Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents - Summer 2005
TOPIC: Happy Trails to You
Easy Snacks to Fix and Take With
by karin meyer

In the summer, we become nomads. The mountains and trails call to us. Out to hike, bike or camp, we go. No need, of course, to barter for food along the way. We need only pack a few snacks for the journey. With a little bit of planning, you and your family can be sure to have food that’s tasty and nutritious yet portable, nonperishable and easy to put together.

“When you’re hiking,
carbohydrates are a good energy source,” says Dianne Moeller, registered dietitian at the Health District. “Dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries or apricots are good. Fresh oranges and apples are easy to pack, too. And they have lots of moisture and carbohydrates in them.”

To keep from getting dehydrated, take along bottled water or small cans of unsweetened fruit juice.
Peanut Butter and Banana Breakfast Wraps

2 12-inch whole wheat tortillas
2 bananas (straight ones about 10-12” long)
¼ c. peanut butter (or almond, cashew, pecan, walnut or soy butters)
Spread 2 tbsp. peanut butter over each tortilla. Place the banana onto the tortilla and roll to enclose the banana. Cut each wrap in half. Wrap in freezer paper or plastic wrap. Makes 4.

View other snack recipes:
Bean and Avocado Wraps       Cranberry-Almond Granola

Today’s convenience packaging can make transporting food easy. Bean dip, small cans of salsas, even salmon and tuna in pouches are lightweight. Cut-up fruits and vegetables pair nicely with peanut butter or dip.

Wraps and whole wheat pita breads can turn breakfast or lunch on-the-go into a mini feast.

And don’t forget the gorp. Add a few chunks of dark chocolate to your mix of nuts, pumpkin or sunflower seeds and dried fruit and you have a snack that even kids will like, Moeller says.