Good vs. Bad Trail Mix

Today is about the trail mix, healthy of course. I've recently heard a lot of people talking about trail mix and how most say its a "healthy snack." I want to show you a label of what people see in the grocery store and think is good for them and then some alternative recipes to other nutritious snacks.

 Sam's Choice Tropical Trail Mix

A flavor expedition of papaya, pineapple, golden raisins, banana chips, apricots, cranberries, almonds, cashews and macadamia nuts.

This trail mix is loaded with sugar and is high in calories racking in 260 for only 2/3 cup.  In that 2/3 cup, there is only 4 grams of protein, 12 grams of fat and 28 grams of sugar. The dried fruit is what gives this mix a very sweet flavor and has lots of sugar which will spike the blood sugar.

Here's a better alternative...
Super Trail Mix Recipe from Kashi

2 parts Kashi™ cereal (my favorite: Kashi Go Lean Crunch)

2 parts almonds

2 parts walnuts

2 parts sunflower seeds

1 part pumpkin seeds

1/2 part raisins (I'm not a fan of raisins so I would use dried apricots)

1/2 part dried cranberries

This trail mix is packed with healthy fats, protein and fiber which will keep you fill and maintain a constant blood sugar. Amount Per Serving: 280 Calories; 20 g Fat; 10 g Protein; 5 g Fiber. There is more fiber in this mix and the fat is coming from the walnuts which are extremely rich is Omega-3s.

The key to look for when choosing or making trail mix is to make sure to incorporate healthy fats, fiber and protien which will keep you full and satisfied for a longer period of time.

Hope you try the recipe.. and HAPPY FRIDAY

Ash