Give Your Taste Buds a Treat on National Trail Mix Day

Do you ever crave something sweet yet salty? You may want to give trail mix a try. Trail mix was invented by two California surfers who mixed peanuts and raisins to create the perfect energy snack. Create your own perfect combination of flavors this August 31st for National Trail Mix Day!

Since the invention of trail mix, it has evolved into hundreds of different combinations of flavors. Some mixes have candy while others have a wide variety of nuts and seasonings. There is a trail mix for everyone.

You may be wondering what makes trail mix such a great snack. It’s lightweight, easy to store, and usually a combination of whole-grain and nutritious. Trail mix is the perfect combination of food groups that will provide you with energy whether you’re going for a hike, heading to work,

or playing a sport.

Sweet & Salty, Oh My!

While trail mix is traditionally a combination of nuts, granola, and fruit, you can make it in a variety of ways. You can get as creative as you like when making trail mix right at home. Check out some of the nutritious benefits you can reap from some of the ingredient options:

Granola & Popcorn: These popular trial mix ingredients will add fiber to your mix. Choosing whole grains will keep you feeling fuller longer for more sustained energy. The fiber will also aid in digestion to keep you regular.

Nuts: Nuts are a great base for your trail mix! Almonds, peanuts, and walnuts are excellent sources of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Nuts are full of fiber as well as a non-meat source of protein. Additionally, they are loaded with antioxidants that help rid your body of free radicals that may cause damage to your cells.

Dried Fruits: Not only do dried fruits in trail mix add a little sweetness, but they are also a great source of fiber and antioxidants. Each fruit has a different nutritional profile with different health benefits depending on the type used.

Seeds: Try out flaxseed, pumpkin seed, or sunflower seed in your trail mix. Seeds are a great source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids which are good for heart health. In addition, they are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals such as manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus just to name a few.

Get Moving

So, you’ve created the ultimate trail mix creation, now you need to add some activity to your day! Before summer comes to an end, check out some of the ways you can enjoy trail mix while also staying active.

Take a hike: A hike is a great activity not only in the summer but for the upcoming fall season as well. Trail mix makes for the perfect snack to enjoy while on your trail to give you a boost to keep going!

Go for a Walk: Walking provides a ton of health benefits such as improved mood, blood pressure, muscle and bone health, and increased energy. Pack a bag of trail mix to bring with you along your way.

At Your Desk: Your long workday will likely need a pick-me-up. Whether you’re at the office or sitting at your home desk, have some trail mix handy for when you need an energy boost!

Road Trip: Try out trail mix the next time you hit the road. Trail mix is an easy snack to eat when you’re on the go and looking for a well-balanced snack.

Mix it up with trail mix the next time you are craving something sweet and salty!

Your Turn to Take Action: What is your favorite trail mix ingredient? Let me know in the comments below!