I could shout from the rooftops how much I love being vegan. When my brother was eating a hot pocket the other day, my dad offered me $50 to eat one. I told him I would need a lot more money than that to consider it! He was relieved because he didn’t want to give me $50 bucks anyway…
1. I don’t harm animals in anyway
I don’t think I could physically kill a turkey, chicken, cow, or deer, (mostly because I would feel too sad doing it) so I don’t feel very comfortable eating them. On the other hand, I could and have killed a fish. This is why I’m not opposed to eating fish. However, I don’t eat seafood only because it is harsh on the environment. I don’t eat dairy because raising the cattle harms animals.
2. It’s better for the environment
This blog says it all.
3. I don’t get those terrible food cravings
I can honestly say greasy pizza, cheesy breadsticks, or ice cream does not tempt me one bit. I promise I’m not lying when I say I’d rather have a plate of steamed broccoli!
4. I don’t have to count calories
Since vegan foods in general are lower in calories, I have no purpose for calorie counting – hallelujah!
5. I feel great
I remember when I was a meat eater and how I’d feel after a big meal. Bloated, low in energy, ready to take a nap. I never feel that way now. Not to mention I feel much healthier, because I get the nutrition my body needs (and rarely get sick too).
6. I can eat more often
I can’t complain about this! I eat smaller meals more frequently and wouldn’t have it any other way.
7. I generally don’t gain weight
I’m at a healthy weight and don’t have to worry about gaining weight due to a vegan diet. I don’t want to be any slimmer and if I did gain some weight it wouldn’t bother me. I never weigh myself and prefer it that way.
8. I have a deeper appreciation for food
Enough said!
And some drawbacks…
1. It can be hard finding food when you’re at parties or restaurants
I usually eat before going to parties that I know will have no vegan options. Restaurants can be tricky, but I always find something on the menu and can order it without cheese, meat, ect. It’s pretty simple.
2. People will ask you a lot of questions and sometimes think you’re weird
It doesn’t bother me, I’m proud 
3. I eat more often
This could be good or bad since I do get hungry more often!
(Photo credit here!)
Posted on May 17th, 2012 by mikayla
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Depression is roughly 30 to 40 percent inherited from genes, and the rest from environmental factors. In one study, psychologist Avshalom Capsi and his team researched the cause of depression. In each of our cells we have a transporter gene that tells the brain how much serotonin to release. Serotonin levels affects mood, depression potential, and other conditions. Capsi’s team predicted that those with lower levels of this transporter gene would be more likely to become depressed. They also predicted depression would result from the many negative life events that happen in late adolescence and early adulthood. It turned out the “low transporter gene” itself did not predict depression, and negative life events were only a mild predictor. However, when these two factors were both present, potential for depression and suicide rose dramatically.
It is estimated that 20% or more of young girls have major episodes of depression in their teenage years, and this statistic has been risen dramatically in the 21st century. The occurrence of transporter genes in human cells have not changed, so we must conclude that are environment has changed.
Today’s society expects girls to exceed at everything, and to make it look effortless in the process. Stephen Hinshaw, the author of “The Triple Bind” says, regarding teens and homework, that it “shadows their evenings and weekends like a demanding second job.” This is what seemed to contribute to the “low-grade” despair Hinshaw noticed in teen girls. This is exactly how I feel when I have a lot of homework and too little time. Even when I’m not doing it, I know it is there, and knowing that is taxing.
College admission is also becoming more and more stressful and difficult for high school students. At one school the Shakespeare curriculum was cut short to write and edit essays for college admission. The principal of this school also was known to throw parties for the students with the highest test scores.
On top of homework, more teens have jobs than in the past. All this makes it so teens are prone to a lack of sleep. According to a study by the National Sleep Foundation in 2006, 20% of middle to high school students get the recommended nine hours of sleep for their age group, and 45% got less than eight hours on school nights. A third of teens say they nap regularly for two hours – a figure suggesting sleep deprivation. 75% of teens rely on caffeine to keep themselves awake, but still, a fourth of high schoolers fall asleep in class and a fifth are often late of absent.
As harsh as this all seems, it isn’t hopeless.There are things we can do every day to live happier lives, and knowing these facts and causes for depression is the first step.
(Photo credit here.)
Posted on May 16th, 2012 by mikayla
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Unfortunately, I used to watch American’s Top Model frequently when I was about thirteen. I saw women fighting to be absolutely flawless – not one extra pound of fat, not one blemish, not one character flaw. They were fighting to be the best, and the best was rewarded with a modeling contract. American’s Next Top Model encouraged me to place my highest priorities on being beautiful, skinny, and perfect, not to be happy, comfortable with myself, or creative. It encouraged me to be someone I wasn’t. The smiling models tried to persuade me that happiness came with beauty – the cameras never showed meltdowns, unhappiness, or struggle. "Smile for the camera! You’re trying to convince young and vulnerable girls that beauty is everything."
