It’s the time of year when many writers make resolutions: eat healthier, write more, get published, maybe run a marathon. While we can’t help you with that marathon thing, the folks here at Writer’s Relief can offer some smart ideas for eating right (and we know a thing or two about finding more time to write and getting published)! Sugary snacks might give you a burst of energy, but it will quickly fade and you’ll soon be slumped atop a big writer’s block. Make a fresh start now by choosing from these healthy, tasty snacks that are also great writing fuel.

Smart, Healthy Snacks That Power Your Writing Muscles

Fruit

Fresh fruit is both healthy and delicious! And there are so many options: Slice up some strawberries, have an apple with peanut butter, bring a whole bag of grapes to your desk and pop them one after another into your mouth, peel a few clementines—any fruit will satisfy your hunger and give you an energy boost. Maybe try something you haven’t had before: kiwi or dragon fruit, anyone?

Popcorn

Yes, we said POPCORN, and we mean it! But instead of using the microwavable bags, go old-school and pop plain kernels in a popcorn popper. Add salt or other seasonings, and popcorn becomes a healthy snack that’s full of fiber and lower in calories than you probably thought! Just go easy on the butter.

Eggs

If you’re in the zone and busy writing, you don’t want to stop and cook an entire meal when hunger strikes. A soft- or hard-boiled egg with a dash of salt can be a quick, tasty, protein-filled snack to help you power through to your next break. Keep a dozen or so (a writer’s dozen?) hard-boiled eggs in the fridge, and your go-to snack will be ready and waiting!

Hummus

Hummus is a miracle snack food. This chickpea-based dip is versatile, filling, and low calorie! There are countless flavor choices, and even more healthy options for what to dip into it! Pretzels, pita chips, pita bread, carrots, celery—any veggie, honestly—they’re all delicious with hummus. (And we should mention that it’s also available in chocolate. Yum!)

Cheese

Surprise! Cheese can be a healthy snack! But a little mouse told us moderation is key. Eating an entire block of cheese is not a good idea, but a few slices can certainly help ward off hunger. Choose one of the healthier cheeses, like feta, mozzarella, ricotta, or goat cheese.

Nuts

Nuts are a fantastic healthy snack: They are packed with protein and require no preparation. Keep a bag on your desk and start munching away when your stomach starts growling! Almonds, cashews, peanuts, pecans, macadamias…the list goes on.

Edamame

Though it won’t match the experience of ordering this tasty treat at the sushi restaurant, those bags of frozen edamame you buy at the grocery store and steam at home are still a really good snack choice. The best part? Squeezing the beans out of the pods relieves tension—it’s almost as good as popping bubble wrap!

Pickle rolls

These strange-but-delicious snacks can be made a few different ways, but the basic recipe is this: your favorite kind of sliced meat, spread with a layer of cream cheese and wrapped around a pickle. It might sound odd, but don’t knock it until you try it!

Salsa

Salsa is much more versatile than a simple party dip. Sure, you can eat it with tortilla chips, but why not try dipping your favorite veggies in it! Sliced peppers are a good option, as are carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, and celery.

Yogurt

There are so many different types of yogurt and flavors to choose from that almost everyone can find a yummy option to tempt their taste buds. There are even vegan yogurts available in most stores. So when you need to fuel your writing muscles, grab a cup of nutritious probiotics—aka yogurt—and toss in your favorite toppings. (You can even add chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or caramel syrup, but you didn’t hear that from us.)

Question: What other healthy snacks do you like to eat while you write?