Writin' and Snackin'

Two of my favorite things are writing and snacking! One day last week from WOW!'s Twitter account, I sent out a question about what everyone liked to snack on while they wrote. There were many different answers, but most agreed--some form of chocolate. It seems to be a popular and easy pick-me-up when we start to get tired at the computer or can't think of what to write next. The Muffin writers always have great advice on how to stay motivated and how to keep writing when you get tired--from candles to exercise to organized workspace. So, today, I thought we'd tackle the snacking issue. I think that old saying the way to a man's heart is through his stomach was actually supposed to be the way to a writer's heart is through her stomach.

I decided to share a couple of my favorite snacks with you, and then I hope you'll share yours with us. Whether it's brain food or comfort food, we want to hear about it! My worst time of day for needing a snack is mid-morning around 10:00 a.m.--I've already eaten breakfast; I'm typing away; but I need something to calm my hungry stomach, and it's too early for lunch. Here are some snacks I use to keep me going:

• English muffin pizza--This is so simple and quick, especially in the toaster oven. I just take my two English muffin halves and put them in the toaster oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for two or three minutes to get them crisp. Next, I spread on the sauce--spaghetti sauce from a jar and sprinkle 2% or fat free shredded cheese on top. I stick it back in the toaster oven until the cheese melts, and there's a healthy snack that sticks with me. You can add any toppings you want, but I'm usually in a hurry and don't want to chop anything up.
  
• Yogurt with fruit and granola--Who needs McDonald's fruit and yogurt parfait when you can make your own? I buy vanilla flavored yogurt and usually blueberries, but any flavor and fruit you like will work. I put them in a bowl; and if I have any granola or even cereal, I'll add a little for the crunch.
  
• Good old cheese (or low-fat peanut butter!) and crackers--I don't really need to explain this one, I realize, but did you know that in some grocery stores you can get a block of cheddar cheese that is made with 1% milk? So it has much less fat and still the flavor. If I can't find that cheese (not all stores carry it), then I'll opt for a block of mozzarella as that has less fat. I cut some slices off the block, pair it with my favorite crackers, and it tides me over until lunch.

Those are the three snacks I really turn to in the morning--they all provide me some nutrition and keep me focused on writing and not on my hungry stomach. If I'm burning the midnight oil, well, popcorn is my choice. So, what about you? What do you like to snack on while you write? Any recipes or quick ideas to share with us?

post by Margo L. Dill, http://margodill.com/blog/

photo by veggiefrog www.flickr.com