Snack Attack
As National Trail Mix Day approaches, SPCC’s WIC Nutritionist, Victoria Cretelle shares with us some thoughts on healthy snacking.
With the summer coming to an end and school starting back up, now is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors before the weather gets too cold and life gets too busy. Imagine hiking through the woods, enjoying a day on the lake, or taking a family bike ride around the neighborhood. What could go better with these fun activities than a bag of trail mix? Trail mix is actually thousands of years old. Ancient nomadic tribes used to mix up dried berries, fruits, nuts, and meats together. Did you know trail mix is a high energy and high protein snack?
August 31st is National Trail Mix Day! National Trail Mix Day is all about creating good trail mix and testing it out. There is nothing better than snacking on some homemade trail mix while you’re outdoors enjoying your favorite activities with your family. Trail mix can include: dried fruits, nuts, legumes, seeds, granola, pretzels, and chocolate. It is a cheap, easy, and healthy snack to mix up at home.
How do you eat your trail mix?
Are you the type of person who goes in the bag, grabs a handful, and throws it all in your mouth, letting all the flavors blend together. Or do you prefer to pick through the bag, grabbing the chocolate pieces and leaving behind the raisins like so many people do. I enjoy making my own! That way I don’t have to worry about what I might eat and pick through the bag, leaving unwanted pieces behind.
Although trail mix is a great snack, keep in mind some recipes may not be as healthy and may be high in unwanted calories. Depending on your ingredients, calories can add up fast and trail mix can turn into a high-calorie snack. Follow these 5 tips when making your own or purchasing trail mix.
- Look for whole grain
- Add dried fruit and avoid added sugars
- Include protein (for example nuts and seeds)
- Dash of sweet (for example dark chocolate)
- Remember portion control!
It’s time to get outdoors with your family and get snacking!
Let us know your favorite trail mix recipe and outdoor activity!
