For those looking for an on-the-go snack, trail mix is a great option. With nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, it packs a punch of nutrition that can help you stay fueled throughout the day. But most store-bought versions are often loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients. That’s why making your own DIY trail mix at home can be so much more satisfying.

Marta/Pexels! Nuts and seeds are the foundation for any good trail mix recipe

Not only do nuts and seeds offer a flavorful crunch and texture, but they also provide essential minerals, fiber, and healthy fats needed to get through the day.

Here are five nuts and seeds that should definitely make the cut when you’re whipping up your own custom blend of trail mix at home.

Almonds

Almonds are rich in Vitamin E, calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, folate, and magnesium – all essential for optimal health. They also contain healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol levels when consumed regularly in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet.

Kafeel/Pexels | Almonds have also proved to be excellent for brain health

Walnuts

Walnuts are known as one of the healthiest nuts on the planet thanks to their abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to reduced inflammation in the body as well as improved brain functioning. The nut is also packed with antioxidants that can help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals in the environment, such as pollution or ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure.

Cashews

Another great addition to any trail mix recipe is cashews due to their high levels of magnesium – a key mineral required for energy production in the body as well as muscle and nerve function support. Cashews are also incredibly versatile – they can be used on their own or blended into nut butter recipes like many other kinds of nuts too!

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of zinc which helps maintain a healthy immune system while also providing the necessary antioxidants needed to protect cells from harm caused by free radicals present in the environment or foods consumed daily like processed meats or fried oils. On top of all this goodness, pumpkin seed contains tryptophan – an amino acid that has been linked with improved mood when eaten regularly enough!

Joao/Pexels | These little nibbles provide plenty of dietary fiber, so you’ll feel full longer after eating just handfuls at a time!

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds offer a variety of minerals, including phosphorus and magnesium needed for bone health, plus Vitamin E, which plays an important role in supporting cell membranes throughout our bodies; this means it helps combat aging by keeping the skin firm even when exposed to environmental stressors like pollution or harsh UV rays from sun exposure without being damaged too quickly!

With these five nuts and seeds, you have yourself a delicious DIY trail mix! Be sure not to forget about adding tasty dried fruits like cranberries or blueberries too. This will add natural sweetness without having to use refined sweeteners like white sugar or corn syrup!

So go ahead and get creative with picking out your favorite flavors - there are no wrongs when it comes to creating your perfect trail mix recipe!