Reading Fuel

My goodness, it’s been a while since I participated in the Top Ten Tuesday community, hosted by That Artsy Reader Gal. I simply couldn’t let this week’s theme pass me by, however, as it is dedicated to the food and drink that sustains us as we read.

Now, I don’t think I’ll be able to fill my list with ten items, as I’m not a particularly adventurous nosher when it comes to reading, but how could I miss an opportunity to once again since the praises of that most precious of beverages, while also sharing some of my other preferred forms of sustenance?

First on my list is, of course, tea. Where would I be without this elixir of the Gods? I’ve written about tea more times than I can count, and to find more of my odes to this most magical or drinks simply search for “tea” in my blog search bar. Suffice it to say I drink quite of lot of black tea with milk.

In the cold winter months I just can’t resist the occasional mug of hot chocolate, heaped with mini marshmallows, especially when I’m curled up under a blanket with a good book after a long, wet commute.

I’m also partial to an ice cold glass of cola when reading (or writing, for that matter). I am not a cola purist, mind you, and I am just as happy drinking Pepsi as I am Coca Cola. I will draw the line at diet colas, however, as I prefer my vices pure and unadulterated.

As I’ve grown older and supposedly wiser I’ve also consciously attempted to add more water to my diet, in part to dilute all the caffeine I consume in the form of tea and cola…

When it comes to snacks, I am unfortunately a mindless nosher, especially when reading or writing, so I have to be very careful when it comes to filling my snack bowl. Put a bowl of chips in front of me when I’m revising, and it won’t be long before I’ve emptied the entire thing.

I try to have healthy snacks available to nosh on without guilt, such as cut vegetables, grapes, and dry cereal. It’s not as satisfying as a bowl of taco chips, but it’s also much less likely to make me feel queasy afterwards!

When I’m really struggling with a tough scene or find myself staring at a blank page and need something really satisfying to munch on while I work through the roadblock, one of my favourite snacks is popcorn! It’s also fun to toss popcorn in your mouth while listening to an audiobooks – it’s almost like being at the movies!

This was a bit of a random post, but it was lots of fun to write, even if it did leave me feeling pretty snackish! What to do you like to guzzle or chomp on while reading or pounding away on the keyboard? I’d love to hear your snacking suggestions!