von Isabella Gu Vor 1 Jahr
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Since I do not have a stand mixer, I found that I cannot properly make certain desserts, or that it is much harder with only a hand-mixer. This is one of the reasons why I usually only bake simple desserts. It is specifically with kneading bread doughs for 10+ minutes that it gets extremely tiring. Similarly, making whipped egg whites with a hand mixer can become very loud, and it would be much more convenient to use a stand mixer. In this way, I can work on preparing other ingredients while waiting for the egg whites to become a whipped cream texture.
Difficult to Beat Egg Whites
When the cloud bread recipe was trending, I tried making it with only a hand-mixer. Making the whipped egg whites was quite tedious since it had to be beat for over 10 minutes.
Difficult to Make Bread
Due to the fact that I do not have a lot of baking equipment, I can only make simple desserts. In correlation with time, one of the reasons I stopped baking was because we went back to in-person school. As everything got busier, I no longer had a lot of free time, which many of the recipes (especially those that needed fermentation) required.
Carrot Cake
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie
Banana Bread
Cassava Cake
To save money when grocery shopping, my grandparents like to check the supermarket's flyers to see what is on-sale. Sometimes, my mom also takes a look at the "reduced prices" section, or compare vegetable prices between stores. This affects the foods that are available to me at home, since it means they will be reluctant to buy organic foods (price is significantly higher).
Walmart Flyer
NoFrills Flyer
Although I do not make my lunches everyday, during the period of times that my grandma went back to China, it was up to my mom to cook my lunches. Since she did not have a lot of time in the mornings, I would usually get sandwiches or a hummus and egg wrap for lunch. However, when she had time the night before, she would make me Chinese cold noodles or Chinese egg pancakes. In doing this, I could easily heat up the food in the morning and bring it to school without her having to wake up earlier.
Chinese Cold Noodles
Chinese Egg Pancakes
Hummus & Egg Wrap
Sandwich
When I was younger, I always went grocery shopping with my mom and grandma. Now, in order to limit the amount of junk foods I buy, I purposely do not go shopping. Therefore, I can only eat what my mom buys, or the foods that I buy at the mall when with friends. Above, I have included some foods that are commonly stocked in my pantry.
Taro Cream Wafers
Quaker Granola Bar
Chinese Garlic Green Peas
Indomie Mi Goreng (Instant Stir Fry Noodles)
Living in Canada, we have plenty of seasonal ingredients, even when they are technically not in season thanks to the importation of food products from other countries. Aside from the examples I have listed, it is key to remember that seasonal ingredients can still be bought in the frozen foods section at the grocery store. Just because it is frozen, does not mean that it loses all nutrition value.
Fresh Seasonal Ingredients
Chestnuts
Chestnuts are typically harvested from mid-September to November. My family always buys chestnuts when they are in season, because my grandparents enjoy all types of nuts. Personally, I don't like raw chestnuts, and only prefer Chinese pastries that contain chestnut filling.
California Fresh Figs
This type of fig is usually in season from May to November. From my experience, they are very sweet and have a unique taste. It is much better than the dried figs that my mom usually buys, as the concentrated sweetness from dried figs is way too overpowering.
Apple
Most apples are available from late July through early November. It is at this time that apples are the most ripe and sweet. With that being said, a lot of people like to make or buy apple pie while its in season.
Pumpkin
Enjoyed during Autumn season, especially in October for Thanksgiving, and a popular Halloween decoration as Jack-o'-Lanterns .
Frozen Seasonal Ingredients
Frozen Green Peas
Frozen Chopped Spinach
Frozen Avocado Chunks
Frozen Pineapple Chunks
Thanks to the pandemic, I was able to learn more about cooking and baking. Now, I think that I am able to make some basic dishes, however I definitely struggle with preparing, washing/cleaning vegetables, and meat. I hope to continue practicing cooking in the summer because I don't want the inability more advanced dishes to to influence my future food choices.
Difficult Foods
Chinese Crepes
Mixed Seafood in Oyster Sauce
Braised Pork Belly
Bread
Easy Foods
Kraft Dinner (Macaroni & Cheese)
Sunny-Side Up Eggs
Shin Ramyun (Instant Noodles)
Unlike most households, my parents do not cook on the weekdays. Usually, it is my grandmother who cooks for us, which is also one of the main reasons why I would not have to think too much about my own ability to prepare food. At the top, I included some of my favorite dishes cooked by my grandma
Chinese Chive Pockets
Chinese Eggplant with Garlic Sauce
Coming from a Christian household, I can say that we don't have religious foods, or any foods we are not allowed to eat. Christianity is not a religion that imposes certain practices with foods such as some other religions. However, I do know that we are supposed to avoid eating the blood of any living creature. This would apply to my family because there are numerous Chinese dishes made with blood curd. Essentially, blood curd is the solidified form of an animal's blood, and it is commonly eaten in China. I think that it would be considered an exotic food in Western countries because it sounds quite gross.
