Recipe: Healthy Stir Fry (Shirataki Noodles)

Stir fry right when it was done cooking

Stir fry is pretty easy to make to begin with but sometimes it isn't the healthiest - especially when it's loaded with sauce or meat or noodles or whatever.  The amount of calories in your specific stir fry depends on how much you put into it, or what you put into it, and how much you eat.  The stir fry that I have probably has about 100 calories per serving, and usually about 3-4 servings.  This isn't an exact amount though, but it should give you a good idea.

Ingredients:

• vegetables (any ones that you'd like!)
• bean sprouts
• shirataki noodles (14 oz or 1 lb works for 3-4 servings for me)
• soya sauce  (low sodium - 1-2 tbsp works for 3-4 servings but it's up to you)
• spices (lemon pepper, garlic salt, onion salt, etc.)

The day before, you should make sure you cook shirataki noodles (I use this guideline: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/536767-let-s-talk-about-shirataki-noodles).  Do this earlier in the day or the day before.

One serving of stir fry with rice

Then you need to do is cut up all your veggies!  My favourite veggies to use are broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and bok choy.  You can just use whatever you have around though.  Mix the vegetables, bean sprouts, shirataki noodles.  Add soya sauce and spices to taste.

Yes, it's that simple.

How is this so low calorie?  Shirataki noodles are either 0 calorie per serving or 20 calories per serving (if you get the tofu kind).  No meat at all (trust me ... you DON'T need chicken! add some tofu if you'd like the "meat" part of it ... but remember that will increase the calories).


It is so delicious!  You can eat it by itself, with rice, or whatever you choose!  And it keeps you full for a while!

Article "Why Consuming Animals May Be The Right Thing To Do"

Article: http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1173381--why-it-s-good-and-ethical-to-eat-meat?bn=1#article

When I read this article, I was just plain astounded.  None of these points gave any good reason why animals should be killed.

“All animals die. The choice for a pig is not between painful death and perpetual life, but between one death and some other. If we ate only animals that died naturally, then could there be any rational objection to our eating them — to eating their flesh in celebration of their life rather than burying it to rot or merely burning it?” - Adam Gopnik from The Table Comes First

I completely agree that if people only ate animals that died naturally, then there should not be any objection to eating them.   Unfortunately, the demand for meat is too high and that is why there are animals being and tortured and killed.

“That’s the ultimate goal, to have a swift kill so that the animal doesn’t know,” Stephen Alexander, butcher

My question: is human death okay, as long as it is done as quickly as possible?

 “You’re killing them to live, you’re killing them because you enjoy meat, because it’s good for you. But at the end of the day, there is the cold, hard truth that you’re killing animals to eat their meat . . . You have to justify it to yourself and that’s all there is to it.” Stephen Alexander, butcher

Killing animals is not necessary for you to live.  You do not "need" things that only come from animals.  Otherwise, all vegetarians would be dead.  As well, where do you think that the animals get those nutrients from?  Animals get their nutrients from fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc.  You can get all the nutrients you need to live without eating meat.

People kill animals because they enjoy meat.  I understand that meat tastes good.  Just because I'm a vegetarian doesn't mean that I think meat tastes bad.  When I used to eat meat, I mostly liked chicken and hamburgers the best.  Going without meat, of course, I miss those things.  I have found so many delicious fake meats.  Veggie Patch is one of my favourites.  Fake chicken nuggets and wings.  Tofurky is another delicious brand of fake meat products.  You don't have to go without the meat taste if you don't eat meat.

The last statement claims that meat is good for you.  The truth is that meat is not good for you.  it's not healthy.  By eating meat, it leaves you exposed to many animal diseases, you ingest the chemicals and hormones that some animals are given (to make them "fatter"), you get high cholesterol and much higher chance of heart diseases, and more.  There are many diseases (I can't list them all) that you are at a much higher risk at getting just because you eat meat.  Saying meat is good for you is like saying chocolate is good for you, or sugar is good for you, or pop/soda is good for you.  It just isn't.

Then the last sentence - you just have to justify it to yourself.  Well, if you have to justify it to yourself, is it really right?  If you kill another human, you probably have to justify that to yourself.  Does that mean it's okay, once you've justified it?  On a lower level, if you rob a house, and you justify it to yourself, is that okay too?

“As a hunter, you can go out and get your food. Humanely kill the animal you’re hunting. You pay respect to that animal by eating as much of the meat possible and by enjoying your harvest with your family." Mike O'Shea, former CFL all-stare linebacker

If you kill a human, and then enjoy the human feast with your family, eating every part of his or her body, is that okay too?  Of course, the human was killed humanely.

