The Comparison Game: The Gym & Our Mentality

We live in a world where we strive everyday to be the best, have the best and look our best. It's been seared into our DNA since childhood when we dreaded being picked last in kickball. The same concept followed us to adulthood as MTV broadcasted stick-thin celebrities and Pinterest asks us to re-pin athletes with washboard abs.  In a perfect world we want to choke those annoying voices in our heads that say we're not good enough, but it's not always easy when we're constantly surrounded by opportunities to compare ourselves with others. I love Pinterest and find it as a great motivator to stay fit and healthy. However, I'll see a pin like this before the gym:

and feel slightly discouraged when I don't leave my workout with a BMI of 18 and abs made of pure steel; I have to then take a step back and realize that once again I was a victim of the comparison game.

This mentality always seems to sneak up at the gym. I will admit that I have been guilty of running on the treadmill and trying to out run the person next to me. But why? Who cares. Another person's workout is not mine or my concern and another's fitness goals are different than what I am trying to achieve. We cannot compare ourselves, especially at the gym, because it will only set us up for temporary satisfaction and overall disappointment.

Actually, the answer is no but enjoy yourself as you set yourself up for temporary self-fulfillment.

The other day I was at the gym and glanced at the guy running next to me: he was nearing his fifth mile while I was walking at a pace of 4.0 on the treadmill. I immediately thought, he's obviously pushing himself harder than I am so after this I'm going to bike and elliptical for 30 minutes. Woah, what am I doing? I immediately put myself on an equal playing field as the person next to me. He obviously looks like a Cross Country runner, I am not, and I had a hard workout yesterday and was using today to take it easy. My workouts are catered to my own fitness goals and not the stranger hoofin' it next to me.

Yes, it's hard but we can't be sucked into the comparison game. Instead praise yourself that you just beat your mile record time by 30 seconds and who cares if the person next to you just ran a 5K. It's important to focus on our own achievements, big or small. Comparing ourselves, in and outside the gym, only leads to discouragement plus it's exhausting. What I discovered early in my softball career, no matter how hard I practiced there will always be someone stronger, faster or better than me. I learned to only push myself against my own limits and no one else's.

Use others' achievements as motivators but never as criteria in which to measure yourself. You are you and no one else. Be your personal best and you can never be disappointed.

Which Water Hydration is Best for your Workout?

In this crazy world, nothing can be simple--- not even water.  You wouldn't think to mosey down a supermarket's water aisle and leave overwhelmed. There's vitamin water, flavored water, fitness water, sports drinks and I think I once saw diet water. There's too much H2O indecisiveness; what happened to plain old water?

Water has acquired some stiff competition over the years, but how do you know which competitors are best for your workout and overall health? Thankfully for Self Magazine, I got the 411.

Sports Drinks

What are they? Sports drinks refuel the sodium and potassium, electrolytes that are sweat out during exercise, to help muscles work efficiently.


Do you need one? Only when enduring a serious sweat session (heavy lifting or spinning); they're designed for people exercising more than an hour at high intensity. If you're not hoofin' it, then one of these drinks could negate the calories you just burned. Many sports drinks also include unnecessary sugars so make sure to check labels.


How to buy: Look for a drink with 50-70 calories, up to 19 grams of carbs and at least 100 milligrams per 8 ounces. Keep an eye out for Gatorade G-Series 02 Perform and Powerade Ion 4! (source)

Fitness Waters

What are they? Fitness waters represent the lighter version of sports drinks. They have little to few calories and some replenish electrolytes; however, don't rely on them to aid in muscle recovery.


Do you need one? These drinks are perfect for a moderately-intense 45 minute workout (running or biking). Keep adding water to enjoy the flavor longer but remember plain old water works just as well!


How to buy: Look for calorie-free options that have 80- 100 mg sodium per 8 oz. Propel Zero is a great pick and will keep you hydrated without canceling out the calories you just burned! (source)

Vitamin Waters

What are they? Vitamin waters provide added vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B, C, and E. Some brands advertise extra perks such as a boost in energy, immunity or concentration.


Do you need one? Probably not unless you really love the taste and feel the perks prove true. According to sports dietitian, Jenna Bell, R.D., vitamin waters won't dramatically change your health. The body absorbs vitamins better for food so reach for an orange when you need a boost in vitamin C. (source)


How to buy: Snatch a no-calorie options like Vitaminwater Zero or Skinny Water Total-V. To stray clear of a vitamin overload, skip brands with nutrients that you already get in your diet.

