Comments on: Food for Thoughts: 10 The Best Foods for Writers http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/ Freelance Writing Jobs for All Writers Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:52:56 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: WordVixen http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14092 WordVixen Sat, 19 Jan 2008 03:01:54 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14092 Katherine- I think "handful" is what tipped the scale for me. Now I can't read that item at all without losing it. :) I agree though, nuts are excellent for brain power, and reducing cravings (at least for me). I don't exercise much, but I've been working on increasing my intake of whole grains, vegetables, and fish. And I'm trying to remember to add a little walnut oil to my olive oil when I cook since it's cheaper than cans/bags of nuts. Still trying to work flax seeds in, but I'm using flax seed oil supplements in the mean time. I once had just whole grains and protein for one meal a day for a week. I couldn't stand the taste and texture (still working on perfecting my methods), but I've never had so much energy! Katherine- I think “handful” is what tipped the scale for me. Now I can’t read that item at all without losing it. :)

I agree though, nuts are excellent for brain power, and reducing cravings (at least for me).

I don’t exercise much, but I’ve been working on increasing my intake of whole grains, vegetables, and fish. And I’m trying to remember to add a little walnut oil to my olive oil when I cook since it’s cheaper than cans/bags of nuts. Still trying to work flax seeds in, but I’m using flax seed oil supplements in the mean time.

I once had just whole grains and protein for one meal a day for a week. I couldn’t stand the taste and texture (still working on perfecting my methods), but I’ve never had so much energy!

]]> By: Katharine Swan http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14090 Katharine Swan Sat, 19 Jan 2008 00:54:31 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14090 WordVixen -- LOL. And she used the word "handful" in the same line item. SO not a good combination for dirty minds. ;o) However, Deb is right about the nuts. Another benefit is that a couple of ounces of nuts (avoiding the word "handful" now, hoping to rescue my mind from the gutter) gets rid of the munchies. I get the munchies a lot when I'm working, so I need all the help I can get! As for exercise, I do laundry during the day. Running up and down the stairs several times a day keeps me alert. :o) WordVixen –

LOL. And she used the word “handful” in the same line item. SO not a good combination for dirty minds. ;o)

However, Deb is right about the nuts. Another benefit is that a couple of ounces of nuts (avoiding the word “handful” now, hoping to rescue my mind from the gutter) gets rid of the munchies. I get the munchies a lot when I’m working, so I need all the help I can get!

As for exercise, I do laundry during the day. Running up and down the stairs several times a day keeps me alert. :o )

]]> By: WordVixen http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14086 WordVixen Fri, 18 Jan 2008 23:50:44 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14086 Phil- "cookie cookie cookie starts with C!" That said, do not read #4 if your mind is not pure... I really need a warning before reading these kinds of things. :-D Phil- “cookie cookie cookie starts with C!”

That said, do not read #4 if your mind is not pure… I really need a warning before reading these kinds of things. :-D

]]> By: Lynn Grieger http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14082 Lynn Grieger Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:49:40 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14082 I love your suggestions! I'm a registered dietitian and health coach plus a freelance writer. I'm often asked to come up with similar lists, and you hit the big nutrients right on the head. Thanks for reminding us of the importance of good nutrition. I love your suggestions! I’m a registered dietitian and health coach plus a freelance writer. I’m often asked to come up with similar lists, and you hit the big nutrients right on the head. Thanks for reminding us of the importance of good nutrition.

]]> By: Phil http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14079 Phil Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:15:03 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14079 To quote a great mind, "C is for coookie, and that's good enough for me." :) On a more serious side, I am a big spinach fan. Oatmeal is good, too, in terms of fiber and overall health. I do drink coffee, but usually only one huge cup in the morning. Long days means a second cup late. By cutting pop, I cut out a lot of indigestion problems. Jodee's exercise suggestion is good, too. In decent weather, I take 15 minute leisurely walks to clear my head. I bought a treadmill for inclement weather. Have a TV in front of it so workout doesn't get too boring. One comedian said a treadmill workout was too much like life, without the TV, it probably is. To quote a great mind, “C is for coookie, and that’s good enough for me.” :)

On a more serious side, I am a big spinach fan. Oatmeal is good, too, in terms of fiber and overall health.

