This sandwich is the bee’s knees. It’s not your typical pb&j. Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory this gourmet Peanut Butter Hiking Sandwich will be a staple even when you are off the trail.

This sandwich came to fruition when I was pregnant. Lunch meat is a no-no when with child, and I wanted sandwiches! It will give you the energy you need to get through the day while eating for two, or taking on mountains.

Hiking Sandwich Ingredients

This is a 5 ingredient sandwich. It’s like a trail mix in a sandwich, minus the M&Ms.

Bread

Not all bread is created equal. Many think they are making a healthier choice with wheat bread. Wheat bread is pretty similar to white bread. It’s made with refined flour and stripped of it’s outer layers (and nutritional value). Choose a “whole wheat” or “whole grain” bread to get the most nutritional value.

A grain is considered to be a whole grain as long as all three original parts — the bran, germ, and endosperm — are still present in the same proportions as when the grain was growing in the fields.

Whole Grains Council

According to the Whole Grains Council, each part of a whole grain has important properties.

• Bran: antioxidants, B vitamins and fiber
• Germ: B vitamins, some protein, minerals, and healthy fats
• Endosperm: starchy carbohydrates, proteins and small amounts of vitamins and minerals

If you are gluten free, choose your favorite gluten free bread for this recipe. There are many options out there.

Nut Butter

Any natural nut or seed butter will work in this recipe. There are a handful of health benefits in consuming nut butters in moderation.

• Protein
• Healthy Fats
• Fiber
• Vitamins & Minerals

Nuts are a great alternative to animal protein. However, they are heavy in fat and calories. When hiking a mountain, eating for two, or doing other energy burning activities, you need that extra fat and calories to keep you fueled.

Honey

Nature’s sweetener, honey helps keep this sandwich stuck together and tasting oh so sweet. Honey is great for quick energy bursts.

Golden Raisins

Nature’s candy, golden raisins have more antioxidant properties than regular raisins. According to the Healthline.com article, “Are Raisins Good for You?” written by Jacquelyn Cafasso, raisins are a great source of fiber, iron, and calcium.

Raisins are also a good source of carbohydrates when exercising.

For endurance athletes, raisins are a great alternative for expensive sports chews and gels. They offer a quick source of much-needed carbohydrates and can help improve your performance.

Jacquelyn Cafasso – Healthline.com

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are delicious little crunchy snacks. They make great salad toppers, trail mix mix-ins, and cracking the shells at the ballpark. There are a slew of reasons to incorporate more sunflower seeds in your diet.

Here are few reasons to incorporate more into your diet according to Lauren Wick’s article on EatingWell.com:

• Great healthy fat for your heart
• Contains Zinc & Selenium: Boosts immunity and helps fight inflammation
• High in Vitamin E which is an excellent source of antioxidants

How to Make this Sandwich

Making sandwiches are the easiest thing. Your 2nd grader can do it!

Whether you’re hiking the mountains in Colorado, or the bluffs of Missouri, here is the best order to layer these sandwich ingredients:

1. Spread the Peanut Butter (or other nut butter) crust to crust on both pieces of bread.
2. Sprinkle Golden Raisins on one piece of bread.
3. Top raisins with Sunflower Seeds.
4. Drizzle on the Honey.
5. Put the other piece of bread (with just the peanut butter), on top of the goodie filled side.
6. Smush together slightly, and enjoy!

Snack Ideas for Hiking

This sandwich is a great lunch while hiking, but don’t forget the snacks! Keep up your energy with these healthy snack options:

• Energy Balls: Peanut Butter, Lemon Blueberry, or Pumpkin
• Fresh Fruit: Apples, Grapes, Cherries, Oranges
• Beef Jerky
• Mixed Nuts
• Chocolate (Yes! You have to have chocolate to celebrate when you get to the summit)

After that big hike, make a meal that is light and delicious: Artichoke Chicken.

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