Living the Healthy Choice

Hello Beauties!

This is a recipe that’s SUPER easy and a great thing to make the night before.  This is a great way to make sure you have a healthy, delicious breakfast to start your day, and be ready to conquer all your classes! I got inspiration for it from an Instagram account called  Living the Healthy Choice, which is completely dedicated to vegan, plant based recipes. They are amazing, I highly recommend them if you want some more inspiration! 

 Vegan Overnight Oats with Banana

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats

½ cup soy milk

1 pinch cinnamon

½ banana, cut

Directions:

1. Pour 1 cup of rolled oats into a bowl

2. Pour ½ cup of soy milk over the oats

3. Mix the oats and milk together till the oats are completely covered and add the cinnamon

4. Refrigerate overnight, or for two to four hours till the oats are congealed into a mush

5. Add the bananas and a bit of cinnamon if desired on top of the oats

Enjoy!
-Mary Frances Noser, BA Acting '18

10 Mindful Minutes

This is a Ted Talk called All it Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes.  The speaker is Andy Puddicombe, a celibate monk who says that all you need to do to become relaxed is meditate for 10 minutes a day. These 10 minutes don't have to be filled with worry or anxiety, all you need to do is just sit and relax while concentrating on a thought with just the right amount of focus in order to become mindful of yourself. In just this short time, he explains how you will start to feel better about yourself and live more in the present, not having to worry about the future or the past.
- Julius Kukla, VMA '18

How to Pet a Squirrel

One of the most stressful parts of life is not being able to pet wild animals. If you’re like me, there’s nothing that makes you want to grind your teeth together and push your hands into your cheeks more than not being able to pet a cute, fuzzy little animal. Many of us feel like this when we take a trip to the Boston Common or Gardens and see an abundance of wittle squirrels scurrying around. In my distress, I’ve found a way to satisfy my needs.

If you’d like to feed some squirrels, pet some squirrels, or get squirrels to climb on you, you’re in the right place, pal. Just follow these steps and tips and you’ll have squirrels on you in no time. 

What kind of food they eat?

Squirrels eat all kinds of food, but their favorite treat is an appetizing shelled nut. They love gnawing on that shell and working hard to get that tasty reward inside. In my experience, pistachios have proved very successful. Feed them pistachios. Don’t get the ones with the red, that’s not good for them. Also peanuts are not very healthy. Don’t give them peanuts. Other nuts that work are walnuts, almonds, and cashews.

How you get them eat the food?

Many people are aware that if you wave your arm up and down like the flip of a squirrel’s tail, a squirrel will approach you. Another way of getting a squirrel’s attention is to toss your nut up and down. This is probably even better than the arm wave. Squirrels have a very keen sense for falling nuts. If your squirrel comes close enough to you, hold your treat out in a non-threatening manner, and they’ll snatch that snack faster than you can say “Timbuktu”. 

How you pet? 

Some squirrels are friendlier than others. You can often tell by how quickly they approach you how easy they will be to pet.  Generally the larger ones are less threatened. After feeding it a couple of nuts, try getting your squirrel to come closer to you for the nut. Many squirrels will built trust with you as long as they keep getting the reward. Pet it while it’s knowing on your nut, if it doesn’t mind sitting near you as it eats. Some will keep their distance once they get the food. If this is the case, maybe find another squirrel. I find that squirrels are least alarmed if you start petting them with one or two fingers on the head first. Head first, then stroke the rest.

How it climb you?

After your squirrel gets comfortable with you, try getting your squirrel to climb on your leg to get the food by teasing and trailing the treat so that the squirrel has to go on top of you to get it. Generally, if the squirrel is comfortable, you can trail it further onto you each time. Eventually you may even be able to get your squirrel on your shoulder, or even your head! They may start climbing you even if you haven’t shown a nut because they know that they need to go on top of you to get it. You can certainly train them. 

Am I get hurt? 

In my experience, a squirrel will not bite you unless they think your finger is a nut. They might scratch, but this doesn’t
usually break the skin. Often times, the scratch is not because the squirrel is trying to hurt you, it just can’t help having sharp claws. If it does, Neosporin will do the trick. They have no reason to attack you.

Other tip

Look, not all squirrels are the same. Some are less good pets than others. You may have to move on from a few squirrels before finding one that is easy to train. They may take a few different trips to train, especially to the point where one will climb on your head. If you get a good squirrel, chances are they’ll hang out in the same area most of the time. For example, I have a squirrel who I’ve seen multiple times by the gardens, and he will climb you without hesitation. Maybe you’ll even meet him one day. 

Petting squirrels is a great experience. It’s an activity that that will make your friends think you’re really cool, and one that you’ve likely never experienced. It will make you feel connected with nature and satisfy that urge to pet cute wildlife.

Cole Jaeger ~ VMA '18

Snacks in a Snap! Healthy, Easy Eats

We Emerson students are VERY busy. As Miley Cyrus would say, "We can't stop, no we won't stop!" Some students say they don't even have time to eat! That's just not cool. I've rounded up healthy and easy snacks you can have in a snap! Whether you're on set, on break at rehearsal, or walking to class, these snacks will give your creative mind some brain food!

1. KIND Bars

KIND Bars are on point and the perfect snack to keep in your bag! They're all-natural and loaded with ingredients like fruit, nuts, and whole grains. These bars are a great source of protein and fiber and have essential antioxidants. They come in many flavors and varieties, so you're bound to find one you love! Reach for one when you're craving kindness and deliciousness. 

2. Chobani

So many flavors and oh so tasty, Chobani is a great snack to have in your fridge. A great source of calcium and protein that will give you energy for running around Boston. Morning, afternoon, night, you decide! 

3. Fruit

Enjoy nature's candy! Fruit is an easy eat for any time of day. Apples, pears, plums, peaches, and nectarines are great options to eat on the way to class since you only need one hand! Handy and healthy! 

4. Popcorn Indiana Kettlecorn

Sweet, salty, satisfying. This kettlecorn is seriously addictive. It's a great alternative to chips and has a lot of whole grain. Pack it in a little baggie before class and munch away! 

5. Crackers with peanut butter

A simple snack you can make the night before for the next day. Peanut butter is packed with protein and the crackers provide a nice crunch and keep you full. Tip: Carr's crackers are a great choice. They compliment the peanut butter nicely. Sandwich two together between the PB to make them easier to eat. Peanut butter cracker time! Peanut butter cracker time! 

Stay classy and healthy, Emerson! 

Bitsy Skerry, Marketing Communications '18

Healthy Indian Snacks

   I'm Brihathi Cherukuri from India, and I'm a freshmen here at Emerson.  Coming to a completely different country can be a hard transition to make, and one of the most difficult parts of leaving home is missing the food I'm used to.  Since I am a picky eater, it's especially hard. I've always loved Indian food - especially snacks like these chickpea patties. These easy-to-make and healthy snacks are spicy but very tasty! Back home I used to have these when I got home from school. These patties are a great snack for anyone who wants to try a really delicious Indian dish!
   This is a recipe and ingredients list from a cooking website called Archana's Kitchen. It only takes 45 minutes to make.
   Bon Appetit!

Tofu and Chickpea Patties Recipe 

~Brihathi Cherukuri, Journalism '18

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