It is easy to make trail mix at home by mixing together nuts and seeds.
This is a versatile snack because people can mix different types of nuts and seeds together depending on their prefrences.
Nuts and seeds are high in omega-3, protein, and healthful fats. Try adding goji berries, which are high in vitamin C.
Trail Mix
INGREDIENTS:
Makes 3-4 portions
- 1 cup almonds
- 1 cup brazil nuts
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- Handful goji berries
- Small sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes
- 2 sun-dried organic pineapple slices
METHOD:
- Combine all the ingredients and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Divide into handful size portions and enjoy as a quick meal or healthy snack.
NOTES AND INSPIRATION:
Serve with lush organic yoghurt and fresh berries for a delicious breakfast.
Add a spoon of chia seed or flaxseed and soak in almond milk for a delicious bircher muesli or chia pudding.
CHOOSE A NUT:
1. Almonds
These are my favourite nut of all time. They are a great source of vitamin E, folic acid, potassium, magesium and calcium. Perfect for bone health, immune function and healthy skin.
2. Cashews
Cashews are high in the amino acid tryptophan which helps to make serotonin – the FEEL GOOD hormone responsible for feelings of wellbeing. Serotonin is also crucial for the proper development of the enteric nervous system (ENS) to support digestion.
3. Brazil nuts
A larger nut with a lot to offer, Brazil nuts are the highest source of dietary Selenium, an essential mineral and potent antioxidant involved in thyroid hormone production, metabolism and immune support.
4. Macadamias
These nuggets of golden goodness are high in thiamine (vitamin B1) and manganese, essential nutrients needed for energy production. Macadamias also contain the highest amount of mono-unsaturated fats amongst the nut family.
5. Pecans
Pecans are a delicious source of plant based omega 3 EFA’s, antioxidants and fibre. Pecans have been shown to help lower the levels of oxidized LDL cholesterol in the blood, which may help to protect against heart disease.
6. Pistachios
These colorful nuts are a fantastic source of arginine, an amino acid involved in hormone production and healthy blood vessel function. Pistachios are also high in reversatrol, a phytonutrient with antioxidant, anti-cancer, immune supporting and cardio-protective properties.
7. Walnuts
Walnuts are a delicious source of omega 3 EFA’s (essential fatty acids) which are critical for good health. They are a rich source of tryptophan, an amino acid used to make serotonin.
CHOOSE A SEED:
1. Sunflower seed
These sunny seeds are a rich source of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant linked to healthy cardiovascular function. Sunflower seeds also provide a decent dose of vitamin B1, B6, copper, selenium and manganese.
2. Pumpkin seeds
Also known as pepita’s, these large seeds are rich in magnesium and zinc, vital minerals involved in metabolism, nutrient utilization, mood, sleep and digestive health.
3. Sesame seeds
What they lack in size, they make up for in taste, with just a small sprinkling transforming the flavor of an entire dish. Sesame seeds are high in manganese, copper, calcium and magnesium. They also contain CoQ10, an important vitamin involved in energy production and heart health.
CHOOSE YOUR FRUIT + AROMATICS:
I love using fruits like sun-dried pineapple rings and goji berries in my trail mix. Pineapple is kind to my digestive system and the enzymes help digest the goodness of the protein. Other great fruits are sun-dried mango cheeks, organic apricots, mulberries, Persian figs, raisins, freeze dried raspberries or cherries. Scent your trail mix with aromatics such as dark chocolate or cacao nibs, vanilla or cinnamon.
