5 Healthy Hiking Lunch Ideas
I’m so excited to share with you some of my favorite lunches to take when I go day hiking!
When you’re going out for a day hike it’s unlikely that you will want to bring the tools needed to actually cook food on a trail. It is so important to eat healthy on the trail to feel energized and light while hiking.
How much fuel (calories) you need will depend on your calorie needs so feel free to double these recipes if you’re looking for something higher in calories!
PITA PIZZA:
Who doesn’t love a good pita pizza especially in the middle of a long hike. I recommend making these ahead of time. Instead of putting the sauce on the top of the pita, try filling your pita with sauce, cheese, green pepper, and olives and cooking it in the oven until the cheese is melted. Once it comes out and cools, wrap it in aluminum foil and pack for your hike! I’m a big fan of using Ezekiel 4:9 bread! When you choose a tomato sauce pick something that has 6g or less of sugar. I like to get the “Prego” no sugar added tomato sauce. As far as cheese goes I usually buy a part-skim mozzarella.
Calories 299, Protein 15g, Sugar 4g, Fiber 5g, Carbs 41g, Fat 9g
SMOKED SALMON BAGEL WITH CUCUMBER AND ONION
Serves: 1
INGREDIENTS:
3 tbsps Cream Cheese, Regular (plain) (vegan option Kite Hill Cream Cheese)
1 Whole grain bagel
4 ozs Smoked Salmon
⅓ Cucumber (medium, sliced)
2 slices of red onion
¼ of an avocado (optional)
NUTRITION: Calories 611, Protein 29g, Sugar 17g, Fiber 3g, Carbs 60g, Fat 25g,
1. Spread the cream cheese evenly over the bagel slices. Add the smoked salmon, avocado, cucumber, onion, and close the bagel.
2. Wrap the bagel in foil and pack for your hiking trip!
Photo by: GoodieGodmother
SPICY TUNA WRAP
Serves: 1
INGREDIENTS:
1 can Tuna
1 1/2 tbsps Mayonnaise
1/4 tsp Chili Flakes
Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
1 Brown Rice Tortilla or lavash wrap (I like Joseph’s Brand
2 Carrot (shredded)
½ Cucumber (small, sliced)
In a small bowl add the tuna, mayonnaise, chili flakes, salt and pepper. Mix together until well combined.
Lay the tortilla flat and spread the tuna in the middle. Top with carrots and cucumber. Roll the wrap tightly while folding the ends in.
For easier eating, wrap with a piece of foil to hold the wrap together!
NUTRITION: Calories 505, Protein 37g, Sugar 11g, Fiber 7g, Carbs 44g, Fat 20g
Photo by: A Pinch of Healthy
GREEK PASTA SALAD
Servies: 4
INGREDIENTS:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 1/2 tbsps Red Wine Vinegar
1/2 tsp Oregano (dried)
Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
1 1/2 cups Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
½ Cucumber (quartered, sliced)
1/3 cup Pitted Kalamata Olives
1 1/2 cups Chickpea Pasta (dry)
Calories 191, Protein 6g, Sugar 3g, Fiber 3g, Carbs 16g, Fat 13g
1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse well and set aside to cool.
2. In a small bowl, add the oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
3. In a bowl add the pasta, and the dressing and mix well. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, and olives and toss to combine. Distribute into reusable bags (I love stasher) for your hike!
Photo by: Celiac’s Disease Foundation
ALMOND BUTTER AND BANANA SANDWICH
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
2 tbsps Almond Butter
2 slices Dave’s Killer Bread
½ Banana (sliced into rounds)
Spread the almond butter onto the bread. Top with bananas. Close the sandwich and wrap in foil for your hiking trip!
Nutrition: Calories 492, Fat 18g, Carbs 67g, Fiber 7g, Sugar 9g, Protein 17g.