Duck Blood Curd
The Dongzhi festival is centered around the Winter Solstice in China. It marks the transition of the winter season, to spring. Although people in other provinces of China may eat dumplings, it is most common for families to eat Tangyuan (glutinous rice ball soup) and Jiuniang (sweet fermented rice) as dessert after dinner.
Tangyuan
Jiuniang
Christmas is one of the most important holidays/celebrations that Christians celebrate. This is also another opportunity to enjoy lots of delicious food, as well as an assortment of chocolates/sweets.
Roast Chicken
Mashed Potatoes
Gingerbread House
Fruit Cake
Chinese New Year is my favorite celebration in the entire year because it is a time of happiness, where relatives and family members from afar can reunite. Aside from the red pocket money, I really enjoy the food we eat on Chinese New Year's Eve. On this night, everyone plays cards and Mahjong while eating traditional Chinese dishes. My mom always spends hours preparing for each dish, which is why we normally never have these special foods at any other time of the year.
Spring Rolls
Dumplings
Nian Gao (Glutinous Rice Cake)
Peking Duck
To be honest, I don't think my family has any traditions with food. Every week is pretty much the same with my grandma alternating between different Chinese vegetables. However, at the start of 2020, we found two excellent Chinese restaurants near where we lived and the dining experience was very pleasant. Since the pandemic, we just resorted to either doing a pick-up at the restaurant or ordering an Uber Eats so that we can still enjoy our favorite dishes. In my opinion, no order is complete without buying cumin lamb. It has a very unique taste, and it's also basically a cheaper version of Chinese lamb skewers.
Bashu Sichuan Restaurant
Beef Wrap
Cumin Lamb
Foodie North
Shanghai Noodles
Yam Dessert
Since my family is from China, and my parents were born in China, all of the dishes we make at home are from Chinese recipes. In addition, most of the ingredients we use can only be found at Chinese/Asian supermarkets. This influences the foods I eat, because that means I normally would not get to eat or try foods from other cultures. At the top, I have included some staple ingredients we have at home.
Chinese Yam
Winter Melon
Bok Choy
Rice
As a teenager, my body is going through a rapid growth phase, which is why I need to make sure to consume enough nutrients each day. With that being said, the foods that I eat should be nutrient-dense, meaning it is full of nutrients while not containing an excessive amount of calories. It is in nutrient- dense foods that I can get enough of both micronutrients and macronutrients.
Macronutrients
Macronutrients are nutrients that are needed by the body in large amounts. Our total caloric intake is composed of these macronutrients. In other words, macronutrients provide our body with energy, while micronutrients do not.
Fats
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Micronutrients
Micronutrients are nutrients that are needed by the body in very small amounts. They are vital to healthy development, disease prevention, and critical for important functions in our bodies.
Minerals
Vitamins
Water
Often, eating 3 meals a day is not enough which is why we need to replenish our energy by eating snacks. Eating snacks are also beneficial in the aspect that it prevents us from overeating at mealtimes. However, it is important to avoid snacking out of boredom (mindless snacking). Most snacks that we eat mindlessly are full of empty calories, which can lead to obesity and other health problems. To ensure that a snack is actually healthy, always check the food labels and nutrition facts table. A great indicator if a snack is nutrient-dense is that it should include ingredients from 2 to 3 food groups.
Whole Grain Crackers & Cheese
Vegetables with Hummus Dip
Smoothie Bowl
Personally, I enjoy smoothie bowls and smoothies in general because it helps you consume all the fruits and vegetables that you normally would not eat in solid form. Even though the initial reason of consumption for all foods is for its nutrients, in a society where the emphasis on taste is amplified, it is hard to get ourselves to eat certain foods. Whether it be due to the texture or flavor that does not sit right with us, all of those characteristics would at least be masked when it is blended with other fruits and vegetables.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
As mentioned in class, the amount of food that we eat now is probably the most we will ever eat compared to any other time period in our lives. For hunger levels, I believe it varies for me on a daily basis. However, I try to keep in mind that the amount of calories I consume should be at a good range for my height and weight (BMI), metabolism, as well as physical activity levels.
I am always the most hungry when I get home after a long day at school.
