FOMO: Fear of Missing Omnivorism?

“So you don’t eat meat?”
If I had a dime for every time I have been asked this very question, I would be a very rich woman indeed. As a 21^st Century veggie-head/vegetarian/herbivore, I still find myself

having to answer the aforementioned inquiry. In an age of paleo~gluten-free~raw lifestyles, being a vegetarian continues to baffle people. In short, I don’t miss meat, and one of the main reasons for this is the vast array of recipe options for us plant-lovers out there! There are a wide variety of faux-animal protein options that have become mainstream mainstays at the local grocery store, and the perhaps *bland* flavor of these items is easily changeable with a little creativity when it comes to adding spices and sides to the dinner plate. So, for all of the skeptics who remain, here's a list of my favorite recipes that won’t break the bank (hello college lyfe), but satisfy the stomach nonetheless:

Breakfast:

 Chia Seed Oatmeal
(courtesy of Corina at Live Fit)   

Black Bean, Mushroom, and Avocado Breakfast Scramble

(courtesy of Karen at Kitchen Treaty)

Lunch:

Tofu Steaks with Shiitake Mushrooms

Spelt Tabbouleh with Jalapeno Vinaigrette

(courtesy of Liz at The Lemon Bowl)

Avocado White Bean Salad on Toast

(courtesy of Kathy at Healthy Happy Life)

Dinner:

Roasted Veggie Quinoa Bowl

(courtesy of Brittany at I Love Vegan)

Tofu Steaks with Shiitakes

(courtesy of Robin at Cooking Light)

I hope these examples were able to squash some of the qualms you may have held in regards to a meatless mealtime. Not to say that being an omnivore is a bad thing, rather this piece is a means to relay how you can show your compassion towards animals and have a tasty meal at the same time. Protein is a very versatile nutrient, and can be found in many things, ranging from the well-known tofu, to the perhaps under-acknowledged spirulina, which – compared to beef’s only 22% makeup – is comprised of 65 to 71% protein. I hope you’ll give the above recipes a try, and if you do, leave a comment or photo of your creation in the comments below and let me know what you think!

Stay Healthy,

Olivia Post, Media Studies and Marketing '16

Meditation Anyone?

"When the mind is quiet, the soul can speak."

For me, meditation is like a cup of coffee in the morning because it allows me without force, to be more aware, kind and tranquil. Most college kids have trouble giving themselves the time to stop thinking about school, their work and friends. Meditation allows a human being to have a moment for themselves to breathe and calm down. Getting started isn't as hard as one may think. Just start with sitting down and breathing in and out.

How to Meditate:
Keep in mind there is no fixed way to meditate, no right or wrong. I'd recommend whatever seated position allows you to relax and causes the least strain, but by making your back straight. Keeping your spine upright is integral to comfort and easing your breath. Here are some ways I find work well:

Seated position

Sit as you would with your legs crossed but bolster yourself back by adding pillows or folded towels (or any substitute). You'll notice it makes it easier to sit upright. 

Kneeling

This position is advantageous from what I've found in that it requires the least effort to straighten your spine. You can bolster yourself in the same way by either adding cushions on top of your heels or by spreading your ankles and stacking them from the floor.

Against a wall

A wall can assist you in keeping your back straight. An armchair is also a good for relaxing the body.

Laying down 

I personally wouldn't recommend this because I find that my mind drifts and I become sleepy. But if it works for you, go for it. Just note that there is a difference between resting and meditation.

Meditation mentality
     As for what to think about, it's helpful to break the notion that there is a proper or improper result. This belief will hinder the process.
     I find it helpful to imagine thoughts as clouds drifting by. The idea here is developing the ability to see your thoughts as apart from your present state. Thoughts will undoubtedly pop up during, but pay them no attention and simply let them pass by.
     I also like to concentrate on the idea of letting go. This includes letting go of thought, anxiety, self, or whatever else is having an effect your present state. Letting go of control is a significant aspect of the process. We exert ourselves mentally with the idea that we can control the outcome of certain events even when this belief is illusory. This idea is frightening to many, so don't practice it if it makes you anxious, just notice how you respond to it and move on.
     Meditation is an extraordinary way to ground yourself and will help you with almost any thing at any time. When we're busy it's hardest to break our focus and enter a state of calm, but this is also when we need it most. You can do it from 5 minutes to 45. Whatever you're willing to give to it, it will give to you.

If you're interested in meditation and beyond, here are some good reads:

The Way of Liberation (eBook)

Buddha's Little Instruction Book (buy on amazon)

http://tinybuddha.com

~By Alex Henderson, Musical Theater '16
  & Justin Jaeger, Visual & Media Arts '18

An Apple a Day

They say that "an apple a day keeps the doctor away."  Eating apples regularly can absolutely improve your health, and they taste great too!

• Fiber and Vitamins: A medium-sized apple has a whopping 4 grams of fiber, and is a great source of vitamin C, which boosts your immune system.
• Craving Control: Eating an apple can help you avoid the temptation to eat a lot of junk food, since it's a filling snack with only 95 calories. 
• Heart Health: If you make apples a regular part of your diet, the antioxidants found in the fruit will lower your risk for heart attack and stroke.
• Energy: Eating an apple before you work out boosts your stamina. Apples deliver an antioxidant called quercetin, which aids endurance by making oxygen more available to the lungs.

