Metabolism boosting foods(FactFriday #9)

I don't know about you, but I get very frustrated when I see my aunt eating everyday near the point of puking and not getting a pound heavier. She obviously has a fast (light speed) metabolism. On the other hand I drink half a glass of water and I become a land whale.

I have a very slow metabolism and I hate it. So recently I have been starting to look into foods that can make me digest food faster so I can burn calories more efficiently.

Firstly, metabolism is the process of breaking down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to yield the energy your body needs to maintain itself. The rate of your metabolism depends on the interaction between the number of calories you consume, the number of calories you burn while eating and exercising, and the calories you burn based on your individual genetic makeup.

Naturally,the metabolism slows down with age but we can help boost it if, like me, years of dieting and putting your body into starvation mode has destroyed its natural rhythm.

Here is a list of 10 well known metabolism boosting foods. These are not only good for you but also are very delicious!

• Egg whites, they are rich in branched-chain amino acids, which keep your metabolism stoked.

• Lean meat, it is full of iron. Deficiencies in the mineral can slow metabolism. Eat three to four daily servings of iron-rich foods, such as chicken or fortified cereal.

Productivity( MondayTalk #8)

This week has been such a productive one for me. I went to classes, I did homework, and studied! And this isn't even finals week. I was very proactive, if I can say so myself.

I don't know what is it with this semester but I am more inclined to studying and doing my best. I love my professors(with some exceptions), love my classes and I am so happy that I get to learn two new programming languages( C# and Java). This is all very exciting.

On another note, I have a tone of project due very soon and I haven't even started them yet, which is sad. To tell you the truth, I feel like it's the third week of school and I should get moving and groovin'.

I applied for mandatory practice at some firms that are partners with my college which is kind of thrilling, to be honest. I can't wait to see if I can make the cut. There are a lot of students who have applied and I really hope I get in. The alternative is me finding a firm to intern for, on my own and that isn't an easy task. The good news is that two firms already answered me! I was so excited to read mails and a bit relieved, like I have a chance to do something and prove that grades aren't that important.

Going on the idea of grades in college, I have learned that it isn't important what your grade card says. The most important thing is for you to actually learn something. I have noticed a trend in my grades, and that is: if I love a subject (say C++), i will study for it and practice and learn quick. There are subjects that I hated and no matter how hard I tried, I still got low grades. In high school, it wasn't important if I liked a subject or not, it was way easier to get a high grade. What I am trying to say is that college is different. You get to a new level of learning and you actually get a chance to pursue what you like. 

This will be kind of a short blog entry. Although I have been very productive, it all revolves around college and studying. There is no point in me talking about my homework, however excited it might be for me. So this is it for this Monday Talk.

Easy crepe recipe (RecipeTuesday #7)

Crepes are one of my favorite things to eat. Either for breakfast or just dessert. I find it odd that most people eat american pancakes. I don't associate them necessarily with pancakes. As someone from Europe, my version of pancakes are crepes. Thin, elegant, light, delicious.

This is my grandmothers easy and healthy recipe for crepes. I do indeed enjoy eating them as often as I can(even as a midnight snack).

What you need:

What you do:

Beat the blues (FactFriday #5)

Every once in a while everyone gets a bit down and not so motivated to go on. Believe it or not there are foods out there that can help you not feel so blue and down.

The thing that we should understand is that we should not stuff our faces just because we are sad. In no way shape or form am I suggesting to go out, buy a ton of junk food and sit in a dark corner and eat your feelings. These are just mood boosting snacks that can help but food is not an answer.

1. Chocolate helps with STRESS! Not only does chocolate taste divine but it can also help with stress. Opt for dark chocolate because it is jam packed with antioxidants.

2. Salmon is great for anxiety. Because I have been in the finals period of the school year, I have a fair amount of stress. Salmon is wonderful way to calm oneself.