Don’t worry. You probably consume at least one of these a week to help you get through those tough days of writing.
There’s nothing worse than having writer’s block with zero energy. Your heart may be encouraging you to pick up that pen and write that book you’ve been meaning to start, but your brain may be telling you otherwise.
But don’t worry! Magnesium, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants play a major role in the world of writing and thrive in many of the foods we may often ignore. So, check out the editor’s top 5 foods that are perfect for your writing career and learn how you can beat writer’s block while developing the stamina to keep on writing.
DARK CHOCOLATE
You may be wondering how sweets made the list, but quality dark chocolate is actually rich in magnesium, which helps turn food into energy, ultimately giving you a little boost to awaken your creative side. It’s also full of fiber, copper, iron, and other minerals.
Quick Meal Tip: Mix dark chocolate squares, whole strawberries, green grapes, and slices of banana in a bowl. Top with a slight swirl of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon. And here are some recommended brands that offer quality dark chocolate: Pascha®, Sweetriot®, Ghirardelli ® (Intense Dark), and Godiva® (72% cacao chocolate bars).
OATMEAL
Rich in carbohydrates, fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants, oatmeal is the perfect breakfast meal and energy booster. In fact, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says that oatmeal optimizes brain power. Add a variety of fruits and nuts, which are full of antioxidants, and give your bowl of oatmeal a little flair and texture.
Quick Meal Tip: Try Steel Cut oatmeal with water instead of milk, and add honey (instead of granulated sugar), cinnamon, blueberries, bananas, and mixed nuts.
SALMON
Shown to improve concentration and mood, which is extremely important in the writing world, salmon is super delicious and an excellent source of protein. Plus, it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which work to decrease irritability and worrying.
Quick Meal Tip: Add pieces of baked salmon to a salad full of arugula, spinach, sliced tomatoes, chopped red onions, carrots, bacon bits, and peas. Top with Italian or Ranch dressing. Or, pair a slice of baked salmon with brown rice and a mango salad.
AVOCADO
Add a little more green to your writer’s diet with tasty avocados. This fruit (yep, it’s a fruit) has plenty of antioxidants and contains a ton of potassium and oleic acid, a natural fatty acid that’s linked to reducing inflammation, and folate, which helps fight fatigue and keeps you calm. Plus, avocados have been proven to enhance blood flow and to power up those brain cells, which are perfect for the lethargic yet inspired writer.
Quick Meal Tip: Mash three avocados (no skin, of course) in a bowl, and add chopped red onions, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, garlic salt, pepper, lime juice, and lemon juice to create a tasty medium-sized bowl of guacamole. And add a side of your favorite corn tortilla chips. Or, spread or place slices of avocado on wheat toast and lightly top with salt and pepper for a quick morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
WATER
You may crave a can of Pepsi, Red Bull, or some other caffeinated drink to keep you going, but water is absolutely the best form of liquid to feed your brain during writer’s block. Hydration provides energy for all functions of the brain and helps you become more focused and alert. Additionally, writers may experience an increase in creativity, productivity, and clarity.
Quick Hydration Tip: Upon waking up every morning, drink one to two glasses of water at room temperature.
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