Super Snacks: An Essential Boost For Your Life Outdoors
Outdoor enthusiast and blogger Lauren Shipley gives us the recipes for her favourite homemade snacks which are guaranteed to give your Life Outdoors a real boost. Got your tastebuds popping? Then get your apron on and get baking.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a cycling enthusiast, or just someone who loves being outdoors – even if it’s for a city break and not climbing a mountain! – being fully prepared is key, and by being prepared, I mean having the right snacks and sources of nutrition at hand to keep your energy levels high and full of healthy goodness.
Grab and Go
Having snacks at hand that you can grab and eat easily are the best; packed with filling ingredients with a punch of flavour to keep you satisfied until you have a big meal later on to reward all your moving about. I personally like things I can pop in a small Tupperware box or some resealable bags to munch on throughout the day, so why not share my favourite foods and give you some inspiration for the types of food you should be chowing down on a #LifeOutdoors?!
Powered By Granola
If you’re a dab handy in the baking department, then this yummy Super Snack Granola Bar is something I like to whip up for breakfast, lunch, dessert and all the times in-between which tastes awesome, and is perfect on the go! All you need is 15-20 Pitted Dates, some water, 2 Cups of Rolled Oats and ¼ Cup of Seeds, Nuts and Dried Fruit of Choice. You can add in extra honey, cacao or other superfood powders such as Lucuma or Aguaje to taste, but the filling it up to you.
Easy, Peasy Recipe
Directions: Cut up and soak the dates in hot water that just covers them until soft | Drain some of the liquid and then blend until a smooth consistency, a bit like caramel | If you’re adding in honey, then heat in a pan with the blended dates, and then stir in the oats and superfood powders (if using) – this makes it easier to work and ensure all the coats are covered and bind | Take off the heat and add in some cacao nibs, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and combine until a dough-like texture | Spread evenly in a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper, and bake for 15-20 minutes
Just to make this recipe even more appealing, here are just some of the health benefits you’ll be getting whilst eating these on your next adventure:
Dates are a great energy booster, which also contain a high level of potassium to keep your heart healthy and can increase muscle gain.
Oats are a great source of dietary-fibre called beta-gluten, which helps to lower bad cholesterol and also helps balance blood-pressure.
Nuts are high in Vitamin E and Omega-3 Fats which are very good anti-flammatory properties – very good if your tight or injured on a walk!
So whether you’re off hiking this year, or attempting a new outdoors adventure – heck, even if you’re just walking into town every day – make sure your bag is packed with filling, nutritional treats to keep you on your feet and energised all day long, and you’ll be on your way to a better life outdoors.
Been inspired by Lauren's snack suggestions? Got any snack habits that you use to boost your #Life Outdoors? Share them with us on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
