National Trail Mix Day falls on August 31. It is a celebration of the energy-rich snack often sold as the solution for hikers to sustain energy during their long treks. In honor of National Trail Mix Day, I have come up with three different flavor ideas to keep you going during any type of exercise. These are devised specifically to maximize energy while minimizing the risk of inflammation.
There is no added sugar in these recipes, but they are packed full of energy in the form of carbohydrates from the grains and dried fruit. The fruit adds sweetness without processed sugar, so they are much better for inflammation sufferers but still taste delicious.
Nuts Play a Key Role.
They are great for adding crunch to your trail mix as well as to keep it more interesting for your taste buds, and they contain unsaturated fats, which release energy slowly, allowing you to keep going for longer.
There are three different flavor themes for the mixes; Trail Mix Recipes sweet, nutty, and spicy, so you can choose which you prefer. They contain a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein, and I’ve tried to balance the flavors too. I’ve not included quantities for everything as it is probably better to add a handful of each ingredient to the mix or change the amounts to suit your taste.
Trail Mix Trio: Exploring Sweet, Nutty, and Spicy Flavor Themes
You should be able to find all the ingredients in your local health food store, but failing that, they are all available cheaply online. If you are planning on making large batches, it is more cost-effective to buy large bags of nuts and dried fruit. The ingredients will be kept for months if stored in airtight containers, and you can experiment with different mixes until they are used up.
I would recommend adding a little salt to each mix. Too much salt is not good for your heart, but a little pinch in each mix will enhance the flavors so that you will enjoy your trail mix right to the last mile.
The trail mix recipes can also be stored in an airtight container until needed. This will prevent moisture from getting in and spoiling the mix. I like to decant as much of the trail mix as I want for each journey into a sealable plastic bag. Then, I can keep it with me and take a handful whenever I need an energy boost.
I’m pleased with these recipes, but I recommend playing around with the combinations and trying out your own mixes. That is part of the fun of making trail mix and means you can find the ideal mix for you.
Trail Mix Recipes – Sweet Mix
This mix is ideal for those with a sweet tooth, but who don’t want processed sugar in their diet. The dried red currants and cranberries contrast with the bitter dark chocolate and toasty popcorn to produce a sweet treat without the guilt.
Everyone likes chocolate, and it has proven health benefits too. Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants, which are great for reducing inflammation in sufferers. Flavonoids and polyphenols present in cocoa help to eliminate free radicals, preventing them from causing damage to the body.
Drying fruit preserves a lot of the nutrients present in fresh fruit. Vitamin C is reduced compared to fresh fruit, but because it is more compact, dried fruit contains far more fiber for its volume than fresh fruit and is still a great source of antioxidants.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 handful popcorn
- 1 handful dark chocolate chips
- 1 handful dried red currants
- 1 handful dried cranberries
- 1 handful hazelnuts
- A pinch of salt
Nutty Mix
This nutty mix has a little dried fruit to provide some sweetness. It’s great for a slow release of energy. If you are planning on embarking on a long walk or a sustained period of exercise, then this energy-dense mix is for you.
Nuts provide vitamin E, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, but, like anything, you don’t want to overdo it and have too much of a good thing. A few handfuls of nutty mix on the trail is ideal but be careful not include too much in your diet.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 handful hazelnuts
- 1 handful cashews
- 1 handful peanuts
- 1 handful almonds
- 1 handful walnuts
- 1 handful raisins
- 1 handful dried cranberries
Spicy Mix
I had a lot of fun developing this spicy mix. Trying to balance the earthy spices with the nuts and seeds. This mix has a kick from dried chilies, which contains capsaicin, great for reducing the risk of cancer and reducing inflammation in the body. If you like it spicy, you can add more chili flakes, but I think a teaspoon is enough for most people.
I recommend leaving the spices whole, which adds a crunch and a burst of flavor when you bite into them. The dried lentils are an excellent source of energy, so this mix is for those who need the energy but also love a bit of spice in their life.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 handful almonds
- 1 handful hazelnuts
- 1 handful dried lentils
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
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