Superfoods Trail Mix

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This Superfoods Trail Mix is packed full of crunchy nuts, chewy fruits and deliciousness that will keep you satisfied for hours.

 

I’m packing and getting ready to lead my yearly wellness retreat. This year we will be traveling to Panama. I don’t know about you, but I’m a snack packer. Really, I’m like a squirrel storing nuts. I have apples in my car, bars in my purse and I even have trail mix in my husbands truck. You never know when you’re going to get stuck in a snow storm and stranded for days without food – right?

I’m kidding. I store food because when I’m hungry I make terrible choices, then I instantly regret it. I completely resemble the Snickers commercials and I apologize to anyone that has seen me get that way. Hence the reason I have food stored, so I can have a small snack to get me by until I can have a meal.

That leads me to my favorite Superfoods Trail Mix. I make and take this mix with me when I travel out of the country or even when I go to the post office. I rarely leave home without it. This trail mix is satisfying, healthy and tasty!

 

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There are a lot of trail mixes out there for you to choose from.

You don’t have to make your own, however some of those trail mixes are full of chemical crud. Pay attention because they can be full of things that will sabotage your weight loss goals; artificial flavors, artificial colors, gmo soy, corn syrup, etc.

Also, almost all of them have been irradiated or pasteurized, especially if they include almonds. The USDA implemented a mandatory pasteurization program for almonds in 2007. North America almonds have been either –

 

• oil roasted, dry roasted, or blanched

 

• steam processed

 

• Propylene Oxide (PPO) treatment – it’s a highly toxic flammable chemical compound once used as a racing fuel before it was prohibited for safety reasons. So, it was deemed unsafe for racers, but safe for consumption? No thanks.

These almonds can still be labeled “raw”, but in fact they have been through one of the processes listed above. You can find “raw” almonds, but they are from local farms or other countries. What does it matter? Raw is best because the nut retains all of its nutrients.

I know some of you think nuts are “fattening”. I promise you nuts aren’t making people fat, simple carbs and sugar are making waistlines grow. As a matter of fact, a study in the journal Obesity found that eating nuts two or more times per week was associated with a reduced risk of weight gain, a.k.a. you won’t gain weight.

 

So, crunch on and keep an eye on the portion size. I make sure my trail mix is unsalted, because salt makes me want to eat twice as much.

 

 Ingredients for Superfoods Trail Mix

• 1/3 cup pecans
• 1/3 cup almonds
• 1/3 cup brazil nuts
• 1/3 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/3 cup dried figs – chopped
• 1/3 cup goji berries
• 1/3 cup dried cherries
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

 

Directions for Superfoods Trail Mix

Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl and serve. Store in an air-tight container for up to 7-10 days. I portion mine out into to-go bags, so I can grab the right sized portion and hit the road.

 

Why is this trail mix so Super?

Pecans have been shown to lower LDL, contain anti-inflammatory magnesium, and immune-boosting manganese. 1/4 cup of Walnuts contains more than 100% of the daily recommended value of omega 3. They also contain antioxidants that may help prevent prostate and breast cancer. Almonds are also great for your heart and can help in reducing cholesterol. Brazil nuts are an amazing source of selenium, which boosts your cognitive functioning and keeps your thyroid and immune systems healthy.

Onto the seeds, pumpkin seeds help improve insulin regulation and help with hot flashes, headaches, joint pains, and other menopausal symptoms. Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of vitamin E and can help reduce symptoms of asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Remember when you purchase your dried fruits to make sure then don’t contain Sulfur Dioxide. It’s a preservative that can wreak health havoc if you have asthma, sulfite sensitivity or any type of breathing problems.  Just look for organic.  Figs, goji berries, and cherries all contain high levels of antioxidants and immune boosting nutrients, plus they taste yummy!

Make sure you get dark chocolate for all of its health benefits; raises HDL and lowers LDL, boosts heart health, oh, and its chocolate!

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I think this Superfoods Trail Mix is a great Valentine’s treat for teachers, friends, co-workers, heck anyone would love to receive it. So, spread some love, pin it and tell me how much you enjoyed it.

Intentionally Eat,

Cindy

 

If you’re looking for another great snack or Valentine gift check out my Perfect Pumpkin Muffins!