Trail Mix:

It’s the perfect blend of salty/sweet, crunchy/chewy, and hard/soft. It’s relatively cheap. It gives one an immediate boost from the carbs and sustained energy from the fat and protein. It makes for a great breakfast, snack or side.

Trail mix is aptly named because it is a favorite of hikers because it’s a nonperishable food, it’s easy to eat by the handful, and it’s also very easy to pack/carry. One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to go trail hiking. It’s more of a leisurely thing with me. I love to meander through the trails, pick a flower, dip my toes in the water, watch for fish, etc. I also love to go camping with my family. For either activity, trail mix is one of the easiest things to prepare and bring along.

The only caveat is the calories. You have to be very careful how much you eat because peanuts and dried fruit add up much faster than you’d ever suspect. Just measure it out before you pack it to be sure you don’t sabotage your entire workout with one plastic baggie.

Simply mix and match your favorite ingredients in a baggie:

Nuts: peanuts, cashews, almonds, pistachios, walnuts, etc.
Seeds: sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, pine nuts
Soy nuts
M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces
Dark chocolate chips
Dried fruit: raisins, craisins, banana chips, etc
Cereal: Chex, granola, cheerios, etc
Pretzels
Yogurt bites
Asian rice crackers
Shredded coconut