Baritone Horn (Euphonium)
I play a low brass instrument commonly known as the baritone horn or euphonium. Whenever I have band practice after school, I am always super hungry afterwards, which is why I make sure to pack a snack just for band. Blowing into an instrument is very tiring, and takes away a lot of energy.
Walking
Now that the weather is warmer, I can finally start taking walks around the neighborhood again. I hope to reach 60 minutes of exercise every day because it is not good to eat too many excessive calories (despite increased hunger levels). There should be a good balance between how much energy we consume, and how much energy we burn off.
Since I have an iron deficiency, I am encouraged to eat more protein, dark leafy green vegetables, and iron-fortified foods. Although I should also take iron supplements, I believe its side effects are not measurable to its benefits. It is important that I minimize the affects of anemia, because it would affect my energy levels and I would not be able to give my best performance at school, as well as at home.
Kale
Red Meats
Chickpeas
Spinach
Breakfast is a very important part of my daily nutrition. As a high school student, I find that I am not able to concentrate well in classes if I skip breakfast in the morning. It also increases my irritability due to lethargy, which is why I am aiming to wake up earlier each day so that I have time to eat breakfast. At the top, I have included some popular and delicious breakfast ideas that I can attempt in the future.
Green Smoothie
Banana Protein Pancakes
Yogurt Bowl
Bagel with Margarine
Overnight Oats
To obtain the best nutrition, it is important that I follow the Canada's Food Guide requirements. Opposed to the old Food Guide, the new one is more inclusive with cultures and flexibility of lifestyles. In addition, I no longer have to calculate the servings I need for each food group. All I have to do is maintain the food group ratios on my plate at each meal.
Whole Grains
1/2 of my plate should consist of whole grain foods. Some examples include: quinoa, whole grain bread, oatmeal, and brown rice. They are an excellent source of fiber, and help lower the risk of stroke, heart disease, as well as colon cancer. In addition, fiber is crucial in regulating the body's use of sugars, and helping with bowel movements.
Protein
1/4 of my plate should consist of proteins (which also contains dairy products now). According to the Canada's Food Guide, I should strive to eat more plant-based proteins since they provide more fiber for less saturated fat. This would also be helpful if I were a vegetarian. Considering the fact that most complete proteins come from animal-based foods, I would have to eat a variety of plant-based proteins to ensure I can still get all the essential amino acids.
Fruits & Vegetables
1/2 of my plate should consist of fruits & vegetables. It is in this food group that I can get important nutrients such as: fiber, vitamins, minerals. I know that in order to get an assortment of vitamins and minerals each day, I have to make sure to eat fruits and vegetables of all colors. Furthermore, fruits and vegetables also create a good balance between simple carbohydrates (fruits) and complex carbohydrates (vegetables). Together, they make an excellent source of energy.
Chicken Wrap
Umami
Kimchi (Napa is rich in umami)
Bitter
Chinese Bitter Melon
Personally, I absolutely despise eating Chinese bitter melon because the way we cook it at home never seems to minimize its bitter taste. However, it is very healthy as it prevents diseases, helps with bone formation and is high in vitamin A.
Salty
French Fries
Sour
Grapefruit
Sweet
Doughnut
Chili Soup
Potato Chips (Crunching Sound)
Chinese Fried Rice
In my opinion, viral food trends do not affect me because I usually don't have the time or motivation to test out the recipe (or food combinations), but it does make me curious of how the food tastes. Along with many other people, we are more encouraged to try it out because it is trendy. Nevertheless, these so-called trends are really just fads; their popularity is not sustainable. Thus, it is important to keep in mind that we follow trends that encourage healthier eating, as well as try a variety of foods (this helps people with food exploration journey), and not those that prove to be a threat to our diet and lifestyle.
Baked Feta Pasta
Squid Game Dalgona Candy
Nature's Cereal
Dalgona Coffee
In reality, content creator sponsorships is also technically under celebrity endorsement, but I believe that these sponsorships have a different affect on me. As I have been watching YouTube videos for a long time, I have come across many sponsorships. I find that if it's one of my favorite YouTubers, I am more likely to listen to the entire sponsorship. However, if it's from a YouTuber that I don't watch often or do not care much about, I would skip the sponsorship section and continue on to the rest of the video. Sponsorships are different from normal YouTube advertisements, because you have the freedom to skip to another part of the video. However, most watch it anyways, so long as the creator showcases the product in an interesting way, or transitions the main content of the video to a sponsorship in a clever way. Above, I have included 4 food products/subscription service brands that I have seen from content creator sponsorships.
