Healthy Trail Mix Recipe

Mix together dried fruits. Consider dehydrating your own for best results or buy unsweetened, unsulfured varieties from health food stores, such as Trader Joe's. Healthy trail mix fruits should contain both sweet and sour varieties for a flavorful punch; Excellent options include papaya, mango, pineapple, cranberries and Rainier cherries. Incorporate both soft and hard fruit options for textured interest, such as crunchy banana chips and soft, dried apricots. Eat in moderation, as dried fruits are high in calories and natural sugars.

Add healthy nuts varieties. Harvard University recently reported that "nuts are nutritional powerhouses." Choose nuts that do not have salt or sugar additives. Consider heart-healthy almonds, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans and pistachios for vitamin E, fiber and unsaturated fat benefits.

Toss in seeds. Dry pumpkin seeds at home and toss into healthy trail mix for essential minerals in a chewy bite. Additionally, mix in sesame seeds for improved blood circulation, sunflower seeds for added vitamin E and flax seeds for bone-protecting, cancer-preventing omega-3 fatty acid.

Pour in a small amount (1/2 cup) of flavorful additions. For those who want a healthy trail mix that is still interesting for the palate, toss in a small amount of Kashi or Grape Nuts cereal, low-fat granola, low-sodium mini pretzels or whole-wheat crackers. Looking for an added indulgence? Toss in a tiny amount of shredded coconut, tiny dark chocolates or yogurt-covered raisins.

Store trail mix properly. Trail mix should be stored in an airtight container, similar to other dried products. For camping and hiking usage, measure the desired amount and store in a plastic bag for easy pack access and quick hunger relief. Remember that one handful is one serving; Plentiful for quick, nutritious energy while on a hike.