Flavored Waters

What are they? Just as the title states, it's water with a little pizzazz. They're infused with natural ingredients such as citrus, berries, mint and fruit.  They provide the benefits of water with a hint of flavor without adding calories or unnecessary artificials.

Do you need on? They're great alternative to plain old water but can often be pricey. To save money and the environment: use a refillable BPA-free bottle, tap water and a little lemon juice. It's just as tasty and less expensive!

How to buy: Make sure the ingredients list is short and sweet (and you can pronounce the ingredients). It should only include: water and natural ingredients. Choose calorie-free options like Hint Water and Mentromint.

And remember, there is nothing wrong with plain old water! It's the nectar of the fitness gods!

Is 'Tuna Scrape' the new Pink Slime?

Just when you thought the Pink Slime outburst subsided, another pink food imitation has reared its ugly head: tuna scrape. Geez, I've already seen how beef is mutilated and transformed until unrecognizable but leave my spicy tuna roll alone! This is a sad, sad day.

So what is tuna scrape and why am I crying over fish? Let me explain. Tuna scrape is "tuna backmeat", which is meat scraped directly off from tuna bones mixed into a ground product a.k.a. tuna hamburger (source). This fishy "hamburger" meat is then sold to restaurants and supermarkets in hopes become a spicy tuna roll or other recipe that includes ground or chopped fish, but this frog has failed to become a prince. 

This sad-excuse-for-a-tuna (Nakaochi Scrape AA or AAA) has caused 116 people in 20 states to become ill due to Salmonella Bareilly. It this particular case, it should be called Tunanella, too soon? According to public media source, WRVO, 58,828 pounds of this stuff has been recalled. Yikes! This is far from a small problem.

If it's Tuna Scrape, you may opt for the brains instead.

The FDA stated that they have traced the illness back to certain lots of tuna scrape from Moon Marine and there could potentially be more infected tuna meat out there (source). This whole situation sounds fishy to me, how about you? 

Given the whole outburst about pink slime (click here to read my post about Pink Slime), how does tuna scrape measure up regarding its danger factor. Michael Doyle, director of the Center for Food Safety at the University of Georgia, gives his expertise about two things to consider when thinking about health and    ground fish meat: 

(1) "My rule of thumb is that raw food of animal origin should be cooked before it's eaten," and 

(2) does ground fish cause more health problems? "For chicken, turkey and beef, the ground product tends to be more contaminated than the whole cuts" That's been the issue with ground beef because one contaminated carcass can spread disease to the whole batch (source).

So what have we learned? Well, raw fish doesn't mean it's free of germs which alone makes me skeptic of sushi-- always be cautious of your food's history! I don't know about you, but I feel the only way to avoid any health issues regarding food is to becoming vegan. Instead, I'll resort to "pass the shrimp tempura roll, please".

How to Find Real Food at Supermarkets

I have been extremely busy due to my last few weeks as an undergraduate! Soon I will have a diploma and continue to work towards my Master's degree! It's all very exciting, but the only thing standing in my way is a mountain pile of work; therefore, I have limited time to blog. *Sad face* But I do need to blog for one of my classes, so next week I'll be able finally sit down and focus on a quality post. In the mean time, check out this chart. As silly as some of the answers are, it makes a good point about the grey areas of what's considered food at supermarkets. If needed, print it out for your next grocery trip-- ha!

Small Weight Loss Tips = Big Difference

When I decided to eat healthier, I started with small dietary adjustments: I switched to oatmeal from a bottomless bowl of cereal, soda to more water and said no thank you to the bread basket at restaurants. It would have been unrealistic for me to completely change what and how I ate overnight; it would have only resulted in getting myself frustrated and reaching for a Snickers.

Diets in general are short-term, it's about slowly incorporating healthy changes into your everyday routine that reap long-term benefits. Small changes set you up for success, these slight dietary tweaks turn into habits and, boom, you're a Healthy Helen without realizing it. Go you!

One pound of fat is 3,500 calories, so all you need to do is subtract a few calories from your caloric intake every day. There's so magic pill or fancy drink, just make small and healthy choices. And look below, never say  Ughhhh I only lost one pound, again! That my dear is one pound and a huge accomplishment!

