My Love/Hate Relationship with Trail Mix

I have a love. This love also happens to be one of my worst enemies. But I just can't stay away. "Why hello there...Trail Mix."  (This of course being said in a Jerry Seinfeld voice like when he sees Neuman.) (Please tell me you get that reference!!) You see, Trail mix and I go way back and it always starts out great, but then we don't agree so much with each other. Since I have such bad stomach issues (Hello Ulcerative Colitis!), I really am supposed to stay away from nuts, seeds, corn and generally anything high fiber. What goes in must come out as the story goes, so this can become a big issue for me. But sometimes there is nothing better than a post trail mix binge poop. Sorry, I had to go there.

I love nuts. <Insert immature giggle here.> Pistachios, macadamias, almonds, and cashews are my preferred nuts. Yum. Peanuts sometimes ruin a trail mix but I don't dislike them. And don't even get me started on my love for dried fruit. There is a reason they call it "nature's candy" and I can never have enough. Dried cherries, cranberries, prunes, and apricots are my faves. And banana chips...OMG...I love you. And you aren't even good for me. So much sugar. So much oil. Its not even like I pretend you are healthy. I just love you so much. And the thing is, once I start eating any of these things, I have a hard time stopping. I actually crave it. I guess its better that I crave dried fruit rather than Skittles or other fruity candy (or even chocolate) but dried fruit is still loaded with sugar. What's wrong with me?

When it comes to trail mix, Trader Joes has the best options and the best prices. They have so many mixes and they are all pretty great. I love a good mixture of fruit and nuts. Sometimes a little chocolate in there does the trick too. Or even a few butterscotch chips. Variety is the spice of life you know. But for the best bang for your buck, Costco is the way to go. However, that can be a lot of trouble if you are an amateur. One time my mom and I bought a bag of dried fruit from Costco. It was gone in TWO days. I shit you not. We finished a party sized bag of dried fruit in two days. Never again. Our tummies were rumbling for days after. We had no one to blame but ourselves. We were our own worst enemies and still laugh about that today.

This brings me to the travesty that is the serving size of most trail mixes. One ounce or two tablespoons is the usual case. Who are they kidding? I understand that this is the recommended amount and if it was more, the nutrition info would look awful.  I actually applaud the people who can stop at one serving. Bravo to you. I sometimes can do it if I am being super strict with my diet and will measure them out in little baggies like a good girl. But often times this is not the case because if I am being a really good girl I won't even buy the trail mix in the first place because I don't trust myself around it. I know myself too well.

You are probably wondering "Just don't buy it if you don't have self control around it AND it's bad for your stomach." Well friends, you are so wise but easier said than done. Until it really becomes a big issue, I am not giving up trail mix. I will continue to nurture this love/hate relationship I have with trail mix. Yum.