Snack Attack

As you know, I've likened my cooking speed in the kitchen to that of a tortoise.

At other times, my kindred animal spirit can be found in a squirrel. Similar to these fast-moving, beady-eyed little rodents, I tote food around with me like it's my job. I'm not talking bags of pretzels or pre-packaged energy bars, either. I'm talking little tupperware containers of prepared snacks. I know: I'm the most mom-like, childless woman I know.

What can I say? I typically get hungry about 3 hours after eating, and I've never been one to ignore my grumbly stomach (She's my favorite internal organ! I could never let her down.). I choose to prepare snacks to tote around with me (like a beady-eyed squirrel), because I'd much rather eat whole, fresh foods, than something pre-packaged and loaded with preservatives (thank you, Michael Pollan).

If you're looking for a healthy change to make this week, consider joining me in the squirrel movement and packing your snacks to take with you....everywhere! The key is making sure you have some stick-to-your-ribs protein. Some of my favorites:

• Strawberries and blueberries mixed with dried cranberries and toasted nuts or seeds (see today's recipe below!)
• Part-skim ricotta cheese drizzled with honey and eaten with melon or berries
• A carton of Stoneyfield organic yogurt
• Roasted edamame
• A banana or apple with a spoonful of natural nut-butter for dipping
• Homemade trail mix: dried cranberries, toasted pumpkin seeds, toasted walnuts, Nature's Valley granola

This afternoon, after we rocked the never-ending-yard-renovation circuit, I made a tasty fruit n' nut bowl to hold me over until dinner. Easy-peasy. And so worth it.

Fruit n' Nut Snack Bowl

Ingredients:

• 4 strawberries, chopped
• Blueberries (about 1/3 cup)
• 2 TBSP walnuts, chopped and toasted
• 2 TBSP dried cranberries

Directions:

Mix ingredients and eat up! Your stomach (and metabolism!) thank you :)