On days when I am feeling incredibly unmotivated to do homework, I watch a documentary. Although this is technically procrastinating, I am still learning something new and often the documentaries I watch will spark new ideas or rekindle my passion for the things I am learning in class. 


Today was one of those days, and in an attempt to “waste” as little time as possible, I chose my documentary based on one thing, the total running time. But for only being 52 minutes long, “Dive!: Living Off America’s Waste” packed quite a punch.

“Dive!” exposes a few key flaws in our food production system that lead us to waste 1/2 of the food we produce. The numbers are staggering. “Wasting 96 billion pounds of food costs roughly $136 billion annually” according to “Dive!”. The movie itself is based around the concept of eating out of grocery store dumpsters (also known as being a “freegan”), a practice that is not only controversial, but also growing in popularity.

I think in the U.S. most people are aware of the enormous amounts of food waste from our country alone, but it is a whole other thing to see the food tossed in dumpsters at a micro level spliced together with quotes and mathematical information on not only the true amount and cost of what we waste, but also with people who are struggling to get enough food to survive. 


The movie itself was informative and interesting, but be prepared for it to look more like something out of a film school than a professional documentary. This is by no means a downside, as it is still well crafted and creatively edited, the project just lacks the money of the typical Hollywood production most people are used to seeing (it reminded me of the documentary “No Impact Man” in this aspect). It’s one film I would definitely recommend. If you have time to watch your favorite TV show, you definitely have time to “Dive!”.


“Food is life, and it should never be wasted.” Dr. Timothy Jones, “Dive!”

The first time I saw a commercial on TV for a neti pot I laughed so hard my abs started to cramp. I could not believe anyone would willingly pour water up their nose. But after a horrible sinus infection in high school my doctor finally convinced me to try it.

In western culture we believe that anything to do with most of the body, especially the nose, is disgusting; however, in recent years holistic remedies are becoming increasingly popular and accepted. Sinus washes, especially with a neti pot are becoming common ways to not only relieve symptoms from a cold or the flu, they are also being used to maintain health throughout the year.


Looking back I wish I had tried a sinus wash long before I did. For a few years I only used a neti pot when I was congested or battling a cold, but over the last month I have been using it daily as a way to wash out any pollen or other allegergins. I had been taking a decongestant every night to help me battle my seemingly constant allergies, but after a month of using a neti pot daily I no longer have to take any medication for it. My congestion, scratchy or irritated throat and post-nasal drip have drastically decreased. 


However, a neti pot does have a learning curve. In an article on Mother Nature Network someone compared using a neti pot to “waterboarding for hippies,” which I completely understood. The first time I tried it was horrible. First I poured it through my noes, straight down my throat, which ended in me coughing up salt water and shooting it back out my nose. When I tried again instead of coming out the other nostril in a steady stream it came pouring out of my eyes. But once you get the right angle set, the nasal wash is pain free. 


Want to know more about potential health benefits of using a net pot?
WebMd has great health information, for a better idea on how it works head on over to MMM, and for safety check here. You can also check out how Oprah jumped onto the new trend here. 

This quarter I would really like to rely less on the freezer section in the grocery store and instead have complete control of what I am putting into my body. To realistically do this I have decided to cook a meal on the weekend that I will then freeze for the rest of the week. Although this takes some planning, it will leave me with options I enjoy eating that are healthy (not to mention cheap and sustainable). 


This weekend I didn’t get too crazy, mostly because I was too busy, and I only made part of a meal. I made red sauce that I can eat over pasta or grains as well as in a sandwich (I am really enjoying having a meatless meatball sandwich every couple of weeks (yes, I buy the meatless meatballs)). 


Although I could easily go out and buy a jar of red sauce, I prefer homemade for many reasons: homemade is healthier, less salty, tastes better, and I can add in more vegetables than any company trying to sell sauce in the U.S. would dare. 


I stupidly didn’t take pictures because for some reason I thought I already did a post on the sauce so unfortunately there will only be a recipe. 


