Healthy Snacking - Part II
Photo courtesy of the California Raisin Marketing Board
At Fleishman-Hillard (FH), we do a great deal of work with high-profile spokespersons, and we are continually impressed by the poise, passion and ‘real-life’ personalities behind these famous faces. One of current favorites, is celebrity fitness trainer, Valerie Waters.
Jennifer Garner’s “Alias” physique? Jessica Biel’s derrière? Kate Beckinsale’s signature look? They all have Valerie (along with their own hard work) to thank. Over the years, Valerie has trained countless A-listers to be red-carpet ready in record time.
While we might give anything to get 30 minutes with Valerie in the gym, we spend our time with her in the green room getting ready for media interviews. FH works with Valerie in her role as spokesperson for California Raisins.
We love Valerie’s philosophies that range from her perspective on the gym: “Get in, get out and get a life!” to her belief that sensible food choices, and not pumping iron, are 80 percent of what helps achieve health and fitness goals. Another Valerie-ism that we have readily adopted is: “Don’t leave your snacking to chance.” Valerie brings it home with her advice to start each day by packing a cooler with a bevy of healthy snacks… all in an effort to keep hunger and cravings at bay, and you away from the drive thru.
So, if you want to follow Valerie’s advice and need a cooler-stocking idea, here is one to try - a yummy snack recipe from our friends at California Raisins:
California Raisin Banana Energy Bars
Recipe and photo courtesy of the California Raisin Marketing Board
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1 cup chopped nuts
1/3 cup butter
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1 cup California Raisins
1 cup dried banana chips
1 cup honey-coated graham cereal squares
Heat oven to 350°F. In an 8 or 9-inch square pan, combine oats and nuts. Bake 20 minutes or until oats are golden brown, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, stir butter, brown sugar and honey together in medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until mixture boils. Measure raisins, banana chips and cereal squares into large bowl. Add toasted oats and nuts. Pour cooked mixture over all and toss to coat thoroughly. Generously butter same square pan. Press mixture firmly and evenly into bottom of pan. Cool. Cut into 2-inch square bars.
Garrett says
Personally, dried cranberries are my snack of choice!