Homemade Trail Mix Ideas: A Satisfying Snack to Graze
As we go throughout our daily lives, it’s only natural to get a little hungry between meals and after we get done working out. Having some healthy snacks on hand can help minimize the temptation we might otherwise feel as we scrounge around for something to eat. Different trail mix ideas can be a healthy and satisfying snack that caters to a lot of people’s tastes. You’ve got the seeds and nuts for those who crave salt, and dark chocolate chips for those who
always need a sweet fix.
Trail mix can be expensive when you buy it at the store or order it online. If you have a favorite type of trail mix, you may be willing to fork out the money, but it’s really not too difficult to make your own trail mix at home that is of the same quality and tailored more to the ingredients you love.
If you have kids, making trail mix together can become a fun family activity, especially before you go on a family hike or picnic.
Here’s my current favorite trail mix recipe, but feel free to make your own [healthy] additions and substitutions!
Ingredients:
Roasted Almonds (no added salt)*
Pumpkin Seeds (also known as Pepitos)
Roasted Sunflower Seeds
Dark Chocolate Chips
Yellow or Black Raisins
Dried Cranberries
* You can make homemade trail mix without nuts if you have allergy concerns or other dietary restrictions. For example, you could use cereal such as Chex Mix for variety or green pea snack crisps to add crunch.
Steps:
1. Gather all your ingredients on the counter, along with a large measuring cup or mixing bowl, depending on how big of a batch you want to make.
2. Start pouring ingredients into the container one at a time. Pour any amount you like – there’s really no rhyme or reason to this, and certainly no need
to measure.
3. Once you’ve added all your ingredients, stir to distribute each ingredient evenly.
4. Pour into an airtight container or zip-lock bag and save until you are ready to enjoy!
Tip:
If you have small condiment dishes or other tiny bowls, these can be the perfect serving size container for your trail mix snacking!
Nutritional Health Benefits of Eating Trail Mix
By eating snacks like trail mix, you gain a number of great health benefits such as the added protein from the almonds and a small burst of endorphins and some beneficial antioxidants from the dark chocolate.
Pumpkin seeds also deliver antioxidants and are considered a valuable source of the mineral zinc, among other key vitamins and minerals.
Meanwhile, dried cranberries are low in calories, low in fat, and they are a great source of dietary fiber.
Trail mix health benefits can vary based upon what ingredients you decide to include.
Homemade trail mix with chocolate can help to curb cravings while still satisfying your sweet tooth and feeling like you’re not depriving yourself.
Trail mix can be a healthy blend of protein, carbohydrates, and fats between the nuts, seeds, fruits, and chocolate.
Trail Mix Serving Size
The amount of calories depends on what you decide to include into your trail mix. A healthy serving is usually considered to be a quarter of a cup or whatever fits best into the palm of your hand.
If you would like to keep your trail mix snack around 250 calories, I would suggest measuring each ingredient you are including, and adding it all up. Then see what a quarter of a cup amounts to calorie wise and adjust accordingly depending on how many calories you would like to eat for your snack.
Trail Mix Is Fun To Make, Simple, And Satisfying
If you take the time to make up a batch of trail mix at home, you can bring countless health benefits to your body all at once, while eating something that you enjoy. You can also experiment with mini pretzels, peanuts, pecans, and other nuts, seeds, and yummy treats.
Just remember to avoid anything with too much salt or too much sugar if you can help it!
Of course, some weeks you may not have time to make your own trail mix. You can keep a container of ready-made trail mix on hand for easy snacking!
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If you have a favorite homemade trail mix recipe, please share the ingredients, or even just your favorite ingredient, in my comments below.
By the way, if you are looking for other pick-me-up snacks, I’ve got you covered. Check out my post on how a spoonful of peanut butter can be a healthy snack!