I remember one episode when the models were acting as if another model was sacrificing her modeling career because she was eating candy one evening. In the first episode of another they labeled a size two model “plus size”. I can’t say I didn’t laugh at what was happening – I thought that was how women should act – we shouldn’t eat food. I remember watching American’s Top Model after school without realizing the messages I was being taught. We learn how to act from the external world. I can safety say that watching American’s Top Model, among other things, caused a lot of struggle regarding my body image and being comfortable with myself. It took a lot of reading and soul searching to heal from the damage it had caused. I’m thankful for every day I’m not watching this show.
Posted on May 10th, 2012 by mikayla
Filed under: body image | 2 Comments »
As you all know, I’m a hot chocolate lover. According to the transitive property, I’m bound to love frozen hot chocolate as well! Since it is warming up *somewhat* here in Washington, I’ve had to make alterations to hot chocolate to make it year-round friendly. Makes 16 oz of refreshing heaven!
Frozen Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
3/4 cup soy/dairy milk
1 cup water (you can use more soy milk and less water depending on your preference)
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tsp cinnamon
2 packets of Splenda
Dash of salt
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
5 ice cubes
Directions
Combine and blend all ingredients in a blender. Transfer into a cup and enjoy!
Posted on May 8th, 2012 by mikayla
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I pretty much eat the same things every single day – only every now and then will I get a strange desire to eat different things. I’m not a picky eater, I love everything, but prefer my regulars. I eat five or six meals a day that are 200-300 calories. Sometimes I feel like I don’t need to eat, but I really can’t skip meals. It leaves me too low-energy and I end up regretting it. Depending on when I wake up, I eat when or soon after I wake, then at 12:00, 2:30, 5, and 7:30. I’ll eat between breakfast and lunch if I wake really early, or have a later snack if I’m up late. Basically I eat every 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
My Staples
14 grams of protein. 6 grams of sugar. 10 grams of fiber. This stuff is amazing! Sometimes I eat it with bananas and Saigon cinnamon, sometimes I put it in the microwave and make it oatmeal consistency, sometimes I put it in my wraps for a crunch.
80 calories, 8 grams of protein, 12 grams of fiber. I make peanut butter wraps with these ALL the time! I usually eat two or three of these wraps a day for several meals. I’m in love with them. We buy the 20 pack at Costco!
I drink soy milk in coffee, smoothies, hot chocolate, or cereal. My favorite is Lucerne Vanilla Light, but it’s all good!
I put raw cocoa powder in everything – my family even makes fun of me for it! In fruit smoothies, in wraps, on pancakes. One of my guilty pleasures is hot chocolate – I use this cocoa to make it.
These three things I get at Costco. Costco’s E.D. Smith jam is delicious. Each time we go they are selling a new flavor – they’re all great. They are all fruit, no sugar added, for 25 calories a tablespoon. Costco’s Adams peanut butter is completely natural and has no sugar added. I’m hooked on their Ground Saigon Cinnamon, it’s the best cinnamon I’ve ever tasted and I’ll never buy anything else!
I eat vegetables and fruits like crazy. I eat beans, nuts, and whole wheat pancakes often. When I’m out and about, it’s Subway!
And… alas… my guilty pleasures.
Posted on April 30th, 2012 by mikayla
Filed under: food | 2 Comments »
There is two ways to live, negatively or positively. It is easy to be negative in life and forget to count your blessings. But living this way does nobody a favor – ultimately yourself. Our thoughts guide how we feel, and leave us going to bed feeling either thankful or lousy.
Sometimes I feel myself drifting towards a more negative place and I have to consciously work through it. It helps to write about all the things I’m thankful for, and usually leaves me feeling overwhelmed with gratitude. When I can focus on my blessings and the simple pleasures I’ve been given in my life, my whole take on life gets flipped. One day I wish it would stop raining, the next I’m dancing in the streets. Negative thinking has no benefits to my well-being, and all I am doing is losing out on potential happiness. Sometimes it’s not easy… but it is our decisions that determines the happiness in our lives.
There’s two ways to live… pick your poison.
Posted on April 27th, 2012 by mikayla
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This is an easy and healthy pancake recipe that makes deliciously fluffy pancakes! Makes about 6 medium pancakes so you may want to double it.
Ingredients
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats, uncooked
2 teaspoon baking powder
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cup soy milk
1 egg/egg replacer (vegan option)
2 tbsp cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
*If you want the maple syrup taste but don’t want all the sugar, you can add maple extract to the batter! It’s really good!
Directions
- In a large bowl combine four, oats, baking powder, and salt. Add soy milk, egg/egg replacer, and remaining ingredients. Mix well.
- Spray nonstick skillet with cooking spray; heat on medium 1 minute. Pour batter by 1/4 cup onto skillet. Cook until tops are bubbly and edges look dry. With spatula, turn pancakes and cook until undersides are golden. Transfer pancakes to plate.
- Repeat with remaining batter, using more nonstick cooking spray if necessary.
Chocolate Jam Spread
I have this absolutely delicious and healthy jam type spread that I always use on my pancakes. I was experimenting and came up with it. This is for a single serving.
