What We All (Should) Know: Preparation=Key

Good morning! Just wanted to share with you my snack prep for the rest of the week (I know, I know, I’m a bit late—hello, Wednesday!—but it’s better than never, right?).

This yummy assortment will turn into: veggie bites with hummus; bananas and apples (missing…left at work, oops!) with almond butter; a slice of toast (Ezekial bread) with avocado and sliced tomato; and this “Easy Ass But Not So Pretty Vegan Quinoa Salad” by The Skinny Confidential (we’ll see if I can recreate it. Not pictured: quinoa, plain hummus, chili flakes, lemon and pomegranate seeds).

Snacks

The Power of Pomegranate Seeds

Wow, you guys. Have you tried pomegranate seeds? They are so delicious! And they are packed with tons of fruity goodness: They are high in vitamins C, K and B5; contain lots of antioxidants; and are filled with protein and fiber. But the best part? So yummy! Perfect as a snack or sprinkled on a salad.

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Couscous Confetti Salad

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Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups dry whole-wheat couscous
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 3-4 green onions
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1-2 cups finely shredded red cabbage
  • .5 cup parsley, finely chopped
  • .5 cup golden raisins or chopped dried apricots
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • .25 cup seasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 tbspn olive oil
  • 1 tspn curry powder
  • 1.5 tspn salt

Step 1: In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Stir in couscous. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 5-10 minutes or until broth is absorbed.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk the lemon, rice vinegar, olive oil, curry powder and salt.

Step 3: Mix all ingredients together. Drizzle with dressing (step 2) and toss. Salad!

My Favorite Scrumptious Smoothie

Smoothies tend to tread on dangerous ground: Some are super healthy, packed with fruit and other yummy, healthy ingredients. But others—usually the ones you buy at the grocery store or Jamba Juice—are packed with sugar (and not the natural, found-in-fruit kind). My favorite smoothie is homemade, simple and yummy.

Fruit 1 Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 banana
  • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
  • 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Organic Soy Milk Unsweetened (Vegan)
  • Splash of fresh-squeezed orange juice

Step 1: Throw it all in the blender.

Step 2: Blend until smooth, throw in a couple of ice cubes.

Step 3: Pour into a fun glass and enjoy!