How to Make Healthy Trail Mix

Many people grab a bag of trail mix before going hiking. People also choose this as a healthy snack for work and on the road. But, is trail mix always a healthy choice? Many store-bought trail mixes can be filled with fat and calories. Not to mention nuts that have been fried and pieces of dried fruit that isn't even recognizable. Is this really what you want to be eating? Still, you shouldn't give up on this snack. Trail mix can be healthy, especially if you make your own.

The first step to make healthy trail mix is to start with a base of granola. But, you have to remember that not all granola is healthy. Many granolas are filled with sugar, fat, and calories. The key is to choose granola that is low in sugar and calories, but high in good fats. You can also make your own granola, which allows you control the ingredients that go into your healthy trail mix even more.

The second step to make healthy trail mix is to choose raw nuts. Do not use canned mixed nuts to make your trail mix. Canned nuts have been fried and salted. Instead, look for raw almonds, walnuts, pecans, etc. Not only will these be a healthier choice, but they really do taste better when contrasted with the other flavors in trail mix.

The third step is to make healthy trail mix is to choose healthy dried fruits. Not all dried fruits are healthy though. Some are coated with sugar, while others are just loaded with calories. Fruits like dried cranberries, cherries, blueberries, and apricots make healthy trail mix. Fruits like banana chips and dried pineapple should be avoided. Bananas chips are high in calories and dried pineapple is often coated in sugar.

The last step is to make healthy trail mix is to add dark chocolate chips. Now, I know what you're thinking. "I thought this was going to be healthy trail mix? Chocolate isn't healthy." I don't mean to be rude, but you're wrong. Dark chocolate is actually really good for you, when enjoyed in small amounts. Not only is it good for you, but dark chocolate tastes wonderful when combined with nuts and dried fruit. That makes it perfect for healthy trail mix.