Hormone-Balancing Dark Chocolate Trail Mix Bars: A Nutrient-Rich Indulgence

These luxurious trail mix bars combine the antioxidant power of dark chocolate with hormone-supporting seeds and nuts to create a perfectly balanced snack. I’ve carefully selected each ingredient for its specific nutritional benefits, making these bars an ideal choice for women looking to support their hormonal health while satisfying chocolate cravings.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Active Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 bars

Ingredients

Nuts and Seeds Base

• 1½ cups (225g) mixed nuts
• ½ cup (75g) brazil nuts
• ½ cup (75g) almonds
• ½ cup (75g) cashews
• ½ cup (70g) raw sunflower seeds
• ½ cup (85g) hemp seeds
• ¼ cup (35g) sesame seeds

Dried Fruits and Superfoods

• ½ cup (60g) dried cranberries
• ¼ cup (40g) dried apricots, finely chopped
• ¼ cup (30g) goji berries
• 3 tablespoons (30g) cacao nibs

Binding Mixture

• ⅓ cup (60g) dark chocolate chips (70% or higher)
• ⅓ cup (80g) tahini
• ¼ cup (60ml) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15g) coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) sea salt
• 1 teaspoon (5g) maca powder (optional)

Instructions

1. Initial Preparation

1. Line an 8×8 inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper
2. Leave excess paper overhanging for easy removal
3. Lightly grease parchment with coconut oil

2. Toasting Process

1. Preheat a large, dry skillet over medium heat
2. Add nuts and seeds (except hemp seeds)
3. Toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently
4. Remove from heat when golden and fragrant
5. Allow to cool completely (15-20 minutes)

3. Fruit Preparation

1. While nuts are cooling:

• Chop dried apricots into small, uniform pieces
• Ensure cranberries and goji berries are separated
• Set aside with cacao nibs

4. Combining Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl combine:

• Cooled toasted nuts and seeds
• Hemp seeds (untoasted)
• All dried fruits
• Cacao nibs

1. Mix well to distribute evenly

5. Preparing the Binding Mixture

1. Create a double boiler:

• Fill bottom pot with 1 inch of water
• Bring to gentle simmer

1. In top bowl combine:

• Dark chocolate chips
• Coconut oil

1. Melt gently, stirring occasionally
2. Once melted, whisk in:

• Tahini
• Honey
• Vanilla extract
• Sea salt
• Maca powder (if using)

1. Stir until smooth and well combined

6. Final Assembly

1. Pour warm chocolate mixture over dry ingredients
2. Fold together thoroughly until evenly coated
3. Transfer to prepared pan
4. Press firmly and evenly using:

• Bottom of a measuring cup
• Clean hands

1. Ensure corners are well packed

7. Setting and Cutting

1. Refrigerate for minimum 3 hours
2. Remove using parchment paper
3. Cut into 12 equal bars
4. Clean knife between cuts

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks in airtight container
• Freezer: Up to 3 months
• Best served slightly chilled

Nutrition Information (per bar)

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 8g
• Healthy Fats: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Iron: 3mg
• Zinc: 2mg
• Selenium: 25mcg
• Magnesium: 90mg

Health Benefits

Hormonal Support

• Brazil nuts: Rich in selenium for thyroid function
• Sesame seeds: Contains lignans for estrogen balance
• Maca powder: Adaptogenic support for endocrine system
• Hemp seeds: Perfect ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids

Energy and Mood

• Dark chocolate: Contains theobromine and magnesium
• Goji berries: Adaptogenic properties
• Complex carbohydrates: Steady energy release

Mineral Support

• Iron from dried fruits and seeds
• Zinc from nuts and seeds
• Magnesium from dark chocolate and nuts
• Selenium from brazil nuts

Pro Tips

1. Don’t skip toasting the nuts and seeds – it develops flavor
2. Use room temperature tahini for better mixing
3. Press mixture very firmly for bars that hold together
4. Store in fridge for best texture
5. Use high-quality dark chocolate for maximum benefits

Variations

Low Sugar Option

• Reduce dried fruits by half
• Use sugar-free dark chocolate
• Replace honey with monk fruit syrup
• Add stevia-sweetened chocolate protein powder

Nut-Free Version

• Replace nuts with additional seeds
• Use sunflower seed butter instead of tahini
• Add puffed quinoa for crunch

These bars are perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings while supporting hormonal health. The combination of healthy fats, protein, and complex carbohydrates helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, while the carefully selected ingredients provide essential nutrients for hormone balance.