That article was so poorly written.  It was (obviously) very biased towards meat eaters.

Any thoughts?

Ugly

I think that each person has their own views on what is attractive and what isn't.  Everyone has their own 'type'.  Like food, or colours, you have your favourite of those!  But it doesn't mean that other people are ugly!  It just mean they aren't your type!

I really do think that almost everyone out there is beautiful in their own way.  I say almost because I don't have much respect for those who are ugly on the inside, but that is another topic!

Just because I don't find someone attractive doesn't mean that they are ugly!  There will be someone else who finds that person attractive.  My opinion isn't the deciding factor, it is one of many many opinions.

But I dislike it when people insult others based on their looks.  You don't know the reason behind it.  You don't need to call that person disgusting or gross.  How would YOU feel if you were that person?

Many people can't help things that make them more 'unattractive'.  If you have a deformed body part, a huge scar, even as small as pimples ... you can't help those things.  They don't deserve to be insulted just because they have something that you find unattractive.  Even people that are simply not your type, it doesn't mean that they should be insulted or ridiculed because of it.

All in all, treat others the way you would like to be treated, regardless of his or her appearance!

Riding The Subway

I don't understand people on the subway.  I feel like some people just move as inefficiently as possible.

For example, there are people leaving the subway. Someone who is boarding the subway stands in the middle of the doorway of the subway.  This means that the speed in which people can leave has been cut in half.  Instead of two people being able to leave at a time, only one person can.  How is this efficient?  This person may be the first on the subway in that door, but the people in the other doors have taken all the seats anyway (as that's really the goal, to get a good seat).

When two people are sitting beside each other and the person at the window seat needs to get out, it is polite for the aisle person to stand up.  So many times, they have simply 'moved their legs' for me.  This does not help.  I am short and cannot step over their legs.  I end up just running into them and hitting them with my bags.  I don't say sorry.  Really, they could have made more of an effort!

At interchange stations, or just really busy subway stations, people who are not getting off should move further inside the subway.  Standing at the door prevents people from moving in/out by at least two.  This is kind of like the person who just stands waiting to board the subway while people are still leaving.

It is also proper etiquette to not put your bags on the seat next to you during a busy time (or most times).  Unless there are lots of spots for people to sit, just put your bags on your lap, on the ground, anywhere!

Another thing that bothers me is when two people who know each other sit seats apart.  Then two people, who should be using two seats, are taking up three to five seats.  Yes, I've seen it where they are taking up five seats between two people!  It is just uncomfortable to sit in between two people who obviously know each other!!

With common courtesy and respect, how hard should it be to ride a subway?

Buying Lunch: Such A Waste

I have learned that most people buy their lunch every day.  When I was in high school and college, I noticed most people bought lunch, but there were still a few of us who brought it.  But in the workplace, the majority of people buy lunch, and you're definitely the odd one if you bring it.

I have noticed a lot of things go to waste when people buy lunch.  Containers, plastic utensils, cups, packets (ketchup, salt, pepper, salad dressing, etc.), straws, napkins.  It all just gets thrown out!  What a waste!

I really think that these restaurants could save money by selling reusable containers.  If you visit the same place, even once every week, then this could be profitable to both you and the restaurant!  So here is how it works.
Your meal costs: $10
With a reusable container: no extra charges
Container with your meal: $1
Re-useable container: $4 OR free with 5 meal purchases (you could use the card and stamps method)

For someone who eats out every day, this could really save them money.  And of course help save the planet!  For restaurants, it could save them money as well.  And again, it could help save the planet!

I really suggest that restaurants consider this idea.

Where Are The Ants Hiding?

I've been having an "ant attack" at my place for the past few weeks.  Maybe a month or two?  They just keep multiplying!  I think I've got them ... but nope ... there are always more ants!

I have put tons of Ant-Outs around my place, they attract tons of ants but they don't really get rid of them!  And my place is pretty clean now, no dirt on the floor, and no food or crumbs lying around.  But still tons of ants, just wandering around!

I have tried spraying tons of ant-killer and putting out ant traps and pretty much nothing makes a difference.

So frustrating!

Apartment Hunting

Apartment hunting ... that's what I've been up to lately!  It's so exhausting.  I will find tons of apartments but there is always something wrong with them: too expensive, wrong location, bed bugs, no balcony, sketchy area.  The ones that don't have those problems never have any vacancies either.

We did end up finding a couple places to see last week but none of them worked out.  We have three more appointments for places to see tomorrow.  WISH ME LUCK!