I just read a great article in Shape Magazine that provides some simple tips and everyday food swaps to get you started, you can do this!:

Breakfast

Skip Bakery bagel with cream cheese

Swap Two pieces of whole-wheat toast with 2 tablespoons peanut butter

Savings per day 300 calories

Weight loss per year: 23 pounds

I used to eat a huge, vitamin-empty bowl of cereal every morning to only find myself starving by 10:30 am! Instead I mix a 1/2 cup of oats with either Greek yogurt or sliced almonds! or both! *Don't forget to eat breakfast!-- it revs your metabolism for the day!

Mid-Morning Snack

Skip Large glass of juice

Swap Piece of fruit

Savings per day 90 calories

Weight loss per year: 7 pounds

I carry an orange around almost any and everywhere! The time it takes to peel it equals the same time I'd be on my second glass of juice. A lot of juice is packed with sugar anyways so beware!

Lunch

Skip Cup of sweetened yogurt

Swap Plain low-fat or fat-free yogurt with 1/2 cup sliced fruit

Savings per day 100 calories

Weight loss per year: 8 pounds

I love Greek yogurt, too! It packs a punch of protein and tastes heavenly! I recommend Stonyfield OIKOS and Chobani!


Mid-Afternoon Snack

Skip Tall mocha

Swap Tall latte with 1 percent or skim milk

Savings per day 145 calories

Weight loss per year: 11 pounds

Black coffee has little to no calories. Can't do it black?, opt for skim milk or sweeten with cinnamon or mocha powder!

Dinner

Skip Large plate of pasta (2 1/2 cups) with 1/2 cup red sauce

Swap 4-ounce skinless chicken breast with 1 cup pasta and 1/2 cup red sauce

Savings per day 240 calories

Weight loss per year: 18 pounds

A good tip from Shape Magazine!: “If you're a carb queen who loves bagels, pretzels and pastas, you're probably lacking in the protein department. Lean meats such as chicken are satisfying and low-calorie, a good balance to carbohydrate intake.”

Dessert

Skip 2 cups fat-free ice cream

Swap Two miniature (0.7-ounce) candy bars

Savings per day 200 calories

Weight loss per year: 15 pounds

I'll reach for a few blocks of dark chocolate (70% or higher) to munch on! It’s just enough to satisfy my sweet tooth plus it’s high in antioxidants!

Should you be like Miley Cyrus & Go Gluten-Free?

I love food but food doesn't always love me. Over the past few years, I've had to rethink what I eat or end up in fetal position on the bathroom floor. It's not fun and it's not cute by any means. I'm lactose-intolerant-- so dairy is never an option-- but lately I'm starting to think there's more to my tummy troubles. My beloved Luna bars are starting to cause digestive wars and I've already cut out LARABARs.... hey, I just kinda rhymed. Anywho, this is not a pity party for my stomach and what I can't eat (trust me, I'm not whittling away by any means), but there may be an alleged culprit and I'm investigating--- cue the 60 Minutes ticking clock.

Gluten. tick. tick. tick.

Within the last year gluten has been dubbed a villain in the food industry, but who even knew what gluten was or heard of it until hyped up on health blogs and dissed by Miley Cyrus? So, why are we picking on gluten?

What's gluten anyways? Here's the fitbie definition:

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, as well as in many common food additives. It's what gives dough its elasticity and baked goods their satisfying chewiness. But for people with celiac disease—a type of autoimmune disorder—eating foods that contain gluten can lead to a cascade of nasty reactions, including damage to the small intestine, poor nutrient absorption, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, anemia, and fatigue. Celiac disease is surprisingly common, affecting about one in every 133 people, according to an often-cited 2003 study from the University of Maryland center for celiac research.


For some, gluten is a big pain in the butt,:

while others take gluten lemons and make lemonade:

Even those who don't have Celiac disease may have a gluten sensitivity and are avoiding it all together; but if gluten doesn't bother you, should you avoid it anyways? Ever since Miley Cyrus emerged slim and trim and said she's been avoiding gluten and dairy due to allergies, people have been saying a gluten-free diet encourages weight loss but doctors say otherwise. 