TokyoTreat
SIMULATE (NUGGS)
Built Bar (Protein Bar)
HelloFresh
HelloFresh is one of the more unique food-related services that I have seen. I remember first being introduced to this company through a YouTube creator sponsorship a few years back, and I really enjoyed the way how the service was featured. Whether it be a few years ago or now, content creators typically choose their favorite recipe and make it with the ingredients that are provided by HelloFresh. As a younger kid, I found it fascinating that the YouTubers could make those seemingly difficult dishes with such ease. And even now, I still think that it is quite convenient to have the exact amount needed of each fresh ingredient.
Without marketing techniques, advertisements by themselves cannot truly reach their full potential. Out of all the common advertising techniques, the one that I am most susceptible to is probably celebrity endorsement. Usually popular food products that feature a well-known singer(s) are what receives the most attention on social media and are able to start trends amongst the younger generation. This in turn creates a bandwagon effect, as repetition occurs with seeing the people I follow on social media partake in buying/making the food product(s). In result, I am convinced to join the trend as well, for the sake of not missing out.
Catchy Slogan
Catchy slogans is a technique used by many advertisers, in which they make up a short and striking phrase and display it as the main heading of the advertisement. By doing this, consumers can remember the slogan/jingle, and the brand can in turn achieve brand recognition.
Nutrient Claims
This technique makes certain food products appear to be healthier than others by using a statement about the amount of a nutrient found in the product. Some examples could be that the product is low in fat, and high in iron. However, to make such a claim, the amount of that certain nutrient must meet a certain criteria.
Celebrity Endorsement
Uses a celebrity's fame and social status to get people to buy the marketed product. With food marketing, what is popularly seen in recent years is that fast-food brands will make a limited edition meal or special menu item that features a celebrity's favorite foods from the brand.
Bandwagon
Technique used in which it targets the consumer's desire to fit in with the majority, likewise an individual's fear of missing out (emotional appeal).
The main difference between digital media and traditional media is that digital media has an abundance of advertisements, and has become more effective as more consumers have been relying on their electronic devices. In my opinion, digital media has a greater impact on me due to the fact that I spend a lot of time on my phone each day. On the social media platforms I use (ex. YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram), I am inevitably exposed to a wide range of advertisements.
Blue Apron
Grubhub
YouTube Commercials
Arby's
Taco Bell
Traditional media refers to the advertising channels that have been used for decades. They are the ones we are most common with, and despite how long they have been around, I believe that they are still effective. The location and ad-designs have both improved tremendously, so even if the persuasion is not evident, it plays a big role in repetition. Sometimes what influences us to make purchases is not necessarily one convincing/appealing advertisement, but a combination of advertisements to which we have been repeatedly exposed.
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Pringles
Burger King
Billboard
Dunkin' Donuts
Domino's Pizza
Entering the food court, I think that the social influence is not limited to being with friends. Upon further observation, I believe that the atmosphere in the food court is also an influence. By seeing other people and friend groups enjoying the food from the fast-food chains and socializing, we are also persuaded to do the same. This is interconnected with the psychological factors, since we are likely to associate the food court atmosphere with happiness, and a place where memorable moments are made. I would say that these emotions would be stronger for students at John Fraser and those at Gonzaga, since we have the means to go to the food court every day, therefore creating familiarity. At the top I have included some of my favorite menu items.
Subway
Turkey Sub
I have always been a big fan of Subway, because it offers one of the healthiest food options out of the other fast-food chains. In addition, it is a personalized sandwich, so you have the choice to omit any ingredients you do not want, or have more of an ingredient that has nutrients you lack.
Bourbon St Grill
Chicken & Rice Combo
KFC & Taco Bell
Chalupa Supreme
Popcorn Chicken
Jimmy The Greek
Chicken Souvlaki Pita
Aside from the food court at Erin Mills Mall, I thought that Tim Hortons should be in its own category because it is right at the entrance of the mall. In a way, it is also a marketing technique. Many students choose to buy food at Tim Hortons despite the long line-ups during rush hour because of the cheap price and due to the fact that it is the closest fast-food chain in sight. If students wish to eat lunch at the food court, they would still have to walk a few hundred extra meters. In addition, students can also conveniently buy a Tim's Rewards card to use the "pick-up" system and avoid waiting in line.
Cream of Broccoli Soup
Timbits
Boston Cream Donut
My friend Karen and I often buy a donut from Tim Hortons after lunch as dessert. She has a big sweet tooth, and it has also influenced me to eat more sweets.
