Life is so Craaazy

Seriously ya’ll, where have I been? I need to stop deserting you. I was sort of pouting in my little Lindsay cave because of something that happened. Remember when I said I was super excited because I was running for social chair for my organization? Well guess what? For the first time in my entire life, I didn’t win. I guess that should humble me, but in this case I feel like I actually deserved this. Unlike the two chairs that were elected, I actually came to events and know how to be a position on board. UGH. So angry, but what can I say since girls are cliquey. Oh how the world is so messed up. Anyways, I’m done with my funk. Lets see what I’ve been doing since I last posted.

Friday afternoon I had to go work at the HEB distribution center in San Marcos, Tx. I’m currently enrolled in a class called Food Systems and Management where we have to actually go work in food service locations for two hours at a time, WITHOUT pay, and then report on it. For my first lab experience, my partner and I went here to learn more about procurement and inventory. Unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed to take any pictures inside, but this was what the outside looked like. Super intense security because apparently everyone wants to steal groceries? It was actually pretty interesting though. We got to see how different grocery products are stored, where they are sent to, how they handle them when they arrive, and more business stuff. The class is important because for most of us nutrition students we want DIETETICS DIETETICS, but there are other options out there like food service, which is actually one of the most high paying jobs out there!

I FINALLY got to hang out with my friends from my Birthright trip. You don’t understand. We went from spending every freaking second of the day together then we go back to the real world where we rarely get to see each other and that is quite depressing. I miss these people like no other. I mean helloooo one of the girl’s has an epic fur coat. What is there not to love? Haha it is fake, so don’t worry. Apparently it was an 80′s theme party we were at, but none of us got the memo. Typical.

Yes, I have been nomming on some epic Lindsay oatmeal. Right here we have some blueberry cheesecake oats with a sprinkle of chocolate chips. Mmm. So freaking good. In Israel I wasn’t as happy in the mornings because I never got to eat oatmeal. I tried some “oatmeal” one morning at the breakfast, but it was so disgusting and was pretty much pure soup that I stayed away from it for the rest of the trip. My days are so much better when I have Lindsay oatmeal. Everyone should get on that train.

I recently checked out a lot of books from the Austin Public library. Mainly cookbooks and health related books. I copied down some recipes, so hopefully I will have some successful posts coming soon on recipes I used. Unfortunately, I did make a recipe from a hungry girl book involving tofu shirataki and let me tell you I HAVE NO IDEA HOW PEOPLE EAT THAT STUFF. It makes me want to vomit. Power to you people that have the skills to digest that gummy nasty stuff because you would have to pay me a lot to eat it and I mean A LOT.

Tomorrow is going to be a fun day. After my boring technical writing class, I get to go to a private sewing lesson. I’m going to be making an apron out of this super cute fabric. Hopefully it turns out like what I picture in my head, but I am just a beginning designer, so ya’ll shall see in my post tomorrow. Also after my lesson, I get to go work at a elderly home. Weeeee. Sort of, but not really. It is for that Food Systems class, and this time we are learning about meal planning and actually get to assist in meal planning there, which will be pretty fun because that is what I like most about nutrition. Fooooood and recipes. Eventually I have to study, but that is for nerds (hahah I know I am a nerd and we all know I’ll have my face buried in a book when I get home from that).

BTW has anyone ever listened to White Panda? They do really cool mash-ups, that I’m sort of addicted to right now. They are great to have on your workout playlist to get you pumped up! Have a fab Monday!

Have you ever had to work, for free, somewhere?
What is your favorite cookbook?

Nutrition Fact Friday

Hey ya’ll! I’ve been so lazy about blogging. Bad me. I should set an alarm for myself during the day to remind me that I need to take a break from my crazy life and relax for an hour to write a blog post. After all, I really do love blogging about food. I’ve been in school for two weeks now and it has completely taken over my life. I’m currently in Biochemistry, Food Systems and Management, Nutritional Assessment, and Technical Writing. It is a handful, but I’m surviving so far. Anyways, it is Friday and you know what that means. Nutrition Fact Friday. Today’s subject is pretty special to my heart. I wonder if ya’ll can guess? Probably because I’m pretty predictable, but it is….

OATMEAL.

All you talk about is oatmeal? Well yes when I’m sober I can be pretty boring. Oatmeal is a great food because not only is it a source of whole grains, but it has many functional benefits too. I know this because I had to sit through this girl’s boring presentation on oatmeal for my functional foods class last semester. YOU HAD OATMEAL. Come on. Snazz it up. Bust out some jazz hands or at least some sprinkles for godsake. However, I did end up learning a lot about oatmeal, mainly because I was going to be tested on it for my final, but oh well.

