Best Mixed Nuts To Keep You Energized For A Long Hike

Mixed nuts are one of the best snacks to bring on a hike, as they are light and convenient, while being nutrient-dense to ensure that you have sufficient energy to last you through a hike. Find out more about the type of nuts that you should grab for a hike in this article!

Your type of mixed nuts

Mixed nuts are the preferred choice of food for hiking, as they contain adequate amounts of fats, protein and carbohydrates needed for sustenance. The fats in nuts also take longer to digest than proteins and carbohydrates, hence making them most suitable for hikes which have longer durations and enabling one to be fueled throughout the activity. Some of the nuts that you could choose if you want to prepare your own mixed nuts are almonds, cashews, pistachios, peanuts, pecans, walnuts, Brazil nuts and macadamias. You can then mix and match them with some dried fruits such as dried blueberries, dried cranberries, golden jumbo raisins and blackcurrent chia seed snack amongst others! It is totally up to you to get creative with the variations. However, if you prefer already-picked combinations, here we recommend four types of mixed nuts for hiking.

Traveller’s choice mix

As the name suggests, this is the preferred choice for hikers, as it contains a good mix of fiber, protein, carbohydrates, and fats to last you throughout the hike. The ingredients are baked almonds, green raisins, whole cranberries, baked walnuts, baked pecans and baked macadamia- a whole assortment of nutrient dense nuts that will offer you a multitude of health benefits. Almonds are one of the healthiest nuts, containing high amounts of vitamin E which helps to boost immunity, and being an antioxidant, helps to prevent cell damage and oxidative stress. As for raisins, they have low to medium glycemic index values, meaning that consuming them should not cause spikes in blood sugar levels. Hence, raisins may control blood sugar levels and lower blood pressure, as well as decrease cholesterol levels. Cranberries improves blood sugar levels, raises “good” cholesterol levels, reduces body mass index, and reduces the risk of developing heart illness. They may also slow the growth of cancer cells and prevent gum diseases. The red cranberries contrast with the green raisins, making this mix more appetizing to consume, while providing some sweetness as well.

Walnuts are a superfood that contain many nutrients and vitamins. More notably, they contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, that improves cognitive function. Besides this, walnuts enhance metabolism and speeds up the recovery time after a strenuous hike and hence are one of the best nuts for hiking. Pecans are helpful in muscle recovery after a hike. They also contain minerals such as copper, thiamine, and zinc. Altogether, these minerals aid in the functioning of the immune and nervous system, the functioning of the brain as well as the healing of wounds. Thus, pecans aid in navigation, healing, and wellbeing, which are needed during a hike. Lastly, we have macadamia nuts. Although macadamias contain high amounts of calories, a hike will exhaust those calories away. Macadamia nuts are creamy and tasty, and their slow releasing energy makes them suitable for hiking. The mixed nuts are also baked, which means that you do not have to bake them yourself. All you need to do is to portion them out into smaller bags to fit your pocket, and you are good to go. Get your traveller’s choice mix today if you prefer a wide variety of nuts to supplement your hiking diet!

Premium medley

This high-quality mixed nut includes baked pecans, baked cashews, baked macadamias, baked walnuts, whole cranberries, and blueberries. This mix is similar to the traveller’s choice mix, except for almonds and raisins, but with the addition of cashews and blueberries. Cashew nuts are ideal for consumption after an arduous hike, as they contain high amounts of carbohydrates and protein, which helps to restore your glycogen levels and energize your body. The sodium content in cashew nuts also helps to increase water retention and thirst, increasing hydration for the body. Hence, cashew nuts are ideal for recovery for the body after a long hike. Blueberries are good antioxidants which help to reduce cellular damage and reduce the risk of developing cancer. They also contain iron, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, manganese, zinc, and vitamin K which helps to build strong bones. Ultimately, the decision to choose between the premium medley and the traveller’s choice mix lies on the type of nuts and berries that you prefer. Both types of mix contain sufficient minerals and nutrients, so you will not be losing out if you choose either.

Superboost

Superboost consists of baked almonds, baked cashews, baked macadamias, cranberries, apricots and Belgium dark chocolate. This tasty mixed nut is the one to go for if you prefer a balanced combination of both nutty and sweet. This is because they contain apricots and dark chocolate as well, which amplifies the sweetness and enjoyability of the nut mix. Apricots are nutrient dense, containing iron, calcium, protein, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and boron. These nutrients are beneficial for muscle growth, strengthening the immune system, oxygen transportation and bone health amongst many other benefits. Dark chocolates also have some benefits for human health, such as reducing inflammation and insulin resistance, as well as lowering the risk of developing heart illness. Do remember however, to consume superboost in moderation as it is relatively high in sugar.

Deluxe natural nuts

Finally, we have our deluxe natural nuts, that caters to those who prefer to bake and season their own nuts. This mix consists of raw almonds, walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, and macadamias. An ingredient in this mix that is not found in the other mix is hazelnut, which is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, as well as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain a type of antioxidant that decreases blood cholesterol and inflammation, therefore reducing the risk of developing cancer and heart illness. Here is a mixed nut recipe that you could follow to add more flavour to the natural mix.

What you need:

• 2 and a ½ cups of deluxe natural mix
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or brown rice syrup
• 2 tablespoon of unprocessed cane sugar or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil or olive oil
• ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 5 teaspoon of sea salt
• 2 tablespoons of coarsely chopped rosemary.

Steps:

1. Spread the nuts on the baking tray lined with baking paper. Toast for 10 to 12 minutes.
2. While waiting, mix the cane sugar, maple syrup, cayenne, rosemary, oil and sea salt together to form a sauce.
3. After toasting, remove the nuts from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Pour the nuts into a bowl and pour the sauce in as well. Mix well.
4. Pour the seasoned nuts onto the baking tray and toast it for 10 to 12 minutes until they turn golden.
5. Take out the tray and let the nuts cool for 20 minutes before serving or storing in an airtight container.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nuts contain a ton of health benefits and are filled with proteins and carbohydrates which helps to sustain you for the long hike. Apart from getting healthy hiking nuts, do remember to check the weather before you embark on your hike. Do also bring along some first-aid supplies, sun protection and water amongst many other things, as they are a necessity. We hope that you will have a refreshed and enjoyable hike!