Here's my non-expert perspective: I'm allergic to dairy but it doesn't make me lose weight, it just limits my options. I could make poor health choices regardless of my intolerance and an article in Self agrees:

Rachel Begun, a registered dietitian and food industry consultant, told Today's Health that only those who have been diagnosed with a gluten-related disorder should go on a gluten-free diet.In fact, Begun said "People who go gluten-free may gain weight if they rely mostly on highly-processed gluten free foods, many of which tend to be higher in fat, calories and sugar than their gluten-containing counterparts."

Karen Ansel, also a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, agreed. "There’s absolutely no evidence that a gluten-free diet promotes weight loss," Ansel explained. "However, there is data that indicates that following a gluten-free diet can result in a diet that's low in key nutrients -- especially iron, zinc and B vitamins such as folate and niacin.”

Like anything, everyone has their own preferences and what works for one person may not work for another. I think there's too many differing opinions to make a definte decision, but if you think gluten is hurting your health then talk to your doctor. If not, keep making healthy decisions and partying in the USA.

Guest Post: Jentry Nielsen & How to get Fit for Summer!

I am so excited to feature Jentry's post on my blog! She's a fellow health nut and has been a huge supporter of myself and my blog! I love her writing and you will, too! Don't forget to check out her blog and her great posts about everything health and fitness, she knows her stuff!

________________________________________________

I was so excited when sweet AnderBeth asked me to do a guest post for her, yet very nervous! I absolutely love her blog and did not want to let her down with any ho hum post on her baby here! So hopefully this makes the cut to match your amazing work Ander! J

Now with swim suit season coming rapidly, I’ve been a little more conscious of my body and wanting to make sure I’m prepared. Unfortunately I work a lot and go to school, which leaves little time/energy to get in a work out while still having ample time to hang out with friends and the boyfriend, which is what summers are for right?!

So I thought why not kill two birds with one stone, going on some  fun dates or group activities that get us all a little more active! Better than your typical dinner and a movie date, or card game night with friends, where you are sitting down the entire time!

I came across a fun slideshow from Spark People that had a list of active date nights, but felt a lot of them can be done as groups too. So here’s a fun list of ideas we can all do for either your next date night, or group hangout to get us all moving:

Go Dancing: you can do this as a fun date or group outing! This will help get your heart and blood pumping, plus it’s really fun! Check your communities to see if they offer any fun line dancing or ball room dancing lessons. It’s a fun, active way to learn new moves! Or just turn up the jams at home and bust a move! All of these are going to burn calories for everyone involved!

Go Bowling:  although you don’t move around too much here, it’s still fun and better than sitting down for 2 hours straight during a movie!  Plus you and your friends can dance around to that background music for some extra calorie burn while waiting for your turn! Yes you will probably get stares, they are just jealous! J Just make sure you skip the beer and french fries while you’re there.

Play Laser Tag: laser tag gets you running around like crazy! Get a bunch of friends together for a laser tag game night, play a little competitive boys verse girls. This will get everyone more active and have a fun competition as well.

Play a sport: speaking of competition, play a sport. Play a round of golf, and don’t opt for the cart! Or even miniature golf will get you up and moving around hole to hole. Get a group of friends and play basketball, kickball, or even some ultimate Frisbee. All of these will get you running around, all while getting in some quality friend time!

Game night:  now this is not your regular old monopoly and scrabble game night, this is modern day-in-age game night! With all the technology of game consoles like Wii and Xbox Kinect, there are plenty of games that can get you all moving. One of my personal favorites, Just Dance!

Take a hike and eat a healthy picnic: this will be a great dinner and activity date! You can find a fun hike that leads to a place you can lay out a blanket and take in some healthy eats, all while enjoying a great view. Plus it will allow for more talking and getting to know each other, better than when you are trapped in a theater.

Go to an amusement park: Ever noticed how exhausted you feel after a day at the amusement park?! That’s because you are walking around the ENTIRE time, or standing in line for a ride. Then you’ll sit for only those two minutes of that joyous ride! You’ll have so much fun you won’t even notice all the walking you’re doing!

Go swimming: with all the hot weather you’re going to want to cool off somehow! Go swimming with your friends! Swimming is one of the best exercises for burning calories and getting a total body workout. Don’t just float around soaking in the tan though; to get the full calorie burn make sure you are swimming around with your friends.

So get out and try some of these activities this weekend! Anything that gets you up and moving will beat sitting on the couch any day! Thanks again Ander for letting me post on your blog!

