3 Unexpected Trail Mix Combinations To Fuel Your Next Hike
3 Unexpected Trail Mix Combinations To Fuel Your Next Hike
The crunch of last year’s pine needles beneath your boots, a sunlit canopy of trees swaying above your head… summer is the perfect time to take a hike. I’ve been tromping through the woods as far back as I can remember, and one of my favorite parts of hiking – besides the satisfaction of finishing a trail and the incredible views that come with reaching a peak – is the ritual of making my own trail mix.
I have fond memories of digging out a plastic bag of “GORP” (that stands for “good ol’ raisins and peanuts” for the uninitiated) from the bottom of a rucksack as a camper. While that particular combination will always hold a place in my heart, I’m of the opinion that there are far more interesting – and healthier – ways to get the good fats, protein, carbohydrates, and fiber that trail mix provides hungry hikers. These three recipes are merely a jumping off point, though, the best part of making trail mix is customizing it, so be sure to experiment with what you like.
Tropical Blueberry
The addition of hemp seeds to this mix adds a healthy dose of protein, while cashews provide important monounsaturated fat, which can help to lower blood sugar levels. Dried blueberries, mango, and pineapple add texture and are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.
What you need:
1/2 cup each:
Roasted or raw unsalted cashews
Shelled hemp seeds
Dried blueberries
Dried mango
Dried pineapple
Use a sharp kitchen knife to chop the cashews into smaller pieces. Add the chopped cashews to a container, along with the hemp seeds and blueberries. Cut the mango and pineapple into small, bite-sized pieces (a pair of sharp kitchen shears work best for this), add the remaining chopped fruit to the cashews, blueberries, and hemp seeds, and mix.
Ginger Coconut
Ginger has long been used for its soothing effects on the system, but it also contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols, which can help alleviate joint pain, important after long treks. Delicately flavored macadamia nuts are full of dietary fiber and B vitamins, while coconut help aides in your body’s ability to absorb calcium.
What you need:
1/2 cup each:
Raw macadamia nuts
Sliced almonds
Unsweetened shredded coconut
Crystallized ginger chunks (not candied)
Use a sharp kitchen knife to chop the macadamia nuts and crystallized ginger into small pieces. Add everything to a container and mix thoroughly.
Chia Cherry
Chia seeds are pretty spectacular: One ounce (about two tablespoons) contains a whopping 11 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein. Be sure to drink plenty of water along with these powerful seeds and they’ll help to keep you hydrated, too, as they’re able to absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquid. Tart dried cherries contain numerous minerals, including copper and vitamins C and A, while walnuts provide monounsaturated fats.
What you need:
1/2 cup each:
Dried sour cherries
Chia seeds
Raw walnut halves
Carob chips
Use a knife to chop the walnut halves into small pieces. Combine everything in a seal-able container and shake. The chia seeds will stick to the sour cherries, making them easier to eat.
Enjoy!
Do you have a favorite homemade trail mix recipe? Let us know in the comments!
More healthy recipes from the BLDG 25 Blog.