Is trail mix a good snack when on a diet?

Question

i just got a trail mix that is made by Planters and it has raisins, dried cranberries, peanuts, cashews, almonds, chocoloate covered peanuts and m&ms....if i am trying to lose weight is this a good snack to have mid afternoon?

i dont like raisins but if i eat them with peanuts i dont mind them. i like that it has m&ms because i am a chocoholic and this way i get some chocolate to satisfy my cravings without inhaling an entire candy bar

would this be good to eat early in the morning on the way to the gym as well? i have to force myself to eat right when i wake up so im not veyr hungry that early and if i dont eat before the gym i get dizzy so i need something to give me a boost

Answer 1

i think its an ok snack.  before the gym how about a banana or granola bar?  be careful with the trail mix too though, becuase its ok if you eat the right serving size, if you end up eating like 1/2 the bag its no longer a healthy choice.

Answer 2

Trail mix is a great snack if you're active.  Remember that although healthy, trail mix is high in fat and calories (because of the nuts).  However, nuts have a lot of nutrients that your body can use.  Definitely reconsider the ones that have M&M's in the them.  They are tasty but they add a lot of refined sugar that is not good for your body especially if you're trying to lose weight.  It also causes your blood sugar to spike and then crash.  I would also be careful of the supermarket trail mixes because a lot of the dried fruit has added sugar and oil to the nuts.  I'm a very active outdoorsy person, and I keep a Nalgene bottle filled with my own homemade trail mix.  Not only is it more cost effective and healthier than most pre-made mixes, but it takes all but 1 minute to concoct.  This is what I mix:

• Dry roasted Almonds (almonds are one of the most healthiest nuts, low in carbs and high in protein and fiber).

• Organic Thompson raisins

• Dry roasted pumpkin seeds and pine nuts.

Sometimes I add peanuts or other nuts.  I find that using ingredients without the added sugar keeps the mix from being too sweet.  Dry roasted nuts keep the extra calories and fat out of the recipe and really allows the flavor the nuts to come through.

If you have a Trader Joe's nearby, I get all of the ingredients there and it's a lot cheaper than buying Planters or something similar.

***Also, good that you eat in the morning and before going to the gym.  I usually like to eat something light like a piece of fruit about 1/2 hour before strenuous exercise so my stomach stays calm.  The trail mix is good after a workout or while hiking/camping, etc.

Answer 3

High calorie, high fat, high sodium ..... so, no.

Answer 4

it is good except for the chocolate. Milk chocolate is not healthy. That being set it is a better snack than say... chips.

I try to get the train mixes that dont have any milk products in them. Gardettos is one, and there are many that have spicy.

A really good snack is peanuts. Get like spicy peanuts or something like that to munch on.