VEGAN GUIDE TO NANOWRIMO SNACKING

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is upon us again and thousands of people across the world will be picking up their pens (or opening up their laptops) to try and reach a target of 50,000 words by 12 midnight November 30th. I took the plunge last year and will be attempting it again this year (gulp!)

If you're anything like me, then you probably know that smart snacking can go a long way to helping you get through any colossal task (how do you think I got through my essays at university??).

So, for those late nights you'll spend trying to get up to date with your word count; for the moments when you hit a brick-wall and your plot starts to unravel; for the times when you lose inspiration and come down with a severe case of writer's block, you know you can refresh and replenish yourself with a few of these useful suggestions:

1. Juices and Smoothies

It's quick, it's nutritious and your brain cells will thank you for it. Pack in your favourite fruits (and veg) and sip away as your novel comes to life. Some of my favourite combinations include mango & orange, banana & strawberries, apple & carrot. Check out my green smoothie recipe. Or for something a little unusual, check out this aloe vera and mango combo.

2. Popcorn

As you pause to allow imagined scenes and plot twists to play out your head, why not have a bowl of popcorn sitting near by. Your own personal movie (sort of!) - that will soon be transformed into glittering prose - requires popcorn too ;) Try my curry and thyme flavoured popcorn for something a lil' different.

3. Home-made bars

These take a bit more planning and prep time but once you have a stash of them, you can nibble to your heart's content. The best part? You get to decide what goes into it. Have a go at my oat bar recipe or modify it to include even more super brain-food ingredients such as flax seeds, chia seeds or brazil nuts. These banana/raisin/almond/chocolate slices are also pretty nifty.

4. Chin chin

This sweet, crunchy Nigerian snack is ideal for boosting your mood as you power through your main character's dilemma. My baked chin chin recipe also ensures that you are not packing in unnecessary calories as you would with the fried version.

5. Crackers

What is a snack guide without crackers? These hot saltine crackers can be enjoyed on their own or with your favourite vegan spread lashed on.

6. Hummus, carrot sticks, flat bread

You could run out to the shop to pick up a tub of hummus OR you could make some yourself and take out any writing frustrations by crushing little chickpeas to a pulp. (Hopefully you have very few frustrations and more joyful, inspired moments...but just in case). This chunky hummus recipe is delicious, filling and comforting. Perfect with vegetable batons or soft flat bread.

7. Ice Cream

Yes, comfort food will keep your brain cells happy and nothing says comfort like a massive serving of Nice Cream. Enjoy it guilt-free without compromising on taste with my original nice cream recipe. Or spice things up with this selection from my e-book: 'Nice Cream: 25 Delicious, Dairy-Free Recipes'.

8. Fresh fruit 

Last but certainly not least, a good stash of fresh fruit is the way to go. High-carb fruits like bananas and mango will give you the energy to keep going, providing your brain with a healthy source of glucose that won't see you crashing with a sugar low just when you're getting to the juicy part of your chapter. Nature's fast food also requires little to no preparation so you won't be wasting valuable time procrastinating but actually getting that novel done!

If you're a fellow writer, I want to hear from you: which snacks keep YOU going when you're trying to get through a piece of writing? And if this post doesn't quite apply to you, share it with the aspiring Chinua Achebe's and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's in your close circle.