Most of us lead very busy lives with our families, school and work. I am constantly on the go, so I keep a stash of energy packed foods with me to help keep me moving. I’m not talking about quick-fix energy drinks, which are usually loaded with sugar. I’m talking about Trail Mix.
Trail Mix is easy to make, and loaded with healthy energy to help you through a busy day. It’s a great snack to take with you for the kids during long trips and for a quick energy pick-me-up during hikes or bike rides. It’s one of the few snacks I feel good about giving to my family and friends.
Below are a couple of recipes for Trail Mix that I make. I usually try to include as much organic low-salt ingredients for my Trail Mix recipes as I can. Most stores offer organic however, if you have a “Whole Foods Market” near you, I would recommend visiting their extensive selection of healthy, organic food options.
Super Snax (Trail Mix)
½-c chopped dried apricots
¼-c unsweetened, flaked coconut
1-c dried unsweetened banana chips
½-c unsalted nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews, or peanuts)
1-c low-fat granola clusters
½:
Try different types of seeds, nuts, grains and cereals like bran flakes. Yogurt chips and pretzels are delicious in Trail Mix.
Just for kids, my Banana Split Trail Mix recipe is a great snack for kids of all ages. It’s great for school and after school snacks. Best of all, you can control what goes into the mix.
Banana Split Trail Mix
1-c plain Cheerios
1-c low-fat granola clusters
1-c unsweetened banana chips
½-c chopped, unsweetened, dried strawberries or blueberries
½-c vanilla yogurt chips
½-c semi-sweet chocolate chips
½-c roasted and lightly salted peanuts
Options:
If you wish you to substitute some of the ingredients listed above, walnuts, candy-coated chocolate candies, and cranberries are great substitutes. Try to stay away from adding junk foods to your Trail Mix like cheese crackers or chocolate covered pretzels.
To keep your Trail Mix fresh and ready to enjoy, store your snacks in airtight containers or freezer zip bags. This will keep your snacks fresh for at least a week and maybe two. Also, keep your snacks in a cool, dry place and away from heat sources.
When traveling, consider stuffing a small snack zip bag with Trail Mix. It’s not only a portable way of storing your Trail Mix it’s also a great way to measure out servings sizes. Snack bags fit perfectly in backpacks, purses, and even your child’s lunch box. There are many ways to enjoy the healthy goodness that a good Trail Mix has to offer. Explore your own recipes and discover how great this versatile, and healthy snack really is.
Sources:
Cheerios brand cereal is a registered brand of General Mills Cereal Company. For more information about Cheerios cereal or General Mills Cereal Company visit their website at www.generalmills.com.
Whole Foods Market is a natural food and organic products retailer. For more information about Whole Foods Market including locations, please visit their website at www.wholefoodsmarket.com.
