Making your own trail mix is simple, easy and great for your health. Plus, the options are limitless when it comes to the items you can add. Not everyone likes their trail mix pre-made, so try some of these combinations to take with you wherever you go.
First you’ll need to pick from these types of ingredients to make the perfect mix. Of course, you can add or subtract anything you like. There is no hard set of rules.
1) Nuts
2) Seeds
3) Dried Fruit
4) Sweets
GORP
- Raisins
- Peanuts
Some people like to make something familiar to them first and then branch out. I know that’s how I usually operate. Start out with a more traditional GORP, which actually stands for Good Old Raisins and Peanuts. Mix it together. It’s great to keep in your bag for a snack or to add to your lunch.
Super Power Mix
- Dried cranberries
- Second Nature Roasted Pistachios (shelled)
- Second Nature California Almonds
- Sunflower seeds
- Dark chocolate
This mix gives you a little bit of healthy natural sugar with all the protein that you need to get started with your day. It’s a little bit sweet and salty, giving you a variety that keeps you satisfied. It’s also packed with vitamin E, potassium, B6 and antioxidants.
Spicy Hot
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Almonds
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Sometimes you just need something spicy to mix things up. The cayenne pepper in this mix gives it a little extra flavor while giving you some added health benefits as well. That’s right. Studies show that cayenne pepper consumption can help you boost your metabolism and lose weight.
Mega Omegas
- Dried blueberries
- Dried cherries
- Flax seeds
- Walnuts
- Pecans
Omega 3’s are great for reducing cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. So if you want to keep your heart healthy, this trail mix is definitely for you. In particular, walnuts are one of the best possible foods to consume for Omega 3 health benefits.
Banana Nut Crunch
- Dried bananas
- Peanuts
- Cashews
- Second Nature California Almonds
- Dark Chocolate
Bananas are great for potassium. But dried bananas have a lot of potassium too. In fact, in a 100 gram serving of banana chips, there are 536 milligrams of potassium. Make this mix for a healthy potassium and vitamin boost.