About the Author: Jentry Nielsen is a health and fitness nut currently attending school at Dixie State College for nursing with an emphasis in exercise science. She writes about her passion for health and fitness on her blog Such Good Exercise!

Pink Slime... Is it as gross as it sounds?

Over the past few weeks I've been seeing the words "pink slime" saturating my Twitter feed. I knew it had something to do with a meat filler and school lunches but didn't have a chance to pry further. Well, curiosity has finally gotten the best of me. Pink slime sounds like something that's be dumped on contestants during a Nickelodeon game show; it's definitely not something I'd want to eat or even consider food. So what's the deal with this mystery meat?

Here's what I think of when I picture pink slime: Pink getting slimmed on Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards!

Here's the exact description of pink slime that I found on CBS News:

"It's actually "lean finely textured beef," a low-cost ingredient in ground beef made from fatty left over meat trimmings from other cuts. The bits are heated to about 100 F and spun to remove most of the fat, then compressed into blocks for use in ground meat. The product, made by South Dakota-based Beef Products Inc. (BPI), is then exposed to "a puff of ammonium hydroxide gas" to kill bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella."

Want a visual?

Here's the pink slime used as a chicken filler (think chicken nuggets):

... and here's the pink slime used as a meat filler (think hamburgers):

Um ew... and this stuff has been on the market for years and the FDA actually approves it as safe. My question is: have the FDA people actually tried this stuff AND are they okay with their children consuming it during school lunch periods? It's disgusting when "food" need to fit specific criteria to actually be considered food! Food should be food. 


This is what gets me: McDonald's--- the king of fast food--- doesn't even use the "pink slime" filler but FDA is still approving it as school lunch appropriate... I mean, come on, that alone should scream something.


I'm slightly biased because meat these days gives me the heebie jeebies but what does everyone think? Is this stuff really unsafe or is it just the aesthetics that are freaking people out? 

Happy Easter-- French Toast Casserole Recipe!

Happy Easter! This is the first time in 3 years that I've been home for the entire Easter break, and it has never felt so good to lounge in my yoga pants. The weather has been absolutely beautiful but given me a bad case of summer fever. I'm counting the days!

I enjoyed the day with my family in which we were blessed with love and grub. We usually cook a dinner feast but this year we chose to dabble in the traditional Easter brunch. Needless to say, I was game. We called up our good friend, Betty Crocker, and borrowed some of her award-winning recipes (what a lady). We tackled a french toast casserole and an garden egg bake (<-- click to check them out). The french toast was a holiday treat and the egg bake was healthy and delicious!

 French Toast Casserole

Garden Egg Bake

Though I'm 22, I am never too old for an Easter basket. Since I was little, every Easter morning my parents would hide my basket somewhere in the house: the bathtub, behind the couch and I think it was once in the oven. To keep the tradition alive, I ran around the house like a giddy child to find my surprise... I must say it took me a while to find it (touche, parents). As I've grown, the contents have changed. Chocolate bunnies have turned to Green & Black chocolate bars, malt balls to Stacy's pita chips, glittery head bands to K-cups and sticker books to a jar of pickles (yes, pickles). The Easter egg hunts are over and coloring eggs has become an activity of the past but I will always look forward to my Easter basket. I am lucky to have such wonderful parents and will pass on the same tradition until my children have children. Happy Easter everyone!

Super Simple Overnight Oatmeal Recipe

Just last week I made a delicious discovery. My boyfriend and I were wandering in downtown DC where we stumbled into The Corner Bakery. Apparently it's a chain and I had no idea! Shame on me because it was fantastic. To paint a picture of this restaurant to those who are not familar with it.. I'll say this: if Starbucks and Panera Bread had a love child, The Corner Bakery would be it. Does that clear things up?

Anyways, I ordered chilled oatmeal. CHILLED!? Who chills oatmeal? Wouldn't that insult the Quaker Man?... but you know what? These cold oats (mixed with yogurt, bananas, cranberries, apples and other yum yums) WAS AMAZING. I can easily say it was in the Top 5 of my favorite breakfasts. How could I've been so naive? I'm embaraased to say the least.

CEREAL FACT ALERT:

According to Quaker, the "Quaker Man" was the first registered trademark for a breakfast cereal... in 1877!

As homange to the Quaker Man, I've created my own cold oats recipe. You only need 3 main ingredients which makes it so easy that a caveman could do it!

