The best trail mix ever is a do it yourself trail mix.

Here’s a recipe for trail mix. You may need it for energy on a long hike or for a snack when you have a long day planned with very little breaks for meals. First you get a jar, and then fill it little by little with a variety of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, cacao nibs and spices. I had some on a green salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing just before a long hike and it was delightful.

The ingredients I used: Raw cacao nibs, pecans, walnuts, cashews, cranberries, currants, sunflower seeds, sea salt and spices.

Why consider homemade trail mix over store bought trail mix? First, you buy raw nuts, these are not cooked in oil (vegetable oil becomes rancid when heated at high temperatures) and, if they are fresh and kept in airtight packages, the ‘omega threes are still be in tact. These are the fats that are great for your brain. Add your own sea salt, which is much better than iodized salt. The dried fruits you choose can be without the added sugar. Dried fruit is a form of concentrated sugar in itself. The raw cacao nibs are much cleaner, without chemicals, dairy and refined sugars that are in the bits of chocolate of conventional trail mixes. When having nuts and seeds, keep in mind, these are acidic foods and it is best to balance them out with alkaline foods (like the fruit). Having a bit of trail mix on a green salad is a great example of balancing acid with alkaline. Nuts, seeds, dried fruits, raw cacao nibs and berry vinaigrette dressing on a simple salad was a delicious lunch, and timely, as I had it just before a long hike. Do try making your own trail mix and remember to share it with a friend.