High Protein Trail Mix

If you're like most people, you find it hard to wait for your next meal, but you don't want to blow your healthy diet. If you have a handful of this high protein trail mix, it'll help you over the hump and stop cravings in their tracks!

Most trail mixes are unhealthy, especially if they contain dried fruit covered in oil and/or sugar (for example dried bananas, cranberries or sometimes even raisins). Trail mixes often contain sugary candy like M&M's. That's why making you own puts you in charge of your health.

While nuts and seeds do contain fat, and you'll not want to overdo it, they have also been associated with a reduced risk of major chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. (1)

You can get creative with this high protein trail mix. for example, substitute any of the nuts for your favorite, such as cashews. The basic ingredients include some kind of whole grain, in this case, whole oats, nuts and/or seeds, some dried fruit, some kind of protein, and a touch of sweetness.

The protein in this version comes from the dry-roasted edamame (or soybeans), almonds, and pumpkin seeds. Nuts are best eaten raw as they may have 30 times less glycotoxins (AGEs) than roasted. AGEs have been implicated in the development of many chronic diseases and are present in baked and/or roasted foods. See more about AGE's at nutritionfacts.org.

The chocolate oat clusters add a touch of sweetness, along with the freeze-dried blueberries. And, freeze dried fruit has no sugar or oil like dried fruit does. Substitute any that you like.

While it's true that trail mix (including this one) can have more fat, I do want to emphasize portion control. Keep it to 1/4 per serving. Give your stomach a few minutes to register it and you'll feel those hunger pangs melt away.

I like to store it mason jars. The one pictured is a small one and is also great for storing your homemade mayonnaise. Or, use small baggies to divide up the portions and take along a baggie when you out and about or at work.

I'd love to hear your feedback in the comments below for this High Protein Trail Mix! If you have a photo, post it on my Facebook page, tag me using the hashtag #plantbasedcooking in your caption, and I won't miss it!