Drawn like a magnet

Whenever I need a quick fix, I head to my snack cupboard — except for when I head to my fridge. Yes, I make it a point to keep lots of ready-to-grab goodies in the good-ol' icebox.

Here's an impromtu inventory, to give an idea of what I tend to keep in there:

• cheese (parmesan, blue, brie)
• yogurt (both 1% and 3%)
• milk (0.5%)
• juices (always 100% fruit or veggie)
• rye bread
• tortillas (wholegrain)
• nut butters (peanut, almond)
• apricot jam (high-fruit)
• fruit (oranges, apples, kiwi, grapes)
• vegetables (carrots, spinach [pre-washed], red pepper, tomato, zucchini)
• turkey salami
• tofu sausages
• hummus
• guacamole
• olives
• beans (homemade)
• crackers (homemade)
• oatmeal cookies (homemade)

That's just what I happen to have on hand today. Lots of mix-and-matchables here, so options aplenty. Most of the options are healthy ones, too, without sacrificing a single speck of yumminess.

As you can see, I stockpile representatives from many different food groups, e.g. vegetables & fruit; grain products; dairy; meat and alternatives; healthy oils. Yea, verily, balance is a good thing.

Another good thing: The items on this list require practically zero preparation (the tofu sausages may be the lone exception; and, of course, the beans, crackers and cookies had been made earlier). Zero prep's important in snack food.

If you're prone to lapsing into laziness — as we all can be — and are likely to reach for bags of cookies or chips simply because they're easiest, then items such as baby carrots and pre-washed spinach may present a solution.

Next time, I'll take you on a tour of my freezer. Until then, happy snacking.