Snacks are by far the number one “food group” that I get asked for help with. As it goes we are ready to put in the time for the three main meal preps but when it comes to snacking we are still in the grab and go mindset.
So with that in mind I offer up to you the Homemade Trail Mix. No fixed recipe to follow and virtually no preparation time. Mix and match your favourite nuts, seeds and berries. You can make a large batch and dip in to it as needed.
Have this on hand all of the time. The good fats, protein and fiber in your trail mix will satisfy you when hunger pangs begin and will help to stabilize your blood sugar as it begins to dip between meals. In doing so you will avoid the need for a mid afternoon nap or the urge to tear a strip off of a bad driver on your way home.
Just to give you a glimpse of the healthy benefits of the trail mix that I made, here is today’s creation (I use raw, unsalted nuts and seeds):
Brazil Nuts
Most notably brazil nuts are a good source of selenium. As with most nuts they contain healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber.
Cashews
Cashews are a source of monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein.
Almonds
Almonds are a source of vitamins, notably vitamin E, minerals, monounstaturated fats, fiber and protein.
Goji Berries
Goji berries are a power packed little berry. They contain fiber, vitamins, notably A & C, minerals and are great antioxidants.
Manuka Raisins
I LOVE Manuka raisins. My favourite trail mix sweetener. They are good source of fiber, contain calcium, antioxidants and they contain oleanolic acid.
Dried Aronia Berries
A nice counterbalance to Manuka raisins, these berries are a little bit on the bitter side. Their benefits include being high in antioxidants, high in anthocyanin concentration and high in proanthocyanidins.
Dried Pomegranate berries
These are a treat. Really tasty and high in antioxidants and fiber.
Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are a good source of vitamin E, selenium and magnesium.
So be creative. You can used pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate chips, puffed quinoa. The sky is the limit and changing things up means you won’t get tired of it.