I do drink coffee, but usually only one huge cup in the morning. Long days means a second cup late. By cutting pop, I cut out a lot of indigestion problems.

Jodee’s exercise suggestion is good, too. In decent weather, I take 15 minute leisurely walks to clear my head. I bought a treadmill for inclement weather. Have a TV in front of it so workout doesn’t get too boring. One comedian said a treadmill workout was too much like life, without the TV, it probably is.

]]> By: Melody http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14074 Melody Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:52:46 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14074 I love this post! Thank you for reminding us to take care of ourselves. I posted a blueberry-avocado smoothie on my blog. It's adapted from an avocado.org recipe. Trust me, if you like smoothies, you will LOVE this drink. Adding flax seed would take care of three of the major brain foods. I make this every morning for myself and my toddler. Now, if I can just motivate myself for a long morning walk in the mornings! I love this post! Thank you for reminding us to take care of ourselves. I posted a blueberry-avocado smoothie on my blog. It’s adapted from an avocado.org recipe. Trust me, if you like smoothies, you will LOVE this drink. Adding flax seed would take care of three of the major brain foods. I make this every morning for myself and my toddler.
Now, if I can just motivate myself for a long morning walk in the mornings!

]]> By: RLD http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14071 RLD Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:12:52 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14071 I think it's all about knowing your own body as well. I know that at any given time, I'm probably low in B-vitamins and iron, so I stock up on foods rich in that. I also eat a banana before I work out or play a wind instrument (I'm a musician as well...), because it helps prevent dry mouth (or so I hear). I'm like Erin with the Vit-C, but only because my homestead is teaming with disease. Hmm, I like the advice about the dark chocolate. Looks like I'll be stocking up on some Lindt bars in the future... I think it’s all about knowing your own body as well. I know that at any given time, I’m probably low in B-vitamins and iron, so I stock up on foods rich in that. I also eat a banana before I work out or play a wind instrument (I’m a musician as well…), because it helps prevent dry mouth (or so I hear). I’m like Erin with the Vit-C, but only because my homestead is teaming with disease.

Hmm, I like the advice about the dark chocolate. Looks like I’ll be stocking up on some Lindt bars in the future…

]]> By: Violette http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14070 Violette Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:55:50 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14070 Erik is correct about the tea. I was surprised it wasn't on the list. In fact it has all the good stuff that is in chocolate and orange juice but in more quantities to make it the ideal brain beverage. I just spent the better part of the week studying teas and I'm sure you don't want me to talk about catechins and amino acids...okay maybe just a little. The caffeine in tea coupled with the amino acid theanine increases your alpha brain-wave activity...so you can focus more! Erik is correct about the tea. I was surprised it wasn’t on the list. In fact it has all the good stuff that is in chocolate and orange juice but in more quantities to make it the ideal brain beverage. I just spent the better part of the week studying teas and I’m sure you don’t want me to talk about catechins and amino acids…okay maybe just a little.

The caffeine in tea coupled with the amino acid theanine increases your alpha brain-wave activity…so you can focus more!

]]> By: Mariella http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14069 Mariella Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:44:24 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14069 Unfortunately, I eat TOO much chocolates. I do drink supplements: vitamins C and E as well as glutathione capsules. PS: Deb, thanks for rescuing my comments from your spam folder :) I appreciate you taking the time to do so. Unfortunately, I eat TOO much chocolates. I do drink supplements: vitamins C and E as well as glutathione capsules.

PS: Deb, thanks for rescuing my comments from your spam folder :) I appreciate you taking the time to do so.

]]> By: Jodee http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14067 Jodee Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:49:23 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14067 I like going for a walk after lunch; it clears my head and helps me to think clearly. I'm starting to go back to the gym again, too. I got the all-clear to start going now that my wrist has fully healed. Just as well, I need to get away from the Body by Chocolate thing I was working on before Christmas... I like going for a walk after lunch; it clears my head and helps me to think clearly. I’m starting to go back to the gym again, too. I got the all-clear to start going now that my wrist has fully healed. Just as well, I need to get away from the Body by Chocolate thing I was working on before Christmas…

]]> By: Erika http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14066 Erika Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:45:53 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14066 Deb - Who knows? Maybe dark chocolate *can* help you find age brain related systems! If I could find a brain related system to keep myself more organized at my age , I'd eat a pound of chocolate a day :) Sometimes, typos make life more fun..... Deb – Who knows? Maybe dark chocolate *can* help you find age brain related systems! If I could find a brain related system to keep myself more organized at my age , I’d eat a pound of chocolate a day :) Sometimes, typos make life more fun…..

