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Chinese Hiking or trekking is not casual day-to-day walking. Joining a hiking trip requires you to pass through uneven terrain. The duration of the journey may last for hours or some days. That makes consuming energy bars along the way important, as they can make a huge difference to your trip. The snack provides quick energy and protein that you need anytime without unpacking your overnight bag.
Mountaineers or hikers usually place granola bars on the front, right, or left sides of the rucksack. This way, they can grab the snacks while walking on trekking trails. They can share the energy bars with fellow walkers, too. Nowadays, a wide range of protein bars are available in offline and online markets.
Sometimes, it can be confusing to choose which is the healthiest to consume. This article is going to explain the benefits of these snacks for outdoor exploration. Also, find information on the ingredients, types, and tips to select the ones that meet your needs. Stay tuned!
Are energy bars good for you?
Yes, energy bars can be good because many supply carbohydrates, protein, and fats during outdoor activities. They are all important to make sure your body stays strong during long hours of walking across various terrains, including hills and rocky terrain. Sometimes, when travelling in a group, you can’t have meals anywhere you want. Not all spots within the trails are ideal for unpacking your bag and taking out food.
This is what makes the protein bars additionally helpful. As you can grab them easily, you won’t have to spend extra time having quick bites. You can resume the journey based on the itinerary. Most of them also fall into more than one category, depending on their ingredients and purpose. Below are a few common types of bars that most trekkers usually carry with them:
Carbohydrate-focused energy bars: mostly containing oats, honey, dried fruits
Protein and carb-balanced bars: combining carbs and moderate proteins, such as nuts, seeds, and whey or plant protein
High-fat and calorie-dense bars: having lots of fats from nuts, nut butter, and coconut
Meal replacement bars: mixing carbs, protein, and fats
Fruits and nut bars: having dried fruits and nuts as the main ingredients
Performance bars: containing carbs, electrolyte blends, and salts
Key points to choose the best energy bars for you
To reiterate, there are a lot of brands available in the market. Without enough knowledge, you might think all of those products are the most proper ones for your outdoor activity. In this regard, the energy bars should provide what you actually need in the adventure without causing issues, such as stomach discomfort.
You may suffer from bloating or nausea if you eat granola bars with excessive fibres and artificial sweeteners. Besides, eating energy bars with low calories can cause dizziness. Another problem is eating very salty or protein-heavy snacks, which can cause headaches. How can you avoid such problems? These tips below might guide your selection!
Choosing energy bars with 200 – 400 calories
Every hour, a hiker usually burns between 300 and 600 calories. The number can be bigger than the range if the trip includes a lot of climbing. Consuming 200 to 400 calories from protein bars will keep your energy stable without having to eat a full meal. You can check the amount of calories in the nutrition facts table on the product package.
Ensuring the snacks have carbs, protein, and healthy fats
Good energy bars should combine carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. This way, the snacks not only provide energy supplies for immediate needs but also keep your hunger in control for a few hours ahead. So, how can you know if the snacks have all of the ingredients? You should always look for one that contains at least 30 grams of carbohydrates and 5 grams of protein in one bar. For healthy fats, check if the product has nuts, seeds, or nut butters as the sources.
Opting for whole food ingredients
Consuming protein bars with real ingredients is better for your health than chemical-based ones. Examples of whole food compositions are real nuts, oats, seeds, and fruits. Avoid buying snacks with high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and hydrogenated oils. These chemical-rich granola bars may negatively affect your health in the long run.
Avoiding energy bars with excessive sugar
Granola bars with overly refined sugar can lead to energy spikes and crashes. When you eat fast-digesting sugars, your body feels a sudden energy rush. During a hiking trip, you will feel fresh and strong, but this feeling only lasts for a short period. After the spike, your body will feel tired, dizzy, and weak. These symptoms indicate your body starts to crash. As a solution, pick the snacks with natural sweeteners, such as honey or dried fruit.
Create a safe and memorable outdoor trip with Rinjani Trekking Center
Consuming nutritious energy bars is a simple yet meaningful tip to ensure your hiking trip around Rinjani Mountain runs safely. With the Rinjani Trekking Center, you’ll also receive practical guidance on nutrition, safety, and preparation for your trek. This tourism agency is more than happy to provide all tips to guarantee your security and happiness during the adventure.
In addition, the agency consists of experienced and professional climbers and officers. They have managed various needs from travellers, both local and international. Their services are driven by their passion to provide the best vacation experiences for all tourists. Book your package or chat with them first via this website now!