Ingredients:
1/2 an onion
3 cloves of garlic (or more depending on personal taste)
2 medium squash (I prefer zucchini)
one 28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes
one 14 oz. can of crushed tomatoes

about 3 teaspoons of oregano
about 2 teaspoons of cumin
salt and pepper to taste
A splash of balsamic vinegar (about a tablespoon)


Recipe
1. Prepare all of your ingredients. I chop both the vegetables and the  mushrooms (which I HATE, but in this sauce they just add a nice density to it without being able to taste or really feel them, so if you don’t like mushrooms you do not have to be afraid or leave them out). I finely chop everything so they are barely discernible in the sauce. This also gives the sauce a dense, but even texture. 


2. On medium heat saute the onions in olive oil for about 2-3 minutes, until they start to become translucent. 


3. Add the mushrooms, vegetables, and garlic. Saute until the squash/zucchini begin to cook, usually about 5 minutes)


4. Add both cans of tomatoes and the seasonings. 


5. Let simmer until the vegetables are cooked all the way through.


6. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to cut any bitterness from the tomatoes. A little bit makes a huge difference.  


7. (optional) carefully use a blender or stick blender to pure your sauce. This technique is perfect for anyone who likes a smooth sauce. 


I ate some and scooped the rest into jars I am reusing (so each jar is a single serving) before I put it in the freezer. Although it is slightly annoying to have so many little jars floating around our stuffed freezer, it is makes it possible to eat the sauce one serving at a time. 


The next time I cook for the freezer I will make a full main dish. The hard part will be deciding what that should be. 

As of January first San Jose became a plastic bag free city. I, as you all know from my previous posts, am incredibly excited about the entire push to ban plastic bags, but to have a city I practically live in become plastic bag free is incredible. 

Until all of the people have given up on their New Year’s resolutions, I will be avoiding the gym. My decision not only saves me my sanity (waiting 20 minutes for a stationary bike or a treadmill does little to help me de-stress), but it also means that I will be working out without any electricity. 


With the current lack of rain in California and the unseasonably warm weather, my self exile from the gym has been incredibly pleasant. I never have to wait in line for anything, I can workout whenever I want, and it gives me a chance to be outside and take in my surroundings. 

I challenge you to beat the chaos of the gym and the stress of a new quarter/semester/year by taking your fitness routine outside. If you need a little bit of inspiration for your outdoor adventures, you can explore this. See you outside.

Dorms seem to always be dirty. With so many people living in such small spaces, dirt and grime collect everywhere. In our apartment, the day after we do a serious clean it’s hard to tell we even cleaned up at all. Dorms are also a breading ground for all sorts of germs.

I have collected some cleaning tips that you can use before mom and dad come for a visit, or the cute neighbor stops by to borrow something. Or, if you are like me and you clean when you are procrastinating or stressed, you can use these to scrub your stress away.

People often think that the dirtier something is, the harsher chemicals you need to clean it, but my apartment is proof that eco-friendly cleaners can get the job done just as well. Although there are many products on the market that claim to be environmentally friendly, and many of them might be, I always opt for the simplest solution possible, which is rarely packaged and shipped to me. I also believe in using items that have multiple purposes, which is why you will see that I only use a few products to clean a house or dorm top to bottom.

Mirrors/glass
What you need:
– Warm water
– Microfiber cloth
– Small towel

Simply wet the microfiber cloth in hot or warm water and wash down the mirror or glass surface. Once you have washed it thoroughly, dry it quickly with the small towel. I recommend using a microfiber cloth because it does not hold too much water, and it doesn’t leave lint behind. However, if you are trying to stick to only natural fibers, a cotton cloth would work just fine. I also use an old, small towel to keep it from leaving lint on the surface as well.