]]> By: Erika http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14064 Erika Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:41:56 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14064 Sounds like a piece of whole grain toast with some blueberry jam and a side order of Hershey's dark chocolate is in order!! Sounds like a piece of whole grain toast with some blueberry jam and a side order of Hershey’s dark chocolate is in order!!

]]> By: Valencia http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14061 Valencia Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:31:03 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14061 I eat a lot of fruits because I need all the energy I can get. Plus, I try to limit my coffee and soda intake. I have a bad habit of grabbing a Coke whenever I'm feeling sluggish or drain. I eat a lot of fruits because I need all the energy I can get. Plus, I try to limit my coffee and soda intake. I have a bad habit of grabbing a Coke whenever I’m feeling sluggish or drain.

]]> By: JO http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14060 JO Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:26:54 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14060 I'm feeling a whole lot better about that dark chocolate bar with blueberries I cracked open last night. Thanks for the interesting topic! I’m feeling a whole lot better about that dark chocolate bar with blueberries I cracked open last night. Thanks for the interesting topic!

]]> By: Erin http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14055 Erin Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:46:28 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14055 I am all about Vitamin C. It is amazing what drinking a glass of orange juice does for my energy and focus. I am all about Vitamin C. It is amazing what drinking a glass of orange juice does for my energy and focus.

]]> By: bertas http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14054 bertas Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:36:49 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14054 Hello everyone, been lurking for a while and I finally decided to comment :) And Deb, you are doing a great work btw :) Since I started freelancing I have noticed my behind is getting bigger... and my neck and back hurts... weight is not much of an issue since I was always slim, but after the Christmas period I just wanted to cleanse myself with a fast... tssss I did drink plenty of water and juices, and all was good until 6pm when I was ravenous and my head started to hurt. But I did feel a bit better, I mean the amount of food and cakes I have eaten was obscene (I love to bake :) I dont know if I'd be able to go vegan, I have a friend who went macrobiotic and after eating her food for 6 days I thought I was going to start to sprout :) But it works for her... I agree with Amanda, its good to go for walks I like to do it first thing in the morning, I feel my circulation is better... I also started with Pilates, because it makes me feel loads better especially the stretching part... I feel that is most important for me and it does have an effect as before I would wake up and stretch and everything would start to crack... well the cracks are down to a minimum :) Hello everyone,
been lurking for a while and I finally decided to comment :) And Deb, you are doing a great work btw :)

Since I started freelancing I have noticed my behind is getting bigger… and my neck and back hurts… weight is not much of an issue since I was always slim, but after the Christmas period I just wanted to cleanse myself with a fast… tssss
I did drink plenty of water and juices, and all was good until 6pm when I was ravenous and my head started to hurt. But I did feel a bit better, I mean the amount of food and cakes I have eaten was obscene (I love to bake :)
I dont know if I’d be able to go vegan, I have a friend who went macrobiotic and after eating her food for 6 days I thought I was going to start to sprout :) But it works for her…
I agree with Amanda, its good to go for walks I like to do it first thing in the morning, I feel my circulation is better… I also started with Pilates, because it makes me feel loads better especially the stretching part… I feel that is most important for me and it does have an effect as before I would wake up and stretch and everything would start to crack… well the cracks are down to a minimum :)

]]> By: Rachel http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14051 Rachel Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:15:18 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14051 Non-fish Omega 3 sources include flax seed (I toss a handful of flax seeds in my smoothie every morning) and walnuts. Non-fish Omega 3 sources include flax seed (I toss a handful of flax seeds in my smoothie every morning) and walnuts.

]]> By: Erik Hare http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14050 Erik Hare Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:53:56 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14050 Twinings Prince of Wales tea. It's just about all I eat anymore. :-) Seriously, a cup of good tea makes all the difference in my ability to think. Twinings Prince of Wales tea. It’s just about all I eat anymore. :-)

Seriously, a cup of good tea makes all the difference in my ability to think.

