Snacking for NaNoWriMo

I am a notorious snacker. My desk at work has at least three options for me at any given time. When NaNoWriMo, AKA National Novel Writing Month, comes, I start to replicate this at home. It’s a problem. This isn’t good for me or anyone really, especially when they’re seated all day at work. My waistline suffers enough this time of year, what with Thanksgiving and Christmas just on the horizon.

This year, I wanted to avoid the trap I fall into so many times, so I’ve done some research on snacking alternatives. There’s just no way for me to completely cut out snacking. Plus, the Halloween candy just went on sale! The temptations are even greater now. What’s a girl to do? Well, I had a few ideas that I've implemented during this incredible time where the stars have aligned to give me time off in November while I'm in between jobs.

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1. Replace
   

The easiest start is to buy alternative snacks if you’re like me and prone to the regular chip binge. Nuts are a good replacement. They’re often in the same aisle at the grocery store as chips, and they can satisfy the same salty craving. If you’re a sweets kind of snacker, try some fruits. I get those little Sargento snack break packs that have dried cranberries in them to curb the desire. Those packs hit both the sweet and savory when you need variety in your snack time.

2. Pack small

If you just can’t avoid the chips or the candies, don’t take too much. I try not to keep my entire Halloween candy stash in one place so that I can avoid eating it constantly. I’ll take maybe two or three pieces to work, and I’ll make sure its not near my desk at home when I sit down to write.

3. Make it Yourself

If you must have the serious sweets, one way to make yourself appreciate it is to make it yourself. It’s going to take some time away from your writing time, but if you budget time appropriately, you can spare the time to make a batch of cookies and write while it’s in the oven. Not only do you get the satisfaction of a warm cookie at the end, but you can treat the ten minutes you have a batch in the oven as a word sprint to boost your word count!