Beans give you the healthiest bang for your buck

November 4 2009. Launch Magazine.

There are many reasons why one may choose to adopt the vegetarian lifestyle, but vegetarians primarily focus on religious beliefs, ethical grounds and/or dietary reasons when they opt to go veg.

As for myself, I am a semi-vegetarian because eating some kinds of meat now literally makes me ill due to an intestinal infection I had several years ago.

The meat I consume now is poultry or some kind of fish, in addition to substitutes made from soy. I am a little bit of a weenie though – I don’t prepare uncooked meat because the thought of it grosses me out.

Quite often, however, people don’t recognize going vegetarian once a week (or more!) can save them quite a bit of cash. The best way to do this? Eating beans and other legumes to get the protein you need.

If you think about it from an economic standpoint, “growing” meat costs money. The animals need to be housed, fed, transported and inoculated. Depending on what those animals eat , all these processes could contribute to meat’s higher cost.

Of course, vegetable crops also need to be fed, harvested and transported, but the costs involved are much smaller than those for meat. The difference is ultimately reflected in the prices they sell for in the store or supermarket.

Looking at my local grocery store’s flyer for this week (utilizing flyers is another way to shop frugally), I found the sale price for one pound of boneless stewing beef is $3.99, one pound of boneless chicken breast is $4.99, and a pound of pork loin chops with bones is $1.49.

In comparison, a 540 gram can of beans at the regular price costs around a dollar. There are approximately 454 grams in a pound, so if you were to compare costs relatively, a pound of beans costs you 84 cents. If you buy dried beans in larger quantities (1-5 lb bags), they cost even less than beans in the can ($2-3), but they do take longer to cook.

Beans are one of the best foods you can consume in terms of nutritional value. They are low in calories, high in fibre and protein, and full of all kinds of other nutrients and vitamins. Beans are also believed to regulate blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, and prevent cancer as well as heart disease. Due to the fact that they are inexpensive and so nutritionally sound, they are a staple food item all over the world.

Of course, not everyone likes the taste of beans, but there are some easy ways to add them into your diet in smaller amounts until you get used to the flavour. Even substituting half or a quarter of the meat you eat with beans can save you quite a bit of money over the course of the year.

If you’re not sure where to start in terms of recipes with beans, there are tons for you to peruse on the internet, and for free. There are even recipes for brownies with beans in them (I haven’t had time to test those yet though)!

And to make beans even more fun to eat, there is that little rhyme we’ve all known since childhood…

Why I'm Thankful I Know the Real History Behind Thanksgiving

13 October 2009, Launch Magazine

At McMaster every fall, there is a mass exodus of students who head home to spend time with their families and consume lots of turkey, or sometimes tofurkey. But I am never one of them.

For all of the years I’ve been in university, I only managed to make it home for Thanksgiving in my first year. When I mention this to people they think my parents want nothing to do with me and I must have starved over the weekend. That, or I’m really anti-social. I assure you none of this is true, but we are a bit non-traditional when it comes to Thanksgiving.

My parents are cool with this arrangement. I’m their only child and have left the nest. They have adjusted to life without me being around and I have done the same. It’s not that we don’t talk often (we do), but it seems we do things differently than most families.

My parents drove down to visit me last weekend, took me out for Thai food, and then spent Thanksgiving weekend at their cottage. I, on the other hand, spent the weekend frantically working on the three essays I have due between Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. Maybe this is our Thanksgiving tradition because it seems to happen every year.

Interesting fact: grocery stores still sell pumpkin pie to you even if you’re not with your family over the weekend.

As part of one of my lectures last week, I learned about the Haudenoshonee Thanksgiving Address, also known as Ohen:ton Karihwatehkwen, or “words that come before all else.” This ceremony is important to the Haudenoshonee peoples and is a means of thanking the natural world for all of the things it provides. Traditionally, the address can go on for days at a time, and is recited in one of the six Haudenoshonee languages.

However, there are now short summations in English. Although I am not advocating for cultural co-option, I firmly believe we should all be giving thanks every day, instead of once a year. I really dislike that everyone feels obligated to give thanks because it’s a holiday. It seems to cheapen the meaning behind everything.