Potato Wedges
When my friends and I go out on special occasions, we like to go to the Square One mall because there are a lot of stores to explore. Often, we plan to eat either lunch or dinner at the food court. Personally, I always choose to eat at a fast food restaurant, because that is what my friends choose as well. Another factor is that it has a larger variety of fast-food chains (many that are not available at the Erin Mills Mall). Above, I have attached my favorite fast-food chains at Square One, and the best menu items to order.
Amaya
Lamb Curry and Rice
Shanghai 360
Chinese Fried Noodles with Sweet and Sour Chicken
Szechuan Express
Rice-Meat-Vegetable Combo
Chipotle
Burrito Bowl
Before the pandemic started, I used to always attend the potlucks at my church. Each family would bring a few dishes, and it enforced a sense of community and belonging. Though it has been very long since I've gone to another potluck, the foods I was able to taste definitely influenced and still influences what I eat now. It helped me explore various foods that originate from China, and I started liking many of the dishes that I normally would not like when it was cooked at home.
Chinese Soup Dumpling
Green Onion Pancake
Stir Fry Glass Noodles
Chinese Pepper Steak
Picnic
Sandwiches
Mid-Autumn Festival
Mooncakes
Easter
Easter Chocolates
Thanksgiving
Turkey
Camping
S'mores
Some food habits that I have at school are that I go to Tim Hortons a lot, and I always eat lunch with my friends at the Erin Mill Mall's food court every Friday. As stated in the social influences section, Karen and I like to buy a donut as dessert for lunch. It is a habit for us, since there's usually nothing else interesting to do, so we like to walk around the mall after that. Regarding the food court, we alternate fast-food restaurants each week to try out a variety of menu items. By doing this, our parents don't have to pack lunch for one day of the week and we get to try foods from different cultures. So far, I have really liked the menu items from Jimmy The Greek, since they are relatively healthy.
Erin Mills Mall (Food Court)
Tim Hortons
Some food habits that I have at home are that I prefer to eat alone while watching some sort of YouTube video, and that I only eat fruits when at home. With fruits, I think that it is very time consuming to prepare on school-day mornings. In addition, it isn't as fresh after being stored for a few hours in my backpack. This is especially true with fruits that are prone to oxidation (ex. banana, apple). As mentioned before in my food guide, I tend to eat alone during meals because my family's meal-times are never coordinated. To explain, my mom's parents would eat dinner at 4:30 PM, while my parents usually eat at 6 to 7 PM. It is in our best interest to eat at different times because everyone has different food habits. Lately, I am no longer as distracted by electronic devices during meal-times because my grandma (dad's side of family) occasionally eats with me, but I used to have a big problem with that. Eating alone is quite boring, so I always enjoyed having a video playing in the background as company.
Distraction
Fruit
In a way, comfort foods correlate with our food habits as children along with cultural influence. Typically, the foods we love most when we are younger become the comfort foods we eat as adults. And, it is our cultural traditions as well as practices that determines what type of comfort food we eat. To illustrate this, I chose the Chinese tomato and egg noodles as an example above because my grandma (mom's side of family) always made me these noodles on the weekends. What made it memorable and comforting, was that she always used the traditional way by making the noodles and the sauce from scratch.
Strawberry Mochi
Chinese Tomato & Egg Noodles
Ice Cream Sandwich
Soy Milk
One cool thing about my family is that we always make our own soy milk. After washing and cleaning the soy beans, we just put it in the soy milk maker and add an appropriate amount of water. After it is ready, we just have to filter out the excess soy paste and throw out the chunks of grinded up soybeans from the side compartment. .
For reward and punishment, I do not have anything to mention from my own experience, because I never really used food to punish or reward myself. However, I remember when I was in grade 7, my math tutor once talked about her daughter's time management skills. She mentioned that her daughter would plan study sessions and if she was very productive, she would reward herself with her favorite treats/snacks. Following this thought process, I attached some images of snacks I would ideally use as a reward for study motivation.
Choco Pie
Glico Pocky (Strawberry Flavour)
Doritos
Hershey's Cookies 'N' Creme
I think that many people, including myself, often associate eating certain foods when we are experiencing certain emotions. I remember when I was younger, I ate a lot of junk food out of boredom and because I was distracted by television entertainment. Now, I make sure that I am always doing some type of activity so that I will not have too much spare time laying around. As seen from the impacts of the pandemic, the extra time on people's hands caused many to overeat since we were usually all at school, or work.
Lonely
Spaghetti
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Happy
Steamed Buns
Spinach Cheese Rolls
Bored
Shrimp Flavored Cracker
Smartfood Popcorn
Sad
Coffee Crisp
Drumstick Ice Cream
