National Trail Mix Day

It is National Trail Mix Day! Trail mix is a combination of dried fruit, grains, nuts, and sometimes chocolate, developed as a snack food to be taken along on outdoor hikes. It can be considered an ideal snack because it is tasty, lightweight, easy to store, and nutritious, providing a quick boost from the carbohydrates in the dried fruit and/or granola, and sustained energy from the mono- and polyunsaturated fats in nuts.

Another thing we like about trail mix is that it is easy and fun to customize! Depending on your preferences or dietary needs and restrictions, you can create the perfect trail mix. If you have nut allergies, you can use seeds, dried fruit and granola. Selecting a favorite combination of ingredients comes down to balancing flavor and nutrition. Want a savory trail mix? Try roasting the nuts and seeds with a spicy spice blend. Have a sweet tooth? Add some cacao nibs or dark chocolate, honey granola, or extra dried fruit. Try a combination of dried pineapple, papaya, brazil nuts, and cashews for a tropical trail mix. Protein-forward blends can include dried chickpeas, dried edamame, and dried wasabi peas. You can also add chia or flax seeds! We included some recipe ideas.

https://www.freshoffthegrid.com/trail-mix-recipes/

Two California surfers claim the creation of trail mix. In 1968, they blended peanuts and raisins for an energy snack. However, in the 1958 novel The Dharma Bums written by Jack Kerouac, the two main characters mention trail mix when planning meals for their hiking trip.

Trail mix is not just for hikes! It is a super snack to help you get through your day. A handful of good, nutritious trail mix can help you power through the rest of your workday during an afternoon slump. Trail mix is also a great go-to portable snack to stash in the car, and it does not spoil easily because most of the ingredients are dried. The mix of hearty superfoods (nuts and seeds!) usually found in trail mix also help to keep your blood sugar stable.Although it is very healthy, it is important to remember that trail mix is usually calorie dense. This is a reason why it is a favorite for hiking and outdoor activities where you need energy. But, it is not diet friendly when you consume large amounts when watching TV. Usually a handful or so (about a quarter cup) is enough to serve as a healthy snack. Also, just because something says ‘trail mix’ does not mean it is healthy! Sometimes store bought trail mix can be high in sugar (especially if there is a high ratio of chocolate to trail mix) or salt. As always, make sure to read the nutritional label and ingredients!