This time of year also makes me reflect on how much we actually know about the holidays. I’m sure you all know the real history of Thanksgiving, right? Sometime in the sixteenth century, the pilgrims and Native Americans came together and celebrated, as the Native people were preventing the British separatists from suffering from starvation. Everyone was happy, food was plentiful, and the world was full of rainbows, cuddly kitties, cute puppies and magical unicorns.

In case my sarcasm didn’t register with you, what we are taught about the first Thanksgiving is actually a huge myth. There was no Thanksgiving feast and relations were not good. Although the puritans were starving (they ate their dogs, boiled their clothes for the starch, and even cannibalized each other) and the Tsenacomoco did help them survive the first winter, there ends the truth behind the Thanksgiving narrative.

Once the colonists gained more supplies the following spring, they turned against the Tsenacomoco; a trend toward Indigenous people that has lasted for centuries.

Although there have been commonalities in the way Canadians and Americans treated and continue to treat our Indigenous populations, there are many differences between the two nations. The story of the foundation of Canada is based on both British and French colonists, creating a different narrative and thus a distinct culture down the road. The first Canadian Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1859, it had a pro-British, white, Christian, Anglo-Saxon message, and was incredibly anti-American. However, by the 1870’s the American “traditions” as stated above took hold on Canada much against the chagrin of our religious leaders of the time.

Since then, the holiday’s meaning has changed yet again for Canadians. The holiday we celebrated in the Victorian era wanted us to express thanks for the things in our world and the people around us. It was in 1957 that Parliament passed a law that Thanksgiving would move to the second Monday in October, and that is how it has remained, along with the American story. This has lead to Thanksgiving becoming yet another Hallmark holiday.

For Indigenous people, Columbus Day and Thanksgiving represents a celebration of ethnocide, since their population has decreased as a result of colonialism and the xenophobia that accompanied it. Copies of the May 4, 1493, Papal Bull “Inter Caetera” – the document that allowed colonizers divine rule over North America – are burnt as a form of protest. The Papal Bull stated only Christians had rights to the land and since the continent was inhabited by heathens, their rights were revoked as possessors of the land. The myth of terra nuellis followed and also “allowed” Europeans their claim to North America.

I am thankful that I have my health, a roof over my head, a family that loves me, and fridge full of food. I am thankful that my parents instilled in me the desire to keep learning new things. I am even thankful for the ability to attend university, even though I am not all that impressed at the due dates my professors set out for me this year.

What I am most thankful for is that Hamilton does not have a wild turkey population. Those bastards are mean and will chase you.

Tastes of Downtown

"Tastes of Downtown", May 2008

Unbeknownst to many students in Hamilton, there are actually a variety of good places to eat. According to Alexandra Bates’ article Tastes of Downtown: Fine Eats from the City’s Best in View Magazine, there are actually over 200 different restaurants . With the Tastes of Downtown festival happening on May 24^th, you have the opportunity to check out a fair few of the 200.

Tastes of Downtown is a charity event that raises money for the Goodwill Amity Group. Goodwill provides resources and assistance to those who face issues in gaining employment, finding approximately 1100 Hamiltonians find jobs in 2007. All money raised from ticket sales goes directly to the charity, as the participating restaurants have donated the costs of food and drink as well as their time.

There are four themed groups that the restaurants fall under, with each group having five establishments each. The Serendipity tour, which features Bailey’s Restaraunt, The Curry Cabana, Eden Thai, Go Jo, and Taj Mahal. Second is the New World (North American eateries) which consists of the Spotted Pig pub, Brownies Downtown Fine Food & Spirit, My Thai, One Duke, and Ya Man! Caribbean Cuisine. Third is the Old World Tour (European food) which includes Acclamation Bar and Grill, Bistro Parisien, Capri Ristorante Italiano, Slainte Irish Pub, and Ventura’s Signature Restaurant. The final group is called the Cosmopolitan Tour, and focuses on Changall’s at the Sheraton, Chaz Bistro, Ingognito Restaurant & Wine Bar, European Restaurant, and the Saucy Diner. Drinks are also served with the meals and may include beer, wine or non-alcoholic beverages.

The amount of food served at each of the eateries varies: some places serve a variety of appetizers, while others serve enormously large portions. What is served is decided on by the restaurant’s management before the tour begins. Patrons will move from place to place until at the end they are so stuffed they won’t be able to move.

