I want to make my own trail mix: what ingredients do you recommend?
Charles S.



Dear Charles,
This depends on what your goal is with the trail mix; are you looking for a good source of energy and calories, or something to snack on that's really healthy?
Nuts have a lot of calories, but they also have "good" fats and protein, and keep you full for a long time.
Dried fruits are a good source of carbohydrates for short-term energy, but again are high in calories.
If you want to be able to eat a lot (to fill you up) without a lot of calories, I would include some type of carbs like mini-pretzels or chex cereal which are less calorie-dense.
If you really need a lot of calories (like for all-day hikes where you won't be eating a meal and really need the energy) throw in some M&M's, coconut flakes, and banana chips. These are the yummiest part, but you really have to be moving to work them off!
Happy trails :)
laurie