I do like my place here but I am excited for a real apartment.  As long as we find something, I will be moving in May - yay!  A month and a half ... that's not really too far away eh!

On a side note ... it is finally spring?!?  Already??  I didn't even wear a coat outside today.  Two days ago, I was going all out, in a winter coat, mittens, earmuffs, and a scarf!  Hah!

Boots and Cats

My favourite video
For your amusement :)

How To Ride An Escalator

There are basic escalator rules that people should follow.  Always!  Not just sometimes ... Always!

1. If you are standing on the escalator, you stand to the right.
2. If you are walking up/down the escalator, you walk to the left.
3. You do not back up on the escalator.
4. You get off the escalator as efficiently as possible.
5. You walk away as soon as you are off the escalator (no standing at the top/bottom, there are people behind you!).

I don't understand how people cannot follow these rules!  Yes, most people do!  But then you get the annoying guy who is chilling out on the left side blocking everyone's way.  And that girl who is talking on her phone who just stops when she gets to the top of the escalator and people have to push and shove to get around her.

Basic escalator rules are all just common courtesy.

Help escalators run more efficiently!!

Being Confident

I guess I like to say I'm confident.  But I'm not really.  I get nervous in front of almost everyone.  I am scared to stand up for myself.  I never think that I "deserve" things or even have "earned" things.  Mostly I'm just talking about work and social situations.  But those are two really important things.

I just won't put myself out there.  I never have, I hope I will be able to sometimes.  I'm just scared to really say what I think.  I don't want to offend people.  So I have to overthink whatever I want to say.  And by the time I have prepared a sentence of some sort, the conversation is over and I haven't participated.  The most I really do in conversations is laugh or say "hmmm" or "cool" or "that sucks" or "yeahhh okay".  Absolutely nothing of value.

Two person conversations are not much better!  I completely miss "implied" things in conversations, mostly jokes.  It is always so awkward when the other person is laughing and I'm wondering what's going on.  Then I think about what was said and get it, but then it makes me look slow!

I plan conversations in my head before I have them.  If I have to talk to someone (at work, at a party, at the store, anywhere), I have to think out all possible scenarios before I can say anything.  And if they surprise me by saying something completely different - uh oh!!  I have had way too many imaginary conversations.

And with the whole work thing ... I had the opportunity to apply for an amazing position.  Did I do it?  No, I was too scared to.  It would have been perfect for me, exactly what I wanted!!  But I just couldn't do it!  Now I'm feeling terrible because another opportunity like that may not come around for a few years.  Maybe more.

I guess this is more of a rant thing.  I really need to get this under control, but I'm scared to start!

I should probably take things step by step.  And I have to actually try.  Instead of just hiding and pretending this issue doesn't exist.

Gary Yourofsky: Best Speech You Will Ever Hear

Before you say "ahhh boring speech", I have to tell you ... that's what I thought before I watched this.  My boyfriend wanted me to watch it.  I was like, fine, we have some time, might as well see how it goes.  It was so amazing that it was done before I knew it.  The first part isn't the greatest but it keeps getting better and better and better!

There are some graphic scenes (two of them ... he will warn you and switch to a video) which I fast forwarded through.  Well the second one, we watched a tiny bit of it and I started crying so we fast forwarded through that one too.

It is about vegetarianism, animal cruelty, etc.  It is so hard to review.  The video is just something that you need to watch to fully understand!  The video is below but you can also go to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es6U00LMmC4&fb_source=message

Recipe: Homemade French Fries

So I've been trying to eat pretty healthy but I still have cravings for things ... like French fries!  But, I have been experimenting with some homemade French fry recipes and it definitely satisfies my craving!

What You Need:
1-2 potatoes per person
spices (my personal favourites: lemon pepper, pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper ... but experiment and choose what you'd like!)
oil

Directions:
Cut the potatoes into very fine lines, like small French fries.  Set them in water for 30 minutes to one hour to soak.  Add a bit of pepper or other spices and mix it around with the potatoes.

Once the potatoes have been soaked, put them into a pan.  Add a little bit of oil.  1/2 tsp per person or potato is the ideal amount!  Add some spices and mix it up.  Keep the fries moving so that they don't stay still and burn!

They are done when the sides are crunchy and almost burned.  If they burn, it's okay, it still tastes fine that way, and then you know for next time!

Bad Dreams

I don't really dream much (or at least, remember my dreams).  But they come in spurts.  For the past two weeks, I've been having terrible dreams each night!

