Creating Your Own Healthy Trail Mix
By Brandi Goodman
Trail mix is a great snack. Rather than purchasing a pre-made bag from the store with lots of sugar and sodium, you can create your own concoction that includes all the things you love. Make sure to stick with healthier ingredients, though, if you want a beneficial treat that will do wonders for your health.
Use Nuts and Seeds
Peanuts are typically found in the store versions of trail mix. These are fine to use, but are not as nutritional as some other options. Use a variety of nuts and seeds if you want to pack in the protein, fiber, and minerals. Almonds, cashews, and pumpkin seeds are all ideal to use. Be sure to use the raw versions and not any that are heavily salted.
Make Your Mix for the Occasion
You don't have to make the same trail mix each time. Make your mix based on the occasion, such as a beach mix if you want to head out to sandy spot or a movie mix if you're staying in for the night to watch a new release. The movie mix could use some popcorn, dried cranberries, and a few M&Ms while the beach mix uses white chocolate chips, coconut flakes, dried pineapple pieces, and macadamia nuts.
Think Outside the Box
Nuts, seeds, candies, and dried fruits are the typical ingredients for trail mix, but they don't have to be the only ones. Cereal is another option as well. Think outside the box when you're choosing your ingredients and when you're picking your occasions to make them for. A peanut butter and jelly-reminiscent option can use shredded wheat cereal, peanut butter chips, dried strawberries, and peanuts. It's a great choice for kids or any adults who want a taste of their childhood.
Spice it Up
Most trail mix options are either sweet or salty. You can make yours spicy instead if you wish by adding curry and chili powder to the mix. A great Thai fusion trail mix option includes these spices along with pretzels, puffed rice, raisins, and peanuts.
National Trail Mix Day at the end of August shouldn't be the only time you enjoy this tasty treat. Create your own trail mix anytime you desire and have a healthy snack that's satisfying. Lots of advantages come from the many ingredients found in trail mix, including lots of protein and fiber in many cases.
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