ContentWhat is it about trail mix that makes it such a great hiking snack? It’s all about what you choose to put in. The great thing about trail mix is that you can use your own favorite combination of ingredients, but always be sure to include the ingredients that provide exactly what your body needs to keep you moving on your hike.
Nuts are a great base to any trail mix because they are high in protein which fuels and repairs your muscles. One cup of peanuts provides about 55 grams of protein, while the same amount of cashews has about 20 grams. Almonds are also quite high with about 40 grams of protein in one cup. Use a variety of mixed nuts and you are likely to get 30 to 50 grams of protein in each cup.
There is a huge variety of dried fruit available and it is an excellent addition to your trail mix because of both the vitamins and the sugar that it provides. Raisins are a perfect fruit to add because they contain calcium, iron and Vitamin C. They also have a fairly high level of natural sugar and protein (about 5 grams in one cup). Other dried fruits, such as bananas, apricots and cranberries will also offer vitamins, natural sugars and are low in sodium.
Sunflower seeds are a common ingredient in trail mix and they provide many of the same nutrients as nuts. They are high in protein, with about 30 grams of protein in one cup. They also are packed full of important vitamins and minerals. Pumpkin seeds, as well as being vitamin filled, also provide important anti-oxidents.
To top off your trail mix, consider adding something sweet, such as chocolate chips or yogurt-covered raisins. Your body will use the sugar as fuel and they will keep you reaching in the trail mix bag for more!