Tour Guides will be taking participants from location to location, and will be Mayor Fred Eisenberger, city councillor Bob Bratina, Stephanie and David Lechniak-Cumerlato (owners of Hamilton Ghost Walks), Police Chief Brian Mullan and Margaret Houghton of the Hamilton Public Library. The guides are there to provide a historical background and help patrons learn about the city. I have no idea who any of them are, but I’m sure they can tell you more about Hamilton than I can.

Tickets for the event are $50. That seems a little pricey (especially for one person), but as I mentioned also includes alcoholic beverages, and a large amount of food, as well as the entire amount going completely to the Goodwill Amity Group. The event is from 11:30AM until 3:30PM, and then you can waddle home as you please. For more information please call (905) 526-8482 extension 255.

Food Food Food! Eat Eat Eat!

"Food Food Food! Eat Eat Eat!", May 2008.

There are competitions out there that judge how quickly you can cram somewhat obscene amounts of food into your stomach. They are called speed eating competitions. Have you ever watched an eating contest? It is amazing how quickly these participants consume food in order to win world records. Recently, the McMaster Daily News reported that we too have a speed eater in our midst here at Mac. Fourth year mechanical engineering student Peter Czerwinski is one of these competitors, and won the The Collegiate Nationals Eating Championship on April 19^th.

Furious Pete, as he is also known consumed two hotdogs, two hamburgers and a quarter pound of French fries in seven minutes, allowing him to win this year’s title. This was his first professional eating competition, but not his first professional competition, as Czerwinski has entered some body building workshops as well.

You always think that something like this would occur far away from McMaster, and Hamilton...but apparently eating competitions are not as weird and unusual as one may think. Speed eating is not a recent phenomenon. Pie eating contests at country fairs are what speed eating spawned from. The sport (yes, it is considerd a sport) has actually been increasing in popularity since the turn of the millennium.

One of the most famous is the Japanese man Takeru Kobayashi, who holds several world records. From July 2001 to July 2007, Kobayashi won fifteen out of sixteen competitions, including his first. Since then however it seems that Kobayashi has not done much competing.

Technically though, Kobayashi won fifteen out of seventeen competitions. In one competition, he faced a 1089 lb Kodiak bear. Kobayashi at 192 lb ate 31 bun-less hotdogs in 2 minutes 23 seconds compared to the 50 the bear consumed. Yeah, he got smoked, but he was in a race against a BEAR. I don’t know how many of you have actually seen bears close up, but they are big. And Kodiak bears are bigger than most. I still call it a remarkable achievement. You can watch the YouTube video to see what I mean.

I’m sort of curious as to how people could figure out that they can stuff food down their throat really fast without vomiting. Or even teach the body how to eat that much in one sitting without being sick, or becoming morbidly obese from consuming all of the calories. I’m not going to try it though.

(More) Places to Eat Off Campus

"(More) Places to Eat Off Campus", January 2008

At this point in the year, I have a sneaking suspicion that you are somewhat sick of what is available to eat on-campus. I know I was sick of it by about half-way through the terDm. If you think you have missed some of the unique faire available on campus (I went beyond Commons, Bistro and La Piazza), I suggest you check out my article, Food Services On-Campus.

Maybe you have ventured out of the safe and comforting little McMaster bubble, and saw what the eateries affiliated with Mac have to offer. If you haven’t read my earlier article on Dining Off-Campus, do so. It will lead you on a magical and exciting adventure off of campus. But perhaps you are the brave and adventurous type, and thus are also a little bit sick of what is associated with Mac. And thus why I have written this for you; I have found some other places with yummy food. But remember, these places do not accept the Mac Meal Plan, so you will need some other form of payment.

The first place I want to mention is TCBY, located at the corner of Sterling and King. Seeing how it is winter and all, I feel a little bit ridiculous mentioning this establishment, because it sells frozen yogurt; incidentally, ‘The Country’s Best Yogurt’. They also sell ice cream, but go there for the yogurt. It’s at least 96% fat free (wooohoooo!) and comes in a variety of flavors; two constant (chocolate and vanilla), and four that alternate. Some of the alternating varieties are seasonal (pumpkin and eggnog, for example), or are available in non-sugar or non-dairy. You can get smoothies, parfaits, sundaes, yogwich (frozen yogurt and cookie sandwich), or a Shiver, which is similar to a Blizzard. I realize that this is more of a dessert option, but you can add fruit…so you could maybe stretch it out and make it lunch? I have been known to do that on occasion. (Mom, if you read this, I’m sorry…)

