As a good source of both protein and carbohydrate, trail mix works to keep a person energized throughout the day. Whether taking the kids to a baseball game or at a theater watching a movie, trail mix is a convenient snack that is more beneficial to the body than greasy potato chips.
Portion Control Helps Limit Extra Pounds
Dried fruits such as apples and strawberries; walnuts and cashews; various seeds and low-sugared cereal such as bran flakes, Cheerios, shredded wheat and granola are the main ingredients found in trail mix recipes. The fat content per serving in trail mix can be controlled by the amount of chocolate, nuts and sweets used within the recipes chosen. Limit the amount of sugars and fats used by saving M&Ms, peanut butter chips, pretzels and sugary cereals for use on special occasions only.
Listed here are different varieties of trail mix recipes to try out. While there are recipes out there that require a little heat for added flavor and crispy texture, the three listed below are strictly shake, no bake.
The Health Nut
Ingredients
- 1 cup of granola
- ½ cup of raisins
- ½ cup of banana chips
- ½ cup of dried cranberries
- ½ cup of shelled, raw sunflower seeds
- ½ cup of dry-roasted peanuts
- ½ cup of shaved raw almonds
- ½ cup of pumpkin seeds
Preparation
Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Use a measuring cup and pour into Ziploc baggies for measured snacking.
The Sweet Treat Trail Mix
Ingredients
- 1 cup of M&Ms
- 1 cup of pretzels
- 1 cup of dried cherries
- 1 cup of raisins
- 1 cup of dry-roasted peanuts
- ½ cup of chocolate chips
- ½ cup of peanut butter chips
- ¼ cup of skittles
Preparation
Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Use a measuring cup and pour into Ziploc baggies for measured snacking.
Spicy Cajun Trail Mix
Ingredients
- 1 cup of popcorn-already popped
- ½ cup of chopped beef jerky
- ½ cup of cheese goldfish crackers
- ½ cup of walnut halves
- ½ cup of roasted peanuts
- ½ cup dried apricots
- ½ cup of pumpkin seeds
- ½ cup of sunflower seeds
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of cumin
- ¼ teaspoon of onion salt
- ¼ teaspoon of chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
Preparation
Combine the all of the bottom five seasonings in a Ziploc bag and shake well. Mix all other ingredients in a large bowl that can be fitted with a lid. Next, sprinkle contents of the Ziploc bag over the nuts, seeds, fruit, popcorn, crackers and jerky. Put lid on and shake well for an evenly balanced mixture. Using a measuring cup, pour into Ziploc baggies for measured snacking. Enjoy!
