Trail mix is on my list of super-star snacks. Made with nutrient-rich nuts, seeds and dried fruits, it powers me with protein and fills me with fibre for snacking satisfaction. Just a handful can help curb my hunger.
But, it can also pack a hefty calorie punch if you are a non-stop nibbler. And depending on your ingredients, it can be a nutritious in-between energizer or an indulgent treat.
To help keep trail mix on the nutritious energizer track, there’s one ingredient I always add:
Roasted chickpeas!
Why? Compared to a handful of mixed nuts, roasted chickpeas have about the same amount of protein but double the fibre. The combo of fibre and protein help to keep you feeling satisfied for longer after you munch.
Roasted chickpeas are also lower in calories than nuts which means that they can help to bump up the volume of your snack mix while helping to balance out the overall calorie count.
Just to be clear, I’m a big fan of the goodness of nuts and seeds (I eat an ounce of nuts or seeds a day) and they are still stars in my trail mix; however, to help lighten up my snack and keep the crunch I crave, roasted chickpeas are my must-have, add-in ingredient.
The next time you make trail mix, add in some roasted chickpeas and let me know how much you love it!
P.S. Okay, yes, you can roast your own chickpeas. But for trail mix, I’m talking about the store-bought versions that are crunchier and stay that way longer than the homemade version. You can find the Good Bean roasted chickpeas in big bags at Costco or if you prefer a Canadian brand, try Three Farmers. They are a little harder to find, but you can order them online. Both are nut-free and gluten-free. And no, this is not a sponsored post.
Sources
Canadian Nutrient File version 2015; The Good Bean; Three Farmers