Floors
What you need:
– Microfiber cloth
– All-purpose cleaning spray
– Optional: towel to dry

When my floors are really dirty (which is always in the dorm) I prewash them with a microfiber cloth wet with hot water and wrung out. Once the floors dry a bit I spray them down with my all purpose spray and scrub them with a dry cloth. If I have recently cleaned the floors and only need to get the visible dirt off, I will only use the wet microfiber cloth and let it air dry. I figure none of us will be eating off the floor anyways, so having them germ free doesn’t really matter all that much every day. Also, if your floor is incredibly dirty and you have tough spills to get off, create a solution with a little bit of liquid castile soap (such as Dr. Bronners. A little bit goes a long way. I wouldn’t use more than a teaspoon full or two for about a gallon of water, otherwise you will have to rinse multiple times to remove all of the bubbles).

Bathroom surfaces
What you need:
– Microfiber cloth
– Castile soap
– Toilet brush
– Optional: Borax

With four girls sharing a single bathroom, things can get really messy. I can guarantee that these methods will remove makeup from sinks/floors and cut through all of the other grime that builds up with so many people using such a small space.

For the sink and bathtub/shower use a microfiber cloth and some castile soap. For the tub or shower, wet the surface slightly before squirting some castile soap into the bottom. I usually use as little as possible (about a teaspoon full) and squirt more if I need it. Then scrub the tub with the soap and moist cloth (run the water over the cloth and wring it out a bit). If you haven’t cleaned in a while and the castile soap and cloth just can’t cut through all of the built up soap scum, you can shake a little Borax on the surface. It will not only physically scrub the surface, but it will help break the built up soap scum down.

For sinks, wet the cloth and squirt a little soap onto it. Scrub until satisfied.

The reason I keep suggesting the microfiber cloth, even though the fabric is man-made and will not break down easily, is that it does most of the work. Even without the soap the cloth takes out the soap scum and other dried on grime. It also removes hard water marks from chrome or shiny surfaces. The reason I chose to invest in some quality microfiber clothes is because they will last me years to come. My family has been using the same clothes for about 10 years and they still look nearly new. If you are really against microfiber feel free to use a cloth towel or any rag, but be prepared to put more muscle into it.

For the toilet simply squirt a little bit of castile soap into the bowl and scrub. If you have some mold (typically a slightly frightening red or pink color) you can add a bit of Tea Tree Oil into the bowl before you start scrubbing. If you haven’t cleaned the toilet all year and you are about to move out and you need to get it incredibly clean quickly, there are few products you can buy at the store that might do the trick. I would recommend looking into what Ecover or Seventh Generation offer.

For counters and over surfaces, use the all-purpose spray.

I am so incredibly tired of people asking me how I get enough protein as a vegetarian. Everyone in the U.S. seems to assume that you need to eat meat to be healthy and fit. Even with the ever growing list of world class athletes and trainers who are completely vegan, including Venus Williams, Bob Harper, and Scott Jurek.


With millions of Americans vowing to lose weight and get in shape with the new year, knowing how to fuel your body is an important part. More and more information has been coming out lately about how being vegetarian or vegan is not only good for you, but can also help you meet your physical goals. 


A few days ago the New York Times posted an article,”Sculptured by Weights and a Strict Vegan Diet,” about a body builder that has won championships, and also happens to be vegan. 

“[Veganism] has even entered bodybuilding, perceived by many as a population of vein-popping men and women thriving off meat and artificial enhancements. Competitors like Sitko are forging a distinctive subculture of antibeef beefcakes who hope to change more of their competitors’ eating habits.”

With many people deciding to become vegan for countless different reasons, including health, animal rights, or sustainability, there are great resources online for recipes or even support. 


Although I truly admire those who have gone completely vegan, with all of my food allergies I am not willing to completely commit. I am mostly vegan already. The only things I still sometimes eat are eggs and butter.  But this year I will become more aware of vegan options and see what I can do. 

I don’t know what it is lately, everything I bake turns out to be horribly ugly. The Angel Food Cake that I made with leftover egg whites is honestly the ugliest thing I have ever baked. It turns out that a bundt pan is not the same pan that should be used for an Angel Food Cake… 

The good news is that it tastes way better than it looks.