Last night, I dreamed that the ants in the kitchen multiplied and multiplied and ended up attacking me in my bed.  The night before, I dreamed that my boyfriend just dumped me out of no where and then went to get revenge.  The night before that (it was the worst one), I dreamed that my hamster died and that someone gave me an ugly black hamster but it was not my hamster!  I had a couple other dreams about my hamster, also some about work, and my family.

I don't really understand why these dreams have been haunting me for the past couple of weeks.  It is almost scary to go to sleep anymore, I never know what I'm going to dream about anymore.

Sometimes dreams are cool.  Like when they are fun, cool, interesting dreams.  But scary dreams are never fun ... At least not for me ... I hate them!

I don't really understand the human brain.  Why do I get spurts ... Like one or two weeks at a time ... Where I get bad dreams nonstop?  I'm not sure.  I'm just hoping that it stops sometime soon.  I'd like to go back to not dreaming at all.  A peaceful sleep.  Yes please!

Healthy Eating - Pizza Days

I remember having Pizza Day and Hot Dog Day once a month in elementary school.  My parents would always give me money so I could get a slice of pizza one day and a hot dog one day each month.

It has been a few years since I've been in elementary school.  I'm not even sure if they do this anymore.

But with everything saying how kids should be healthy these days, shouldn't that be eliminated?  How about rice day?  Maybe that doesn't sound appealing, but it could be done!  Or 'fruit and veggies day'.  Well, it sounds good to me.

Things like pizza day and hot dog day, they don't promote healthy eating.  With the education in health class, with the activity in gym class, pizza day is just counter productive!

I'm not sure how many schools have things like Pizza Day but I would definitely suggest that the idea be reconsidered.

What's your But?

I was watching How I Met Your Mother and it was talking about how everyone has a 'but'.  Like when you're talking about someone.  They specifically used it when setting up someone with a blind date.

Some examples are:
'He's hot, successful, but he lives with his parents.'
'She's smart, friendly, outgoing, but she had a kid.'
The 'buts' can be anything that you simply don't find attractive.

So I'm thinking about my 'but' and it might be 'obsessive' or 'anxious'.  What would your 'but' be?

Telling People I Don't Eat Meat

When I tell people I don't eat meat, it is always an interesting conversation.  Most people ask me why.  I tell them my reasons:
- healthier in general
- so much more food can grow if we didn't waste resources by raising animals just for meat
- it is a live animal, I don't want to eat a live animal

When I reach that last point, people become very empathetic.  Many people say 'awwww I feel so bad eating this [insert meat here]'.

I don't say it to make them feel bad.  I'm not even saying it to try and convince them to become a vegetarian.  I'm saying it because that is my reasoning.  Of course, I'd like everyone to stop eating meat, but I'm not actively trying.

I think it is in the back of their minds, when they say 'awww, I feel so bad eating turkey now'.  I think they know that it is kind of wrong, to allow the animals to be tortured and killed.  People don't often put two and two together.  They don't really think about it.  And when they are forced to think about it (when I explain why I don't eat meat), they really think about it.

Then of course you get the mean ones.  The people who scoff and say 'I don't care if it was once alive, I'm eating it anyway!'.  Often times, it just seems like those people are so selfish and rude.  They seem to be saying 'I don't care that I have to take another life, I just get to have something tasty to eat!'.  The way they say it makes me so sad.  Like they have no feelings or empathy at all.

I wish that it would be taught to children, at a young age, what meat really is.  We should tell them all the terrible things that happen just so they can have some chicken, or a burger, or a steak, or some fish.  That things die.  Children are often empathetic and care more in that way.  I think that's what could really make a difference.  It is hard to change your habits once you're in the habit of eating meat.  I mean, I still look at meat and think it looks delicious.  But I won't eat it!

But yeah, some of the holiday dinners were interesting.  Many people kinda thought about the whole vegetarian thing just because I was there and said no to the meat.  And then you get the heartless people who don't care at all (unfortunately my sister is one of these).  I'm really happy that I'm kind of spreading awareness.  My family is at least thinking about it.  I'm proud of that!

Zinn's Fashion Don'ts!

1. Body suits.  I don't understand them at all.  Do people really wear them daily?  I can't help imagining how uncomfortable it would be.  And, of course, it would be awkward to go to the washroom.  Then, to top it all off, it is just plain ugly.

2. Fair isle pattern shirts.  I can understand if my parents or event grandparents are wearing it.  It is kind of an older fashion. But I think anyone under 30 should not be wearing one of those hideous patterned shirts.

3. Socks in heels or sandals.  No matter what colour, style, etc. the answer is no!  Tights, pantyhose, those can go in heels.  Heels are for dressing up.  No socks in heels!