Blueberry Cheesecake Oatmeal

 One of the first things you learn as a nutrition major OVER and OVER again (yeah, they like to teach you the same thing a lot, so it sticks in your mind for the RD exam) is that fiber is important. Insoluble and soluble fiber are both needed in a healthy diet. Well, that is why oatmeal is such a great tool to have in your kitchen cupboard. Not only does it taste good, but it also contains both kinds of fiber. Why is fiber important you say? Insoluble fiber aids in bowel function, and more specifically helps speed up your stools. While the soluble fiber ends up forming a viscous gel within your stomach that allows a feeling of fullness to last for a long time, which can eventually aid in weight loss.

Most people do not know that soluble fiber contains a special bioactive compound that has a variety of positive affects on the body when consumed. The compound is called beta-glucans. In general, the beta-glucans of soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol, which is such an important thing for most people. When you go in deeper, you see that it traps the bad cholesterol, LDL, but there has been no connection to raising HDL levels, which is the good cholesterol. Instead, it just does not affect it, so that it can provide its benefits. Another positive affect of a beta-glucan is in regards to diabetes. Its beneficial effect is shown by slowing down the absorption of glucose following consumption of food.

Oats are seriously going to takeover the world. I know a lot of people that probably are like how are these healthy bloggers obsessed with oats, but really they are good for you and if you spruce them up enough then they are pretty mind-blowing. Wow, I get off track a lot. The ADD that I pretend to have, but really I just like to joke about it. So, where was I? Umm OATS. Yes, one last highlight of oats is that they contain a large amount of phytochemicals. If there is one thing that I took out of functional foods it is that phytochemicals are a killer thing to include in your diet. Why? Well, for the instance of oatmeal, the phytochemicals have an anti-cancer effect on the body. Heck, I’ll eat any food item that has yielded large positive results in research on cancer.

In general, oats are good for your overall health and longevity of life. So go out and buy the largest tub of oats you can find. Well don’t really do that unless you actually like the taste. I have a huge tub of oats in my pantry though. Oats can be confusing with the variety of types, but I tend to stick with the old fashioned rolled oats, but if you are in a hurry buy some quick oats OR if you want to be a super health nut get some steel cut oats, but they contain a larger amount of calories than the other two options.

Since this post was about oatmeal, I obviously wouldn’t leave ya’ll without a great recipe for oats.
Gingerbread Oatmeal

1/2 c. of oats (I used Quaker Old Fashioned)
1 1/3 c. of water
1 banana
1 tbsp molasses
cinnamon
a dash of nutmeg
1 packet of truvia
1 tsp of vanilla extract
a pinch of chocolate chips
1 gingerbread man
2 tbsp chocolate PB2

1. Place oats and water in a microwavable safe container, and heat for about 2:55. Let sit in microwave for about 2 minutes
2. Slice up banana, place on top of oatmeal, and microwave for about 2 minutes or until banana is mushy.
3. Stir up so that banana “melts” into the oatmeal.
4. Add all other ingredients except PB2, chocolate chips, and gingerbread man.
5. Stir all added ingredients until mixed thoroughly.
6. Top with chocolate chips, then PB2, and put your little gingerbread man in for a nice swim or crumble him up. Either way it will be delicious.

I hope you enjoyed a little health lesson about oatmeal. My blog may be going in a more serious place. BUM BUM BUM. Yeah right. I won’t be getting serious because lets be honest I’m a total goof, but I want to focus on more health related stuff like the food service industry, government regulations, nutrition in the news, and life as a nutrition student. OBVIOUSLY there will still be tons of food because I’m a pig. Really though. I wish I had one of those cute little tails, but I like to eat HEALTHY nutritious foods unlike the majority of the US population. Sad, but true.

I’m out for the night. It is Friday afterall. You know what that means. SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS….of biochemistry homework because I’m going out raging tomorrow night. I’m going to leave you with some of my favorite oatmeal recipes that I have seen out in the blog world.

Ya’ll should really check out Angela’s post about this delicious oatmeal recipe called Cherry Chocolate Bomb Vegan Overnight Oats. Drool worthy. Oh how I wish I had a nice camera to turn out such delicious photos like this one. She had me at chocolate and cherries. I’m obsessed with cherries, so throwing this classic combo in an oatmeal form. Oh god. Yes please.

One of my favorite blogs to check out for oatmeal recipes is Heather’s amazing blog, Kiss My Broccoli. She has crazy, creative recipes that include favorites such as Sante Fe Oats that have an egg, salsa, and avocado topping them. Ummm delicious. Can I hire you to make this for me please? Fine I’ll stop being lazy and do it myself, but if you want some delicious ideas check out this blog because the girl sure knows her stuff about cooking!

Do you get enough fiber in your diet?
How much do you know about phytochemicals, beta-glucans, and fiber?

I Want YOU So Bad!