]]> By: Robin Marie http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14046 Robin Marie Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:32:29 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14046 One of the great things about drinking water regularly is not only does it flush out your system, but it does help regulate weight, and with most writers (myself included) sitting on our butts for a good portion of the day, staring at a computer screen, that helps us lose, or at the very least, maintain our weight. One of the great things about drinking water regularly is not only does it flush out your system, but it does help regulate weight, and with most writers (myself included) sitting on our butts for a good portion of the day, staring at a computer screen, that helps us lose, or at the very least, maintain our weight.

]]> By: Opal Tribble - Addicted To Writing http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14044 Opal Tribble - Addicted To Writing Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:26:57 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14044 @Amanda, I'm vegan also. I've been veggie for sixteen years. @Amanda,
I’m vegan also. I’ve been veggie for sixteen years.

]]> By: Amanda http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14042 Amanda Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:23:59 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14042 I went vegan about 3 years ago, and my immune system and alertness have noticeably improved. I also like to break up my day with walks. I went vegan about 3 years ago, and my immune system and alertness have noticeably improved. I also like to break up my day with walks.

]]> By: Deb http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14040 Deb Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:14:32 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14040 @Karen-bob - it was a typo. Sorry 'bout that. @Karen-bob – it was a typo. Sorry ’bout that.

]]> By: Opal Tribble - Addicted To Writing http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14037 Opal Tribble - Addicted To Writing Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:59:24 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14037 I practice total body wellness in fact that's what I write about. I eat whole foods (as close to the natural food source as possible.) My diet is high in fiber. I make sure I eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. The days when my schedule is extremely busy I juice or make fruit smoothies. I also make meals in advance. Exercise is part of my daily lifestyle. It's not an option it’s a requirement. Stress is kept at a minimum. The results? I rarely get sick and when I've had the symptoms of a cold I was able to effectively stop them by upping my intake of healing foods like garlic, ginger, echinacea. I always had a lot of energy but that has increased. I make and sell my beauty products. I don't use chemicals in my house many of the chemicals used in products, and some of our "foods" have awful side effects. I practice total body wellness in fact that’s what I write about.

I eat whole foods (as close to the natural food source as possible.) My diet is high in fiber. I make sure I eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. The days when my schedule is extremely busy I juice or make fruit smoothies. I also make meals in advance.

Exercise is part of my daily lifestyle. It’s not an option it’s a requirement. Stress is kept at a minimum.

The results?
I rarely get sick and when I’ve had the symptoms of a cold I was able to effectively stop them by upping my intake of healing foods like garlic, ginger, echinacea. I always had a lot of energy but that has increased.

I make and sell my beauty products. I don’t use chemicals in my house many of the chemicals used in products, and some of our “foods” have awful side effects.

]]> By: Karen-bob http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14033 Karen-bob Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:53:45 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14033 Great post Deb. Often on writer's forums, there will be one forum for writing goals and another for physical goals. I always think that is backwards. What we do with our bodies physically affects our writing. And of course, exercise is included. Simply going for a walk increases blood flow to our brain and improves function. Anyway- great post! ~Karen PS The only part I didn't understand was the one about dark chocolate, "Dark chocolate helps to find age related brain systems." Great post Deb. Often on writer’s forums, there will be one forum for writing goals and another for physical goals. I always think that is backwards. What we do with our bodies physically affects our writing. And of course, exercise is included. Simply going for a walk increases blood flow to our brain and improves function. Anyway- great post! ~Karen

PS The only part I didn’t understand was the one about dark chocolate, “Dark chocolate helps to find age related brain systems.”

]]> By: Kara http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/01/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/comment-page-1/#comment-14031 Kara Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:50:21 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/food-for-thoughts-10-the-best-foods-for-writers/#comment-14031 Whole grains, water and eggs (whites) are three of the foods above that really, really help me stay energized through the day. That, and daily exercise. I'm just back from a 1.5-hour cardio/core class and am ready to attack my work! Whole grains, water and eggs (whites) are three of the foods above that really, really help me stay energized through the day.

That, and daily exercise. I’m just back from a 1.5-hour cardio/core class and am ready to attack my work!

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