Put Down That Package And Make Your Own Perfect Healthy Snack Mix
We get it: It's a lot more convenient to buy snack or trail mix that's already been made. In an effort to be more health and food conscious, though, we think it would prove an insightful endeavor to create a healthier, customizable mix. Thus, we've put together a list of nutritious ingredients that you can pick and choose from when you finally make the (wise) decision to put down those packaged mixes and make your own.
Click here for 11 Easy Trail Mix Recipes.
We have to include a caveat before beginning, though: Many of these ingredients carry a pretty significant caloric content. Things like seeds and nuts are rich in fatty acids, but higher fat content also means more total calories. Thus, if you're worried about calories, it may be wise to consume your mix moderately or to include less of the heavy calorie hitters.
Almonds
There's absolutely nothing unhealthy about almonds. They function quite well as the base of snack and trail mixes, and your body will thank you for the healthy fats that they provide.
Apricots
Unlike some dried fruit, it's easy to find these with nothing on the ingredients list except for vitamin A-rich apricots. They're naturally sweet, so if you're going for a mix that's as sweet and healthy as can be, consider using apricots.
Cayenne Pepper
Looking to add some spice to your trail mix? Shake a teaspoon of cayenne pepper in, assess heat, and add more as you please. It'll give a kick to not only your mix's flavor but also your metabolism.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a metabolism-boosting, low-calorie spice that can add a bit of flavor to any healthy mix.
Coconut Flakes
Unsweetened, shredded coconut flakes, just like coconut oil and coconut butter, are one of the healthiest sources of fat out there. Try using them in a mix like this Coconut Curry Trail Mix.
Dark Chocolate
Haven't you heard? Dark chocolate is great for you. Well, the right kind is. Grab some chocolate with a high percentage of raw cocoa (70 percent or greater) and break it up into your mix to increase decadence.
Dried Edamame
If you get your hands on some dry roasted edamame, then you've found a simple, nutritious way to add a little crunch into your snack mix.
Garlic Powder
What's that? Garlic powder?! You bet. Not only will this keep vampires at bay, but it can also be a simple addition to completely change your mix's flavor profile. Oh, and it could help reduce cholesterol as well.
Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are protein-rich and contain disease-fighting phytonutrients. They're also rich in anti-inflammatory fatty acids.
Pine Nuts
These add-ins contain a lot of fat and, thus, a lot of calories, but putting a couple pine nuts into your mix will add texture, dietary fiber, and an incredible amount of vitamin K.
Pistachios
Pistachios only contain about three calories per nut. Low in fat and high in fiber, these green delights can be shelled and added to your snack or trail mix as a guilt-free base.
Prunes
Looking for a sweet source of filling fiber? Look no further than prunes.
Puffed Rice
Some people fear puffed rice, but there's really not a big reason to be concerned. We have crumbled up plenty of brown rice cakes in our trail mix before, and we've never had any issues yet – unless the issue is making perfect trail mixes. If that's the case, then we have had many issues.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are amazing for you and taste great! They're full of protein, zinc, and essential fatty acids. Want to be both nutritionally savvy and hip? Consider trying sprouted pumpkin seeds from a brand like Go Raw.
Raisins
Raisins, deemed a healthy snack by the Supreme Court, are a nutritious trail mix staple. Consider mixing them with bananas as suggested by this Banana Raisin Trail Mix recipe.
Walnuts
Walnuts contain more antioxidants than any other nut, so why not put them into your next snack mix?