Survival Bites: A Recipe For Long Hikes

This was scheduled to post while I was hiking yesterday, but it didn’t so you get it today. πŸ™‚

While you’re reading this I’m already on my way to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Yippie!

You can bet I’m on my way to finishing off these little bites. They’re soooooo good. They’re also needed for this intense hike (of a lifetime!).

Half Dome is a hike that has been raved as one you MUST do before you die.

The longest and steepest hike found in any National Park. Along with 5,000 feet elevation gain, this is a 17 mile hike (depending on which trail) that takes about 10 to 14 hours to complete. Along the way there are incredible waterfalls, beautiful rock formations, and insanely steep routes.

It’s a LONG day hike but is suppose to be absolutely breathtaking. Then there are the cables… think completely vertical, pulling yourself up with ropes. Yikes! Wish me luck!

With all this hiking body nourishment is needed. My backpack essentials:

  • 100 ounce Camelpack (that’s more than 3 liters) + three 16 oz water bottles
  • 1 15 oz bottle of coconut water
  • Nuun Electrolyte tabs
  • 1 packs of GU Chomps (little bites for instant energy)
  • 2 apples
  • 1 packet of almond butter
  • 2 Organic Food Bars
  • trail mix
  • 1 packet of tuna
  • and probably more food that I’m forgetting about
  • Survival Bites

I made these to include all the ingredients I know to provide energy with nutrients. Some of these ingredients (if not all) are incredibly important for replenishing muscle damage (due to things like a long hike) and glycogen shortages (required for feeding muscles!).

No recipe at this time but I will give you some information of some of the key ingredients:

Maca – Purvian (not so-)secret for increased energy and mood, adrenal support, improve sexual desire and decreased anxiety.  A dried root ground into a powder and used in smoothies, baked goods, anything really. I love it for it’s malty taste and use it just about everyday in smoothies.

Chia Seeds – Little seeds rich in omega-3 fatty acids and contain high amounts of contain phosphorus, manganese, calcium, potassium and sodium. One ounce of chia seeds contains 4 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber. My favorite part about these little guys is they soak up water (or any liquid) like crazy and when eaten when water-filled provide slow digesting hydration for you. (does that make sense?) They help hydrate you.

Raisins/Dried Figs/Dried Fruit – Instant sugar (energy!) to refuel your glycogen stores, which in turn, help your muscles during endurance activity. And they taste good and hold these Survival Bites together.

Raw Cacao Nibs – Energy, nutrients, minerals, and crunchy, these raw cocoa bean pieces provide ample amounts of everything good for your body!

Sea Salt – When you exercise you lose a lot of salt through sweat. Adding some salt into your diet can help replace the electrolytes lost and help keep energy levels up. Plus, this added flavor-enhancer does wonders for the sweet and savory combination. Absolutely delicious sprinkled on top.

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