Gaming "snacks" -- ideas?

[Herobizkit]

Hey all,
I'm DMing a game today and I'm not going to have a lot of sleep beforehand. I don't want to load up on Red Bull (et al.), caffeine, sugar or junk food to keep me awake -- you know, stuff that's a tease to the body to make it THINK it's alert until the rush wears off, making the body very cranky.

Any thoughts on decent pick-me-up foods and/or drinks to get me (and other gamers) through the day?

 

[Bront]

A veggi tray may be good. Carrots can be filling and give you some energy.

Diet Pepsi/Coke can be good, it's low enough caffine that you don't get the buzz and crash, and no sugar so you don't get anything from that either.

High Protine snacks, like cheese, or cold cuts, can give you energy as well.

 

[DarrenGMiller]

I like having a good veggie tray on hand before a session. Also, if you want cola, but not the caffiene, try some root beer (the good kind, like IBC or Natural Brew). There are also some good caffeine free natural sodas out there. Also, there is a neat snack called "Pirate's Booty" that I like to have. It is a puffed corn snack. Also, an apple before gaming is good, or at least some apple juice.

DM

 

[Ao the Overkitty]

Veggies & fruits. Pasta.

 

[fusangite]

If you are looking for food that doesn't produce the starch/sugar/caffeine rush but instead releases energy gradually throughout the day, I would go the route of Mexican snacks. There are a lot more corn chips out there that include coarser, more whole grains than the ones found in crackers. I make a mean Mexican bean dip (actually I make two kinds) that go well during a game. Celery with a blue cheese dip is a nice idea. Also, you can present smoked meats and cheeses without crackers or with whole grain crackers that will similarly buffer energy. Pickles are another good idea.

 

[Rev. Jesse]

You can't go wrong with cheese and crackers. Protein and carbs, that's what you need. Throw some salami in on the plate to spice things up a little. Look for some good water crackers.

Baked brie is particularly good.

Other alternatives include pate, cavier, oysters and clams, crab ragoons (& egg rolls and other Chinese stuff but be careful with it)

 

[Altalazar]

Chips and salsa are always good - with the salsa increasing in strength as the night progresses, helping you to keep awake. The last time I gamed, everyone picked up subs to eat at the beginning of the session, which generally kept everyone going. I also baked brownies, which disappeared fast.

I brought some Combos(tm) - they seem to have some good staying power (the cheddar cheese perhaps?). I ate small bags of them when I was in the hospital with my wife after she had our first baby two months ago - it was just about the only thing I could eat at that place. The cafeteria food tasted like it was basted with gravy made of used mop water.

After that, I brought some bags of Combos to gaming and they seemed to do the trick.

 

[Queen_Dopplepopolis]

I drink a lot of hot tea when we game. It's got caffeine, but isn't as filled with crap as soda. Give me a nice, strong cup on Earl Gray any day of the week over a can of soda. Mmm!

I'll also second the chips and salsa... it's a great snack and really isn't that bad for you!

 

[Aaron L]

I've always thought that someone should make Orc Rinds, maybe for at cons or something. Just dye pork rinds blue or green, or something.

 

[Catavarie]

PB&J Sandwiches are always good at the table...as is Sushi, if you like it, Buffalo wings prior to playing give me a good boost of energy that last throughout the session plus they just taste good...Granola bars are good...Brown rice crispie treats with some dried fruit mixed in are good for those times when you need something with a little sugar to boost your energy but don't have that sudden crash after a few minutes