Make A Healty Anti-Oxidant Mix

First you must decide if you like sweet or savory; I need a mix of both!

Start with nuts, which are loaded with healthy unsaturated fats, protein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamin E and other essential vitamins and minerals.. Almonds are always a great start. Macadamia nuts are an incredible upgrade and add a buttery, rich flavor. Other nuts to try: Cashews, Brazil nuts, pistachios, peanuts and walnuts. Pecans and hazelnuts are also a delicious addition.

Try to always go with unsalted, unsweetened nuts to maintain your sugar and sodium intake. Either raw or roasted are fine, depending on your preference.

Seeds

Build your mix using seeds, which contain many of the same benefits of nuts. One of the best choices are hemp seeds, which are are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, gamma linolenic acid, protein, zinc, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium.

Other seeds to try: Pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, flax, chia.

Chia seeds are great for your metabolism and are considered a super food. Pumpkin seeds are excellent for hair, nails and skin.

Dried Fruit

In moderation, dried fruit can be a great source of fiber, antioxidants, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K.

However, you want to be conscious of your sugar intake. It is best to make your own dried fruit at home using an oven, but if you do buy, try and be sure there are as little added preservatives as possible.

Some great options: Dried apples, cherries, cranberries, goji berries, blueberries, strawberries, apricots, raisins, banana chips, figs, pineapple chunks, mango.

Grains

You will want to throw in some complex carbohydrates for that extra fiber to get you through the day and keep up your energy. Choose whole grains and stay away from highly processed cereals. Shredded wheat cereal, pretzels, whole-grain cereals like Cheerios or Chex, bran flakes, whole-wheat crackers, granola, toasted oats, puffed rice cereal, and air-popped popcorn can all add a little bit of crunch and keep you satisfied.

Sweets

I almost always crave chocolate, especially when I thoroughly exert myself and feel I deserve a reward. On a hike or camping trip, a delectable piece of chocolate can always hit the spot, revive me, and sometimes change the trajectory of my entire day. Even if you are not a chocolate addict like me, a little sweetness can really balance out your mix, and act as a little “pick me up” when energy is running low.

Dark chocolate is my go-to for anti-oxidant purposes. We have all had the store-bought trail mixed with M&Ms. Although we can all agree that M&Ms do taste delicious in trail mix, there is a better option: Dark Chocolate chunks. For any even bigger anti-oxidant boost, use cacao nibs. For an energy boost, throw in chocolate covered espresso beans, or even chocolate covered nuts as well.

Now that you have nuts, seeds, fruit, grains, and something sweet, your mix is just about done, From here, you fill the empty spaces with spices and any extras you may like. If savory is your palate, try garlic or onion powder, sea salt, cumin, or cayenne. For a sweeter mix, use cinnamon, nutmeg, or coconut sugar. I actually like to sprinkle some powdered cocoa on mine, due to me being a chocolate freak and all.

Other additions can include wasabi peas, coconut flakes, sesame sticks and dried ginger.

I hope this inspires you to make your own trail mix! Here are my favorite combinations:

Savory: Raw almonds, brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, roasted sunflower seeds, onion powder, garlic salt, cayenne, cumin.

Sweet: Macadamia nuts, cashews, chia seeds, goji berries, toasted oats, granola, dark chocolate, cinnamon.

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