I like coconut oil before hiking, preferably in a hot, (lc) choclatey drink. Tt's great for energy and facilitates using fat for fuel. I don't know if being hungry is a good sign...

To increase the benefits of your hike maybe add hiking poles (to include more of your body) or add a weighted backpack, make sure it is built ofr the weight you put in it, and increase the intensity of the hike at certain spots - interval training.

take care,
Meg