellent snack for hiking, but it could get quite messy trying to make a protein shake in the middle of a trail.

Instead, we recommend carrying grass-fed whey protein bars during your hikes.

These protein bars make for an ideal quick snack while out in nature as they are so versatile and provide an impressive amount of nutrition.

 

 

While the fiber and the protein will keep you full and energized, you’re also providing your body with nutrition that it’ll need to repair itself after your hiking workout. 

Grass-fed protein is also superior as it is a much better source of quality nutrition.

You want a protein product that is as minimal as possible and doesn’t contain filler ingredients which can prove harmful to your health.

 

4. Nut Butters

Like macadamia nuts, other nut butters also have impressive nutritional tables which make them a good option for on-the-go snacks.

Nut butters are known to be great sources of protein, but they’re also great sources of vitamins and minerals too. 

Nut butters contain unsaturated fats that provide heart-protective qualities.

Almond nut butter is very high in Vitamin E, which is an essential antioxidant that will work to combat oxidative stress throughout the body. 

Conveniently, nut butters also now come in squeeze-packs which are perfect for taking them with you on hikes.

Pack a small tub of celery, some nut butter, and you have a simple yet healthy snack whenever you feel like you need some extra energy. 

 

5. Dried Fruits

Dried fruits are another extremely popular hiking snack and for very good reasons.

Fruits that have gone through the process of being dried are very high in energy and are packed with various nutrients. 

Depending on the dried fruit in question, these snacks can provide a large amount of fiber and minerals, which can also work to keep you full for a long time.

They’re also a quick way to ensure that you’re consuming enough nutrition. 

Certain dried fruits can also offer more health benefits. For example, raisins may work to lower blood pressure and improve blood sugar control.

They can also increase feelings of satiation, which is why many people add them to trail mix.

 

6. Bananas

Finally, bananas are a largely convenient snack food that is easy to take on the go. This fruit offers a range of vitamins and minerals, including fiber and potassium, which will keep you full and maintain your blood sugar. 

Generally, bananas are known to be excellent sources of nutrition and their health benefits are very impressive.

These fruits may support heart health, improve digestive health, and they contain lots of antioxidants which is going to protect the body from oxidative stress. 

Consider taking a couple of bananas with you when you head out on your next hike. They make for quick and easy snacks, and they’re sure to keep you going.

 

Conclusion

While you may just want to get out and head for the trail, you do need to prepare a few supplies beforehand.

Everybody’s personal snack preferences are different, but the options that we’ve listed in this article have proven to be some of the best to-go hiking snacks. 

Keeping hydrated and making sure you’re energized makes for a much more enjoyable hiking experience.