Raw apples taste good on their own, but there are many other ways to get your daily serving.  Here are some healthy and delicious recipes that have creative ideas on cooking with apples:
Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal
Light Apple Crisp
Celery Apple Salad
Whole Wheat Apple Pancakes

Even if you don't like apples at all, there are other ways they can come in handy:

• Fruit Ripener.  Apples give off ethylene, a gas which accelerates ripening. Place unripe bananas, avocados, tomatoes, etc. in a paper bag with an apple, and in no time they'll go from being green and bitter to ripe and ready to eat.
• Keeping bread fresh.  Putting a sliced apple in the bag with a loaf of bread will keep the slices fresh for longer.
• Long-range weapon.  As the saying goes, "An apple a day keeps anyone away - if you throw it hard enough."

~Caitlin Brown, Cinematography '16

DOGGIES

The Boston Common itself is a gem. And inside of that gem is a hidden gem. Those who know what I’m talking about know what I’m talking about: the dog park. Or rather, the unofficial dog hot spot of Boston. 

You can find it by measuring the dogs per square foot on each section of grass. The one that has the most dpf is probably the dog area. It’s generally located sort of in front of the AMC. 

I’ve had my very own experience with the foofy doofies. I’ve seen them with my own eyes, rubbed them with my own hands, and smelled them with my own nose. You won’t find a more diverse, abundant, or accessible community of pets than this square of grass. The dogs come in all of your favorite colors and sizes. From the tiny, scurrying puppies to the at-risk-of-knocking-you-over great danes, there’s bound to be a dog you’ll fall in love with. That is, if the owners are okay with you petting it. 

I’ve found that, at least during the fall, they’re most abundant during afternoon hours, like 4:00 to 6:00. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a couple dozen at a time. 

I had three small fluffies running around my legs at one point and it was something I’ll cherish for the rest of time. Their energy is bound to rub off on you and brighten your busy and stressful college day. So go check it out for yourself and relieve the nagging grief of missing your pets at home.

Happy dog petting!!!

- Justin Jaeger, Dog Aficionado, Visual & Media Arts '18 

Clothing Confidence

Clothes can be a huge confidence booster. Whether it's a concert tee that brings back memories with your best friends, or a shirt that looks like it was made just for you, clothing makes you feel good. Wearing your favorite outfit can make even the dreaded 8AM seem stylish. Here are some tips for achieving clothing confidence.

1. Dress for yourself

Don't dress to please others. Let your clothes show who you are. Feel confident in your fashion choices and let your true self shine.

2. Seek out style inspiration

Looking for a new look? Scroll through Pinterest, Instagram, and check out blogs to get a sense of what you like and don't like. The inner fashionista/o in you will be inspired in no time. 

3. Pop some tags!

Channel your inner Macklemore and head to the thrift shop! The Garment District is a great place to start. You'll be singing, "I wear your granddad's clothes, I look incredible," faster than you can say "clothes by the pound." 

4. Plan outfits in advance

Overwhelmed by your wardrobe when you're getting ready for class? Score an A+ in style by planning what you want to wear the night before. You'll save time in the morning and be able to get some extra sleep. 

5. Get rid of clothes you don't want

Donate clothes you don't like and no longer wear to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or list them on Emerson's Free and For Sale Facebook page. It will make more room in your closet for clothes you love. 

6. Most importantly, wear what make you happy. Let your style smile. 

No one is as unique and awesome as you. Your clothes will show it.

~Bitsy Skerry, Marketing Communication '18

Smoothies in February? Absolutely.

Smoothies are at the top of my list of favorite things. They're versatile, incredibly easy and quick to throw together, and they pack a huge nutritional punch, all while tasting delicious. It may be 20 degrees outside right now, but that's no reason to abstain. Just wrap yourself in a warm blanket and sip happily away while the snow falls outside.

In a season when most fresh fruit is out of season and therefore super expensive, smoothies are a great way to get your recommended daily servings in. Why? Because you can use frozen fruit! The fruit you find in the store's freezer section is convenient (already washed, and if necessary, chopped into small pieces for you!) as well as more affordable in winter, and just as nutritious as fresh.

Ok, you're convinced, but do you need some inspiration before you get started? No problem.

1. How about a Mango Lemonade Smoothie Parfait?
This, to me, is like a taste of summer. It really does taste like lemonade-- I didn't get much mango flavor when I tried it-- but without the tons of added sugar usually associated with the beverage. I left out the oat fiber the recipe calls for with no problem, and instead of using stevia I used just two teaspoons of sugar.

2. Or maybe a Triple Berry Banana Oat Smoothie?

Pump up the antioxidants in your diet with this beautiful purple smoothie. The oats and chia seeds add protein, omega-3s, and staying power.

3. Maybe a Morning Smoothie, if strawberries, mangos, and peaches are more your thing. 

4. A newly discovered favorite of mine is Strawberry Orange smoothies.

This recipe calls for some fresh ingredients, but you can easily substitute with frozen.

5. Finally, I know this has been all about fruit so far, but who can resist the occasional Chocolate Smoothie for a bit of indulgence?

This smoothie is sweetened with dates, known by many as "nature's candy" because of their natural sweetness. The hemp seeds add a ton of protein as well as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, but if you don't have them on hand you can omit them.

May your winter be full of vibrant smoothies! And may spring come quickly!

- Sara Zatopek, Writing Literature and Publishing '16