If hiking or camping is on your to-do list this summer, your route is not the only thing worth mapping out. Your activity-packed days call for higher nutrient and fluid needs.
Much of what you pack depends on the length of your trip (just a day-hike or do you need overnight foods?), the tools and equipment you'll bring, and how active you'll be. Heck, you might as well consider where you're going. After all, a little (smart and well-informed) foraging might get you some tasty berries for dessert. Consider some tips to pack smart:
- Don't forget to include all food groups. You need protein and fats just as much as you do carbohydrates. You need stable energy for mind and muscles. ProEnergy whey protein isolate travel packs easily mix with water or milk and come in both flavored and unflavored varieties.
- Foods that are easily prepared will help you maximize the time you have for other activities. This doesn't mean hiking is an excuse to stack up on candy-in-disguise "protein" bars. You need real fuel. EnergyFirst Permalean protein bars are real fuel. Free of fake sweeteners, cheap fillers, and synthetic ingredients, these protein bars are 100% natural and provide 23 grams of the highest quality whey protein isolate. With a cold source, such as an ice pack, you can pack perishable foods, too. (Think sandwich ingredients!)
- How much weight can you carry? Is space an issue? You may need to pack more concentrated, nutrient-dense foods that are lighter in weight. Nut butters, nutty bars (see Stark Raving Peanutz Permalean protein bars from EnergyFirst), trail mixes (raw nuts and seeds), dried or freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, tuna, concentrated calorie sources such as avocados, non-fat cheeses, or a healthy sports drink.
ProEnergy, EnergyFirst's pre-workout energy drink, can fuel up your hike the same way it fuels up an endurance workout. It's an all-natural, sugar-free drink that gives longer-lasting energy and boosts physical and mental performance. This high-quality source of amino acids fights fatigue and mental fogginess.
Be prepared to feel the difference with ProEnergy. Pack just enough for your trip with single-serving travel packs. Discover more about it. - Carb choices may include ready-to-eat (whole grain) cereal, old-fashioned oats, fruit or vegetable puree, whole wheat tortillas, or brown rice
- Since your food choices may be limited, packing spices and condiments in individual packs can help boost the taste of your food. Consider low sodium ideas such as garlic powder, pepper, basil, lemon pepper, cayenne pepper, cumin, cinnamon, mustard, or other personal favorites.
- When packing canned foods, consider wether the weight and bulk is worth it, especially if you're aiming for 15 ounce cans or higher. It might be more convenient to stick to canned foods for shorter trips.
- EnergyFirst Greenergy comes in travel packs, each serving offering 5-7 servings of green superfood vegetables. Try fitting that into a backpack!
