Freelancing Fuel: Healthy Snacks

Healthy Snacks

No matter what or how you write, if you're an author chances are you spend a lot of time at the computer. Unlike other jobs with bosses to tell you what to do and how to do it, writers must constantly come up with their own fresh and compelling ideas and hone them to crisp perfection. Then they must hunt down their own buyers, agents, and audience. It's not work for the frail at heart and to keep up our strength we need healthy fuel to feed our inner fire. Here are some tasty snacks for freelancers to keep working without sacrificing their health.

Make your favorite lowfat dip and portion out a serving each of whole-grain pretzels, carrot and celery sticks. You could also pair the pretzels with a small serving of plain lowfat yogurt and sliced strawberries or fresh blueberries. I like Snyder's whole-grain or pumpernickel pretzels. Munch away as you ponder your next article.

Mix equal parts fat-free cream cheese and herbed goat cheese with a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Spread over your favorite variety of Rye Krisp cracker, top with a single serving of smoked salmon and a tomato slice cut in half. You could also throw on a few capers for extra pep. It's not only delicious but the healthy Omega III fats in the salmon will help power up your brain.

Brush a whole-grain mini pita with a smidgen of olive oil, sprinkle with garlic powder or minced garlic, grate lowfat cheddar or mozzarella over the top and shredded baby spinach and basil. Pop in the toaster oven until melted and add some chopped tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. This healthy mini-pizza is so fast it won't leave much time to procrastinate.

Toast a slice of whole grain bread. Spread with a tablespoon of natural peanut butter and then scatter a tablespoon of bittersweet chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute and then smear the warm chocolate over the PB. Slice and place ½ banana over the combo. For an extra charge you could sprinkle some baker's cocoa over top. Writers need a sweet treat ever once in a while to encourage us or reward ourselves for an article we sold. This is a great way to have our chocolate without too much damage.

For a super cool smoothie mix your favorite combo of frozen fruit with a single portion scoop of lowfat/sugar-free vanilla or strawberry frozen yogurt, a splash of skim or soymilk, and a tablespoon of honey, plus a handful of crushed ice. It's thicker and richer than a smoothie made with plain yogurt and deliciously refreshing on a stifling summer day. It's a taste of summer while you peck away, hunched over your keyboard.

Pour a glass of wine, beer, or your favorite cocktail. Make a small plate with a single serving of each: lowfat cheese, grapes or sliced fresh peaches, smoked lean turkey chunks and whole grain crostini. By now you're probably at the end of a work day and need a drink. This can be either a snack or a working dinner, but either way by now you've earned the drink. Cheers, and here's to getting published!