When a moment of 'hangry' strikes, we often grab for the first easy snack we can get. That is not always the best choice. Instead with a little planning and will power you can have a ready snack within grabbing distance when snack attacks hit! This ready to go gourmet mix loaded with variety in texture and flavours will not only satisfy the hunger, but it will sustain your energy throughout the day!
Nut and seed mixes are simple, easy grab and go snacks. When we add variety of flavours and texture to our food it not only ignites our taste buds and stomach but studies are showing that it can also influence our satiety (feeling of fullness) which may be helpful in weight loss. In fact, nuts alone have have been studied to encourage satiety, that feeling of fullness, that helps tame the need to graze.
Here is just a short list of some of healthful benefits of incorporating a mix of nuts,seeds and dried fruit to your day (for more information see References below):
curbs hunger
filled with antioxidants, phytoesterols, vitamin, minerals
nuts have been studied to have cancer fighting polyphenols
prevention and/or the management of such metabolic conditions as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
prevention of obesity
provides sustained energy
improves cognitive function
good source of fibre, protein and fats
The Energy Boost Trail Mix
It is not too often, I get excited about a simple trail mix. However, I dare say, this is no ordinary trail mix. This is what I would consider ‘naked gourmet’ or ‘au naturale” for the bi-lingual foodies! This recipe does not have any baked, flavoured, spiced, or sauced ingredients. Yet, every bite of this trail mix is packed with an explosion of flavour. Every bite will deliver a sweet, tangy, crunchy and possibly a mildly salty mouthful. Something for everyone.
Naked Gourmet Trail Mix
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 10
Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Ingredients
3/4 cup of granola, plain
1 cup almonds, (chopped optional)
1 cup walnuts, (chopped, optional)
1/2 cup cashews or pecans
½ cup pumpkin seeds
½ cup sunflower seeds
½ cup sliced dried unsweetened raw or toasted coconut flakes
½ cup cacao nibs or dark chocolate chunks
½ cup of one or two dried fruit/s(see tips)
1/2 cup of a tropical/exotic dried fruit like golden berries or goji berries
Preparation
in a large bowl, add all the ingredients
mix well
store in air tight container
Pro Tips:
be creative with your dried fruit! There are so many options available in bulk, you can cut or chop up into smaller bite size pieces: mango slices, banana slices, dried strawberries, apricots, dates, prunes, figs, cranberries, cherries, mulberries, or go for plain raisins! Adding variety will give your trail mix a sweet and tangy twist.
make sure the dried fruit does not contain any additional sugars, or vegetable oils or sulphites; alternatively dry your own fruit to ensure its natural state.
picking one tangy fruit like golden berries or cranberries and pairing it with a sweet fruit like fig or strawberry makes an yummy mix!
the recipe calls for raw nuts and seeds, but choosing one salted and roasted nut or seed will add a nice salty, savoury element to the trail mix.
adding in granola helps add extra flavour and crunch, but not essential!
just add milk or plant mylk for a healthy breakfast option!
REFERENCES:
Flavour and Texture: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121030210345.htm
Nuts and Obesity:
Health Benefits
Nuts and Dried Fruit
Seeds
Nuts and Cancer
Disclaimer: The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
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