Hey ya’ll! Sorry for the lack of posts. No excuses. I’ve been lazy. Bad me. I have a crazy last two days of class coming up. Two exams: Food Science and Food Systems. One Single Spaced Paper due and to make it even worse its a group project. Let me tell you that this past week has been filled with drama because of it being in groups. I hate my original group, so I decided to write my own paper and just help my other group. Then I had two girls join me on my solo project (we are finished, YAY!), BUT their groups weren’t happy and I still have to help my original group (who are two of the stupidest people EVER). Sorry, but not sorry. I’m kind of harsh on people, but if there is one thing I can’t stand it is stupid people.

ANYWAYS. On a much brighter note this post is dedicated to WIAW. Although I completely missed WIAW, so this is just my way of honoring the wonderful Jenn a day late. Instead of just including one day of eats, I have mixed up a couple of meals because I can do that.

First up we have some yummy Pumpkin Pie Pancakes.
All you need to do to make these is follow my Pumpkin and Banana Pancake Recipe, but just omit the bananas. Also, I used fat free milk this time instead of coconut milk. I thought it tasted the exact same, so I guess it just depends on your milk preference.

I have been up to no good in class creating some good oatmeal combinations that will be appearing on the blog throughout the next week. Recently I decided to make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Oatmeal. Superb.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Oats (Gluten Free)
1/3 c. of Gluten Free Oats
1 1/2 c. of water
1 package of 20 calorie cocoa mix
handful of chocolate chips
1 cup sliced strawberries
1/8 tsp vanilla
1 packet of truvia
1 tbsp of PB2

1. Microwave the oats and water in a plastic measuring cup for 2:50, and then let sit for about 5 minutes with door closed
2. Place in refrigerator for overnight
3. In the morning, microwave for about 2-3 minutes, depending on how hot you want the oatmeal
4. Mix in cocoa, chocolate chips, vanilla, truvia, and strawberries
5. Top with PB2 and a couple of strawberry slices and enjoy

I think I should start a class at school that is oatmeal 101 just so I can have more time in the day to come up with recipes. I love oatmeal. For me it isn’t a healthy living blog thing because I know a lot of people out there just eat oats because it is popular, but I have been eating them since I was like 6, so yeah I’m just that cool as an originator. Or I like to pretend that I am to make up for all my nerd-tastic qualities.

New discovery. Okay it wasn’t really my discovery, but I was the one that seeked it out in order to get some. This girl in my food systems lab came to class one week with a bunch of gluten free baked goods from our schools monthly farmers market. Usually I’m sort of sketched out by baked goods that are gluten free because one time I had these funky breads that left bad tastes in my mouth. Never again. This looked good though, so I faced my fear. It was awesome. I had to go get some of my own. Of course the market had closed by the time I made it there, so the girl in my class gave me the company’s card. Sweet Texas. Oh how I love thee. I went all the way out to Lakeline Mall just to get this:
Let me introduce you to my new best friend. Sweet Potato Bread. It will blow your mind. Especially for being gluten free. It is better than many gluten containing breads that I have consumed over my lifetime. It contains sweet potato, cinnamon, pecans, and shredded coconut. What a great combination indeed. It was so good that I bought two and some Brazilian cheese bread. I actually enjoyed the farmers market because my good friends the peached tortilla were there. They serve their tacos on corn, which I just found out that day, so I can eat them! Also I found another gluten free company at the market and ended up buying a gluten free snickerdoodle. Not pictured because I ate it in like 5 seconds. Hunger gets the best of me sometimes.

I have had this spaghetti squash sitting on my counter for a while staring at me. It has been wanting me to cook it, but I didn’t want to because I had no good recipes to make. I have been wanting to make this recipe I saw from Heather at Kiss My Broccoli, but I always seem to not have all the ingredients at the same time. However, the other night I was surfing around on pinterest. What else is new right? That thing is addicting. Anyways, I found some inspiration.
Mexican Style Spaghetti Squash
3 oz of cooked chicken
1/4 c. of black beans
1/4 c. diced tomatoes
1/4 c. corn
1/3 c. Pepper Jack shredded cheese
As much spaghetti squash noodles as you want

1. Cook spaghetti squash any method you like then pull the “noodles” from it
2. Place in chicken, beans, tomatoes, corn, and cheese
3. Place in the microwave for 2 minutes or until cheese becomes completely melted

Bon apetit!

My other important discovery was kamut puffs. Hello. Low in calorie for a large amount. I’m not complaining. Plus you can mix whatever you want with it. Greek Yogurt. Fruit. Banana Soft Serve. The list could go on and on. I had mine with blueberries, strawberries, and fat free milk. This is definitely going to be a new standard in my diet.

In non food related news, I want YOU so bad.

Uncle Sam, stop scaring away all my blog readers. So as most of you know I am going away to Israel for 10 days then I will be staying in the big apple for a couple of days after that, so I need some amazing guest posts to entertain the world while I’m out of the country. If anyone is interested please send me an email at survivingcandyland@gmail.com or tweet me or do something crazy? I would love to have anyone write for me. I will also be personally sending out messages asking a couple of people to write, but heck if you beat me to it thats good too! Can’t wait to hear from ya’ll!