M&M’S® Crispy: 3 Delicious (Trail) Snacks Under 200 Calories

Getting ready for a day hike? You have the clothing; you have the gear, but what about the snacks? To really have a positive and pleasant journey, you also need to make certain that your body is properly fueled and hydrated before, during, and after a day hike.

Hiking burns tons of calories. In fact, an average 190-pound male burns 517 calories per hour of hiking; the average 163-pound female burns 444 calories per hour of hiking. Realistically, you could burn nearly 2,000 calories on an average 4-hour day hike. Because of the sheer amount of calories you burn hiking, it is important that you refuel often.

When I first started hiking, I tried to complete day hikes without refueling. I would have great energy at the beginning of an easy to moderate hike but by the end, usually 3-4 hours later, I was crawling to the car. It wasn’t until I discovered the wonders of trail snacks that I was able to complete long hikes enjoyably, without feeling exhausted.

Trail snacks are a vital part of a day hiker’s nutrition. These wholesome snacks can deliver the necessary calories and nutrients needed to help you maintain energy while you hike. Eating satisfying snacks also helps to keep your muscles fueled and increase your concentration during your day hike.

When choosing delicious trail snacks, choose sensibly. The most beneficial trail snacks should include a balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber to give adequate nutrition without compromising your diet.

Here are a few on-the- go, backpack-friendly M&M’S® Crispy-inspired snack options. Back by popular demand, M&M’S® Crispy are a satisfying chocolate treat at 180 calories per singles pack*. Made of rich milk chocolate, M&M’S® Crispy have a sweet rice puff center that’s crispy and crunchy and coated in the world-famous candy shell.

Go ahead, nibble on these delicious, nourishing, and energy-boosting trail snacks—for under 200 calories each. These also make great after-school or on-the-go snacks options for kids and adults.

1. Sweet and Salty Trail Mix. Get the perfect combination of carbohydrates and protein with nuts and M&M’S® Crispy. An easy on-the-go snack, combine 1/4 cup mixed nuts with six (6) M&M’S® Crispy pieces for a satisfying and tasty treat. Store in a sandwich bag.
2. Sweet and Savory Rice Cakes. Get the perfect combination of sweet and savory with this afternoon snack.  Spread 1 tablespoon of almond, cashew, or peanut butter on a plain rice cake. Top with 13 M&M’S® Crispy pieces.  Place the rice cakes in a Tupperware container to keep them from getting crushed in transit.
3. Popcorn and Chocolate. Need something sweet to satisfy your sweet tooth craving? Combine 3 cups of air popped popcorn with a ½ bag of M&M’S® Crispy pieces. Store in a gallon-sized freezer bag.

*For more information on M&M’S® Crispy, including nutritional information, please visit www.mms.com or learn more on Facebook (http://www.Facebook.com/mms).

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.