Ander's Super Simple Overnight Oatmeal

  what you'll need:

1/2 c rolled oats

1/2 c greek or plain yogurt (I use flavored yogurt to give the oats some zip!)

1/2 c almond milk or any other milk

(if you want to make a larger batch, just make sure the measurements are about equal; ie. if 1 cup oats then 1 cup of milk and yogurt... just eye ball it )

Add-ins:

walnuts (check)

apples   (double check)

bananas

cranberries

    what to do:

mix all the ingredients together well, cover, then place in the refridgerator overnight! Follow the pictures for a step-by-step:

REFRIDGERATE for 12 hours AND....

BAM. Welcome to Heaven in your mouth. Enjoy!

L'Oreal: Are you worth animal cruelty?

Each morning after I wake up, I have a pre-day routine (1) stretch, (2) brush my teeth, (3) make my coffee and (4) plop down in front of my laptop. I was glancing at my Facebook feed when this image was thrown in my face:

This picture was linked to an article about L'Oreal and how the company uses animals to test its products. I'm shocked, disgusted and upset is an understatement. Animal testing reminds me of something out of a SAW movie. I've bought L'Oreal in the past and am so conditioned to see the little rabbit logo on the back that says Not Tested on Animals, did I miss something? I've always made an effort to check labels before I purchase beauty products; I feel cheated in a way. I have a huge soft spot for anything fluffy and cute. Think about if this was your pet...this is not okay.


Plus, if the products are having these affects on animals...what can it do to our bodies?

I decided to do some ameteaur research and this is what I found about L'Oreal:

(1) The L’Oreal company is amongst the world’s largest beauty companies, but is the worldwide leader in animal cruelty.


(2) Many of the animals tests by L’Oreal are on rabbits, dogs, and cats.
      --- BUT..the company has a special preference for rabbits because they are the only animal who can't flush chemicals out of their eyes without using aids like water or their paws.
     --- AND..most of these animals are taken out of shelters


(3) L’Oreal regularly conducts eye irritation tests by securing rabbits so they are immobile while substances are dropped into their eyes (rabbits are used because they have no tear ducts and therefore can’t relieve the stinging and pain).


(4) Poisoning takes place whereby groups of animals are continually force-fed an ingredient until half of the group dies


(5) Animals have their skin shaved and scraped until it’s super-sensitive, then the particular chemical is applied to test skin while L’Real researchers make sure that the animal cannot scratch or remove the substance.

"Although L’Oreal has vowed to eliminate animal testing by 2013, they seem to simply be undergoing a corporate restructuring so as to contract out their animal testing to subsidiary or contract companies that they control (resource)"


This experience has made me more aware of my buying decisons and it is safe to say that I will not be buying L'Oreal make-up in the future. Here are some ways you can stop this awful practice:


(1) Stop supporting L'Oreal by buying its products.


(2) Only buy prodcuts that are cruelty-free and approved by PETA.


(3) Sign this petition to stop L'Oreals animal testing.

Research the companies' whose products you've been buying and see where they stand on animal testing. It may be cliche to say, but think to yourself: are you worth it?

some ramble, nails & food porn

Good news! I am now the proud owner of my domain! IT'S MINE! No longer must you slave over the .blogspot when typing in the URL (I know it gives my fingers a break). I am officially eatsimplylivehealthy.com. Boom. 

More good news (what a great day)! No longer do I have to divide my time between Eat Simply. Live Healthy. and my school work! Perplexed? How come, you ask? My new graduate class focuses on social media and self-branding... aka I have to blog for homework! Shucks, this may be the best class ever. Now that I'm assigned to write, I have gotten a bad case of blogger's block. I'm at a loss at what to ramble about...

Well, I got my nails done. The color was called Go Green, but I'm pretty sure that's blue. I thought it was very Easter-ish

In other news, I had a fantastic lunch at my dining hall today! A lot of students knock the cafeteria but I kind of like it....  I also may be biased because I'm a fan of the vegetarian station. I'm aware not everyone is a lover of tofu (or toad food as my friend called it). Below is BBQ marinated tofu over rice and sprinkled with scallions. Come on people, look at that presentation!

And I made pizza for dinner. I quickly realized that my veggie cheese is not an exceptional melter, but I give it 2 thumbs up for taste. I think the spinach gives it a nice touch, dontcha think?

That's all I got, but I think I going to start dabbling in short cooking videos. Thoughts?