For those of you out there who are very active on a regular basis, counting calories is not something you're all that concerned about. Whether you're hiking up a storm on sunny afternoons, biking through a mountainous area, or doing some all-terrain running, one thing's for sure - you need fuel!

Providing your body with a mix of both simple and complex carbohydrates is a good idea because the simple carbohydrates will deliver energy immediately, while the complex carbohydrates will provide you with energy for the hours to come.

A small amount of added fat can also be a good thing because it will help keep your blood sugar levels stabilized. The last thing you want is to be out on the trail, experience an energy rush, followed by a severe crash. Crashing in the middle of a mountain is not going to be a fun experience.

The additional fat will work to prevent this.

Here are some trail mix recipes that have an interesting twist added that you may want to try. While they may not be as applicable for someone who is currently trying to lose weight, if your objective is to gain weight or you are very active and actually need the extra calories, they are a perfect fit.

Spicy Mustard Mix

2 cups of shredded wheat cereal

2 cups of popcorn

1 cup of pretzels

1 cup of almonds

1 cup of Corn Bran squares

3 tbsp butter, melted

2 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp honey

¼ tsp garlic powder

Combine all the dry ingredients in a microwaveable bowl, and then set aside. In another small bowl, mix together mustard, honey, butter, and spices. Pour this over top of the dry ingredients and coat thoroughly.

Microwave this on high for 2-3 minutes or until the cereal is crispy. Cool before eating.

Chocolate Caramel Popcorn

4 cups shredded wheat squares

4 cups popcorn

½ cup peanuts

½ cup pecans

½ cup almonds

½ cup walnuts

1 cup wrapped caramels (package removed)

3 tbsp butter

½ tbsp water

1 tbsp chocolate syrup

Place the dry ingredients into a bowl and set aside. In another bowl, microwave the caramels, butter, water, and chocolate syrup together on high for two to three minutes, being sure to stir every forty-five seconds.

Once caramels are fully melted, drizzle the sauce over the cereal mixture. Stir until fully coated and then place in the fridge to cool.

Note that you will likely have to cut this up into pieces once cooled, as the caramels will cause it to solidify slightly.

Island Snack Mix

2 cups shredded wheat squares

1 cup popcorn

1 cup pretzels

1 cup chopped dried pineapple

1 cup chopped dried mango or papayas

1 cup dried banana chips

½ cup dried cranberries (or raisins if you prefer)

1 cup flaked coconut

Mix together all of the ingredients in one bowl and separate into individual servings.

Peanut Butter Trail Mix Squares

¾ cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy will work)

2 tbsp butter or margarine

4 cups mini marshmallows

3 cups Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal with Almonds

1 cup peanuts

1 cup Bran Flakes

Begin by microwaving peanut butter and margarine in the microwave for about a minute or until they are melted together.

Next, add in the marshmallows, stirring so they are coated with peanut butter mixture. Microwave again for another 1-1/2 minutes.

Toss in the Honey Bunches of Oats, peanuts, and Bran Flakes. Press into a 9 inch square pan and let sit on the counter until hardened. Once they are set, cut them into squares or bars at your preference.

So, instead of purchasing a plain trail mix at the store, consider these varieties. Having small doses evenly distributed throughout your exercise activity will help to keep your energy levels constant and improve performance.