I’m like a squirrel when it comes to snacks. I keep stashes of nuts and dried fruit in my purse, car, or backpack because it’s easy, portable, and full of solid nutrients for sustained energy.

The combinations for this trail mix are endless, but I’m happy to share a few of my favorite combinations and how to make a good mix for flavor and nutrition.

Trail Mix Ingredients

Nuts, seeds, dried fruit, spices, sweets, grains.

• Almonds: a high fat food that’s good for your health, almonds are a great addition to any diet, especially for cholesterol lowering.
• Cacao Nibs: Beat your sugar cravings with raw cacao nibs – chocolate in the best form! These are packed with magnesium and iron.
• Chia Seeds: These tiny black seeds pack a big punch, especially when you soak them in liquid – they bulk up and leave you feeling full.  Fiber, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.  Sprinkle them in your mix or soak them for breakfast!
• Dates: These are nature’s caramels in my book.  Dates are rich in fiber and antioxidants, not to mention they’re delicious with nuts and seeds!
• Figs: There are many kinds – Black Mission, Kadota, Calimyrna, Brown Turkey, and Adriatic – and the fresh kind are delicious.  But when they’re not in season, dried figs are a rich source of magnesium and B-6.
• Sunflower Seeds: vitamin A, copper, and magnesium are just some of the power house nutrients in sunflower seeds.  Magnesium is necessary to help regulate nerve and muscle tone.
• Walnuts: These nuts are an exceptionally high source of omega-3 fatty acids.  Like all nuts, they’re high in calories too, so enjoy trail mix in the right amounts for your energy needs.

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Trail Mix Combinations

SWEET + SALTY

• Almonds, raisins, cacao nibs, sea salt

AUTUMN MIX

• Pecans, dried apples, dates, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cinnamon

TRIP TO THE TROPICS

• Macadamia nuts, dried coconut, brazil nuts, banana chips, lemon essential oil

THAI MIX

• Cashews, dried ginger, sesame seeds, dried cherries, ginger, curry powder

ENERGY KICK

• Walnuts, figs, cacao nibs, chia seeds, wild orange essential oil

What’s your favorite combo?  Tell me in the comments below!

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