Trail mix is a great snack, if you make it right. Most people like the ease of grabbing a handful or a small bag of trail mix to snack on. The reality is that most trail mixes are high in calories, contain high amounts of sodium and sugar, have chocolate or candy-coated pieces, or have dried fruit that contains sulfur dioxide and added sugars. Most trail mixes are full of trans fats, refined carbohydrates, and simple sugars. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
It is very easy to prepare your own trail mix. Preparing your own snack packs can keep you full and keep cravings away. If you want to get sufficient amounts of calcium, try including raw nuts (excluding peanuts because they are hard on the digestive system), raw seeds, and dried fruit (without added sugars or sulfur dioxide), and figs in your trail mixes.
The Origins of Trail Mix
According to the origin, two California surfers created trail mix by blending peanuts and raisins together for an energizing snack. However, ancient nomadic tribes mixed dried fruits, nuts, and dried meats together to sustain them when they moved. While it wasn’t called trail mix then, they stumbled on one of the greatest snacks of all time.
If you are feeling sluggish, trail mix is a great snack that provides you with a lot of energy and nutrients. However you combine your dried fruit, nuts, and seeds, make sure to not overdo it. If you need a little inspiration for making your own trail mix, check out the recipe below.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup raw pecans
- ¾ cup raw cashews
- ½ cup raw sunflower seeds
- ½ cup raw pumpkin seeds
- ½ cup unsweetened, unsulfured cherries
- ½ cup unsweetened, unsulfured raisins
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine all the ingredients together in a large bowl or airtight container. Give it a good mix and enjoy.
- This will keep in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for about a month.
