A Sure Trail of Success….
Keeping that metabolic furnace running at top speed can sometimes be challenging. With a hectic work schedule, kids, and well…just life, making time to eat frequent snacks can either slip our minds or do quite the opposite, causing us to grab something we may regret later. One of my favorite things to snack on is home made trail mix. Not only is it super easy to prepare, there are so many variations you can come up with. This easy snack is sure to satisfy both your taste buds and metabolism, keeping you a fat burning machine!
Check out why I consider this such a perfect (or close to it) snack.
What are the benefits of trail mix?
Easy to make
Doesn’t need be refrigerated
Travels well
Fits easily in my purse or even glove compartment of the car
Lasts a long time and won’t go bad
Contains healthy fats
Satisfies appetite and cravings
Long lasting energy
Keeps blood sugar steady
Full of vitamins, minerals, and proteins
Kid friendly. Kids love to create their own mixes and are more likely to eat something they created themselves!
Plus, the variations are almost endless
Before you get too excited I do have to warn you. There are some things to keep in mind about trail mix.
High in fat- although a healthy fat, too much can be counter-productive
Many store bought brands contain high amounts of sugar and some even contain high fructose corn syrup!
Try to stay away from the candy that is often tossed into some trail mixes
To remedy these potential drawbacks I choose to make my own trail mix making sure I only use the best variety of healthy nuts and seeds. I also pre pack about ¼ cup serving into zip lock bags or Tupperware to be sure I don’t overdo it, which is easy to do!!
Get creative and make your own!!
Gina’s Favorite Mix and Match Trail Mix Options:
Peanuts
Almonds, raw and/or roasted
Walnuts
Cashews
Pecans
Pistachios
Brazil Nuts
Sunflower seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Popcorn
Puffed Rice Cereal
Toasted Oats
Want to an even sweeter mix?
Try…
Goji Berries
Banana chips
Dried or dehydrated cranberries
Dried or dehydrated apples
Dried or dehydrated apricots
Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
Carob Chips
Here’s some more ideas I love:
For more variation to your raw nuts, I love to coat them in coconut or olive oil, season them with different herbs.
Cinnamon and stevia- makes for a sweeter nut
Basil, rosemary or dill makes for a delicious flavor.
For added heat- chipotle or chile seasoning is tasty! Chipotle lime is my current favorite!!
Get creative, have fun and you are sure to never regret having this satisfying delicious snack on hand!!