Snack Attack

I believe in snacking.  I've found that enjoying a small snack or two between meals maintains my energy, focus, and mood.  Furthermore,  it cuts down on that "desperately hungry" feeling that causes overeating and poor decision-making at lunch and dinner.  Whole Living magazine has some great ideas for snacks under 200 calories.  The list has wholesome snack recipes (with a wide range of difficulty) for any craving you might have - sweet, savory, salty, etc.  Tonight, I tried the high-fiber Coconut-Date Bars.  The bars are simple to make.  However, make sure the dates are VERY soft before you buy them, as I had some trouble getting mine to stick together.

3 tbsp shredded coconut
1 lb very soft dates, pitted
1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

Spread 2 tbsp coconut over the bottom of a small baking dish.  Press the dates into a layer over the coconut.  Next, add a layer of walnuts and the rest of the coconut over the dates.  Cut and enjoy.