Why You Should Think Twice Before Eating Trail Mix
Trail mix is a popular snack for outdoor enthusiasts and people on the go because it is portable and filling. Although viewed as a healthy snack, some bags of this treat can be deceiving.
Trail mix typically consists of a variety of ingredients including nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. However, many brands add sweets like candy and chocolate to make their product more appealing (via Healthline). These added ingredients increase the sugar and calorie content of the trail mix. Eating too much sugar can increase your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and liver issues. Some kinds of trail mix can also be high in sodium. Eating large amounts of salt can increase blood pressure and lead to heart issues.
Finally, trail mix tends to contain ingredients that are calorie-dense. This food option is easy to over consume, so it's important to eat sensible portion sizes to prevent overeating. When shopping for trail mix, look for options with no added sugar or sodium. You can also make your own by combining a variety of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
You can still find healthy options in the store
If you don't want to make your own trail mix, you can still find healthy options in stores. Back To Nature Harvest Blend is a great pick that contains no added sugar or salt (via Eat This, Not That!). One serving (ΒΌ cup) has 160 calories with 11 grams of fat, and 14 grams of carbohydrates. It also has three grams of fiber and five grams of protein to keep you full.
Planters Nut-rition Omega-3 Mix is another good option with limited amounts of sugar and sodium. It also has cashews and walnuts, which are both good sources of ALA omega-3s. 365 Everyday Value Cape Cod Trail Mix and Enjoy Life Seed & Fruit Mix Mountain Mambo are two other options that you can feel good about snacking on.
There are a few ways to get an idea of how healthy a trail mix is in the store. Avoid mixes with coated or roasted nuts, as these tend to be high in sugar and salt. Choose options that mostly contain nuts and fruit, and watch for added sodium in savory mixes. Finally, keep the serving size in mind when checking out the nutrition label. You may be consuming two to three times the recommended serving size when you eat.