Ingredients
2 tbsp of jam (I use E.D. Smith’s jam from Costco. It’s so yummy and has no sugar added, with only 25 calories per tbsp.)
1 tbsp of cocoa powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1-2 tbsp soy milk depending on the consistency you want
Directions
Mix ingredients well in a small bowl until bits of cocoa powder no longer appear. Top on pancakes and enjoy. Great with sliced bananas as well!
Posted on April 17th, 2012 by mikayla
Filed under: recipes | 2 Comments »
*All quotes are from Viktor Frankl in Man’s Search for Meaning. This blog post is a bit of a discussion, but mostly my favorite quotes from the book to inspire!
“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” Frankl calls the feeling of emptiness an “existentialist vacuum”. I think we’d all agree most of us feel empty every now and then, without a direction and clear meaning to life. But as Frankl says, “His unique opportunities lie in the way of which he bears his burden.”
“This meaning is unique and specific in that it must and can be fulfilled by him alone; only then does it achieve a significance which will satisfy his own will to meaning.” I used to think there was universal meaning to life that should apply to everyone and you somehow had to come across it with and epiphany. The meaning to life is not a universal statement, I’m realizing, but unique to each and every person. The meaning to life is not simple and permanent, but changes with our lives as we grow. Each and every life has a mission that can only be carried out by that person, it cannot be replaced or repeated. “Thus far we have been shown that the meaning of life always changes, but that it never ceases to be.”
Viktor Frankl also discusses how suffering adds meaning to life. “There are situations in which one is cut off from life; but what never can be ruled out is the unavoidability of suffering. In accepting this challenge to suffer bravely, life has meaning up until the last moment, and it retains meaning literally to the end.” Suffering is such a huge part of life, so accepting it allows so much more peace in our lives. Trying to avoid suffer is like repressing the fact that we breathe. “To suffer unnecessarily is masochistic rather than heroic.”
And here are a few brilliant quotes I couldn’t leave out!
“I consider it a dangerous misconception of mental hygiene to assume that what man needs in the first place is equilibrium, or, as it is called in biology, ‘homeostasis’. i.e., a tensionless state. What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for a worthwhile goal, a freely chose task.”
“Instead of possibilities I have realities in my past, not only of the reality of work done and love loved, but of sufferings bravely suffered. These sufferings are even the things of which I am most proud, though these are things which cannot inspire envy.”
Posted on April 15th, 2012 by mikayla
Filed under: Book Reviews, finding yourself, Reviews | No Comments »
*I want to discuss this book more in depth and plan to do another blog on it. If you’ve read it or plan to read it, I’d love to hear any thoughts you have!
In part one of Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor E. Frankl shares his story as a prisoner of four different concentration camps during World War II. Throughout his time as a prisoner he studied the people around him, noticing some felt meaning in their lives and had the wish and will to keep themselves alive while others didn’t. The ones who had a mission and purpose in life, looking to the future and not dwelling on their current situation, were the ones who pushed through and gave their best effort to make it out of the concentration camps alive.
In part two Viktor explains logotherapy, an existentialist analysis of the meaning to life. There are so many astounding quotes in this book that I was scribbling down as I read. Not many books change my life but this one definitely had an impact. It got me thinking about the meaning to life and I stopped hopelessly searching for such an abstract and universal meaning to life that applies to everyone. I found Viktor’s response to being a slave in a concentration camp amazing and leaves me speechless he reacted to the whole situation as a learning experience to benefit his studies as a psychiatrist and neurologist. Man’s Search for Meaning is truly a fascinating, life changing book.
Posted on April 13th, 2012 by mikayla
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Lately everyone in my family seems to be getting sick, so I wanted to write a blog a bit different and give the best methods to avoid illness. I’m never been a germaphobe, I’m actually quite the opposite, but I have been lately! On Thursday I’m going on vacation, looking forward to sun, rock climbing and fun – and so the last thing I want to do is get sick. My sister has whooping cough, and every time I see her coughing I feel like I’m on a zombie movie about to get infected with a vicious disease.
Load up on vitamin C. Red peppers actually contain double the amount of Vitamin C as oranges. You’ll lose some of this sickness-fighting vitamin if you cook it, so it’s best to eat them raw! Guava also has more vitamin C than oranges. Vitamin C increases the production of white blood cells and antibodies to fight off viruses or infections.
Make sure to take your multivitamin! Of course, common sense! Having all your necessary vitamins and minerals will keep your body healthy and prepared to fight any viruses.
Wash your hands, try to avoid touching your face. Bacteria can easily sneak through if you’re not careful. Since we work with our hands so much during the day, it’s a good idea to keep them washed and bacteria-free. Touching our face can transfer viruses to our mouth which is a gateway for illness!
Sleep. Getting enough sleep allows our bodies to preform ideally. Sleep also is shown to reduce stress, which brings me to another tip!
Don’t stress about getting sick! Stress has been shown to weaken the immune system.
Stay away from sick people as much as possible! Need I say more?
Posted on March 27th, 2012 by mikayla
Filed under: food | No Comments »
