| |
Superfoods are foods that pack a nutritional punch! Important in everyday life, superfoods are even more useful on the trail where your body needs extra nutrients to keep it strong after stressful days of hiking, climbing and paddling. Superfoods are loaded with the big three for optimal health – antioxidants, nutrients and fiber. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite Backpacking Superfoods to help you make the most of your time in the outdoors.
 | Almonds
Snack
on almonds while hiking or sauté them in olive oil to dress up your
couscous. However you choose to eat them, these meaty nuts will help to
repair tired muscles, rebuild your calcium stores and give your body an
instant protein boost. Almonds pack six grams of protein per ounce and
three grams of fiber which will help to control blood sugar. Rich in
heart-healthy fats, they also boast muscle-relaxing magnesium,
bone-building calcium and immune-boosting vitamin E. Who knew such a
small nut could pack such a healthy kick?
|
|
|
|
|  | Berries
Many
berries, especially blueberries, are packed with antioxidants which act
as anti-inflammatories, helping to sooth sore muscles. Blueberries will
also help keep you mentally sharp and are high in potassium and vitamin
C. Snack on dried berries while your setting up camp and reap the most
benefits – the enzymes that transfer glucose to tired muscles are most
active 30 minutes after a tough workout.
(Goji Berries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Cranberries, Boysenberries, Elderberries and Raspberries)
|
|
|
|
|  | Dark Chocolate
Brimming
with antioxidants, dark chocolate is a sweet way to get a burst of fast
acting energy. This is a great snack to eat about an hour before a
steep climb or swift rapid. Plus, dark chocolate’s micronutrients help
lower blood pressure, increase blood flow and promote heart health. |
|
|
|
|
|
|  | Flaxseed
Ground
flaxseed helps prevent cell damage that goes hand in hand with
strenuous exercise thanks to omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed also helps to
lower cholesterol and contains phytoestrogens that may lower cancer
risk. |
|
|
|
|
|
|  | Green Leafy Vegetables
Spinach,
kale, lettuce, chard and other greens are all packed with vitamins A, B
and C. They also boast calcium, like milk, which is key to building
strong bones and quercetin, a compound that helps sooth inflammation in
sore muscles. Beta carotene, iron, magnesium and potassium are also
present.
|
|
|
|
|  | Kidney Beans
These
little beans are a great source for low-fat protein, topping out at
about 16 grams per cup. Kidney beans are also full of folic acid and
antioxidants which are an anti-inflammatory, great for sore muscles on
the trail.
|
|
|
|
|  | Milk
We
all know that calcium is good for building strong bones on a daily
basis but it’s even more important when bones have been stressed by a
day of hiking or climbing. Milk is also a good source of protein, zinc
and vitamin B which all work to keep you going strong.
|
|
|
|
|  | Olive Oil
Olive
oil is loaded with good fats that provide long-lasting energy and
antioxidants. Olive oil is also great for aching muscles and joints
because it acts as an anti-inflammatory.
|
|
|
|
|  | Red Beans
Red
beans are amazingly high in fiber, which will not only help to lower
your cholesterol, but because they take longer to digest, you’ll feel
full longer. Try our Zydeco Red Beans & Rice for a complete protein
that tastes great on the trail!
|
|
|
|
|  | Tomatoes
Tomatoes,
fresh, powdered or dried, are a good source of vitamin C which helps in
iron absorption and helps to rebuild tissue broken down on the trail.
Surprisingly, sun-dried tomatoes pack up to 12 times the nutrients of
fresh tomatoes at a fraction of the weight!
|
|
|
|
| 
| Walnuts
Packed with beneficial omega-3s and antioxidants, walnuts help repair tired muscles after a long day of hiking, paddling or climbing. Great as a snack or mixed into oatmeal or granola, walnuts may also help to lower blood cholesterol levels which will add years to your outdoor adventures.
|
|
|
|
| 
| Whole-Grain Oats
Have you ever noticed that you stay full for hours after eating a hearty breakfast of whole-grain pancakes? Slow-burning complex carbs and a high protein content (6 grams per cooked cup) help you keep going long after the last plate has been washed. Plus, these oats contain beta-glucan, a fiber that boosts the immune system and lowers cholesterol!
|
|
|
|
|  | Wild Salmon
Inflamed,
sore muscles are soothed by eating salmon which is high in
muscle-repairing protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Our vacuum-sealed,
lightweight wild salmon is packed with the same nutrients as fresh
salmon – so eat up!
|
Copyright: June 2008. All rights reserved. Packit Gourmet, LLC
|
|
My Pack
Printable 
