Sustained energy is a must when it comes to any activity, but especially for outdoor adventures that require more from your body than normal activity.
That energy comes from food.
While you might not have the space to pack a full-blown picnic, or the time to pop a squat and relax for an hour, you can always stash a few small bars in your pack or pockets.
Look for bars with plenty of protein, good fats found in nuts and seeds, complex carbs or whole grains to keep your energy up longer, and fiber to keep you feeling full.
Try these first:
KIND Bars
Just like the name says, KIND bars are kind to your body by providing all of the nutrients and energy you need. The bars come in seven varieties: omega-3, protein, gluten-free, high fiber, flax, low sugar and antioxidant.
Most bars include nuts, dried fruit, and some sort of grain such as quinoa, millet or oats. All of the flavors contain about 200 calories each.
Flavors to try:
- Pomegranate, Blueberry, Pistachio + Antioxidants (22 grams of carbs and 50 percent of the recommend daily intake of vitamins A, C, and E)
- Dark Chocolate Nuts and Sea Salt (7 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein)
- Almond, Walnut, Macadamia + Protein (10 grams of protein)
CLIF Bar
Clif Bar started as a small, family business that's since grown into a huge company, but one that still stays true to the family-run vibe with a simple mission of providing healthy energy.
You'll find a variety of bars, like the original energy bar (CLIF Bar), a kid's version (ZBar), a women's version (Luna), and a sweet and salty line (MoJo).
The CLIF Bars use whole, organic ingredients aimed at providing athletes with sustained energy. Some flavors taste better than others, but a popular choice is the White Chocolate Macadamia (260 calories with 9 grams of protein). It's so good you'll have to resist eating it just for a tasty treat.
The line also carries seasonal flavors, such as Iced Gingerbread and Spiced Pumpkin Pie.
Other flavors to try:
- Cool Mint Chocolate (10 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber)
- Blueberry Crisp (23 vitamins and minerals with no trans fats)
Justin's Nut Butter
This isn't technically a bar, but it still packs away easily, is super tasty, and provides instant energy. Grab a few of the individual packets, which are perfect on an apple or to slurp down all by itself.
The nut butters are dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, organic--and the Chocolate Hazelnut flavor (5 grams of protein and 14 grams of the good-for-you fat) basically tastes like Nutella, but is much better for your body.
Flavors to try:
- Vanilla Almond Butter (5 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber)
- Honey Peanut Butter (gluten and dairy free with no trans fats)