Being that trail mixes are endlessly customizable and typically contain various health benefits, it's no wonder that they are reputed as being one of the most reached-for snacks. But what makes trail mixes healthy? And what can make them unhealthy? Let's answer those questions and a few more.
What exactly does trail mix consist of?
Trail mix usually consists of a variety of nuts and seeds, as well as something to add a little sweetness, which tends to be a combination of chocolate, candy, or dried fruit. Trail mix began as a convenient, protein-packed snack targeted towards hikers and surfers, and has since grown into a popular snack for anyone on the go. With countless recipes available, it makes for a fun, quick, and filling snack any time of the day.
Now, let's look at the overall benefits of trail mixes:
Trail Mix: The Good
Trail mixes are abundant in protein and healthy fats, as well as a variety of vitamins and minerals. Protein helps our bodies to build muscle and reduce food cravings, while healthy fats help us to lower our blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and keep us feeling fuller for longer. Vitamins and minerals help build up the immune system, repair cellular damage, and regulate chemical processes within the body. However, all of these benefits depend on what sort of trail mix you're consuming. If you're reaching for a traditional trail mix containing lots of nuts, seeds, and perhaps a small amount of natural sugars (usually in the form of dried fruit), it would most likely fall under the healthy category. But even the health benefits of these mixes can differ greatly depending on how fresh the ingredients are.
Most store bought trail mixes have been sitting on a room-temperature shelf for months on end, and often contain nuts from older harvests, which means you may be eating food that is already years old! This not only means that the taste and quality suffers, but so does the nutrient content. It's wise to research the company you're purchasing trail mixes from and find out where they are sourcing their nuts and seeds, and what their expectations of food quality are. It can be hard to find a company which puts quality and freshness above convenience, yet another reason why we decided to branch out and create our own fresh, high-quality trail mixes!
Trail Mix: The Bad
It's important to find a balance between nutrition and taste. Simply roasting nuts and seeds can bring out new flavours and create a tastier, crunchier trail mix. But if you're introducing refined sugars, genetically modified ingredients, heaps of sodium, or industrial trans fats, you are now eating an imbalanced snack, no matter how many nuts and seeds are in there!
Takeaway:
We keep our mixes stocked full of the freshest nuts and seeds, and add sweetness through naturally freeze-dried fruits and high-quality chocolate. Whatever your preferred trail mix flavour, Vancouver Island's Own has you covered with nutritionally balanced mixes everyone can enjoy!
Vancouver Island’s Own is a family-owned and operated business specializing in gourmet, vegan, and organic granola & trail mix, handmade with love in Victoria, BC. We believe in encouraging others to explore and connect with the environment in order to ensure our collective well-being.
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