And now for an actual “meal” sort of place, because frozen milk products unfortunately can’t be your only form of subsistence. Montfort is a chain, with other restaurants in Streetsville, Oakville, and elsewhere in Hamilton. The franchise in Hamilton seems to be smaller than the others; however it still has a fair variety of Mediterranean cuisine. Some of their specialties include taboule, hummus, souvlaki, shwarma, shashlik, rice and salads. If you have no idea what any of these are, they’ve got garlic and some kind of meat in them, and they’re good. And they have these really cute homemade pitas you get as well. How food is cute I’m not really sure, but these pitas are.

The prices are good for the student budget, and the portions are well-sized. In addition, the establishment is open late; until three or four in the morning. The only negative is they do not carry there whole menu at this time. Frequenters of the Snooty Fox (its neighbor) I am sure come in to feed their tummies after a few drinks.

The final place I want to mention is Niche, which is located two doors down from TCBY. Niche looks expensive, but it isn’t. There are student specials daily during the week, and the rest of the menu is very well-priced. Seven menu items are only $4.95 (these being meals and not appetizers), and the most expensive menu item is only $10.95. Niche serves Italian cuisine – pastas, pizzas, sandwiches, salads, coffees, and desserts. By the way, if they have any cheesecake, get it. I am not a cheesecake person, and I really really really liked the cheesecake I had. Portions are generous as well. No one I know has been in any way disappointed by this place; everyone has excellent things to say about it.

Recently, Niche has changed their hours. They are now open Tuesday to Thursday from 11AM until 7PM, and Friday and Saturdays from 11AM until 9PM. Side note: I brought home Niche for my parents when I went home for the winter break, and my mother attacked me with some of the calamari from the Seafood Linguine. I saw tentacles. I was horrified. But both she and my dad really enjoyed it, as did I (again).

As I mentioned earlier, these places are not part of McMaster’s meal plan. Niche and Montfort are new only this year, so that may change in the years to come. Regardless, all of these places are worthwhile to check out. Westdale has other amazing shops and services, and you should see what’s available to you. Clothing, hair stylists, florists, chocolate, fake and bake, books, cupcakes, estheticians, shoes, jewelry, cooking utensils and likely other things I’m forgetting can all be found in this little village.

Dining Off Campus

"Dining Off Campus", August 2007

There are many places to eat in the general area of campus. But only a select few are affiliated with the university and thus you can use your meal plan with. This can only be done with the Freedom plan (for off-campus students), or with residence students with a FLEX account. If you have absolutely no idea what I’m talking about, you can look at the Meal Card information at this website: http://hospitality.mcmaster.ca/Meal_...Off_Campus.htm. Additionally, the Hospitality Services website, which gives you more in-depth information about all of the off-campus vendors is available here.

East Side Mario’s
East Side Mario’s, East Side Mario’s, hey! Budda boom, budda bing! American-Italian food, decently priced, and with a pretty good selection. My only qualm with this place is their vegetable soup is made with a beef broth. That makes no sense to me what-so-ever.

Boston Pizza
Very similar to East Side, in that there is a lot of pizza and pasta served. BP is very popular on nights of big sporting events (Leafs, mostly…come on people. Accept that they’re never going to win the Cup anytime soon…), so their bar section is usually packed. Also a fair selection with reasonably priced food.

Kelsey’s
I think they have the dumbest possible commercials ever. I do however love their garlic bread. And I have some fond memories of their basement (Wreck the Reps 2004 and 2005!!). They’re a little bit more expensive than BP or East Side.

Pizza Pizza
I think Pizza Pizza makes some of the best pizza out there. They deliver pretty late, and they have good prices. And amazing garlic dipping sauce. Just be wary that you’re not eating the fattier options too often otherwise you’ll end up getting fattier as well.

Mahal
I have honestly never eaten here. I have a lot of problems with my stomach so I am a little bit scared to do so. I have friends (one who was actually born in India) that have eaten here and really enjoyed it. I heard some really good things about their naan.

Quarters
If you have read some of my other articles you will know that Quarters serves many functions. I have a feeling it is considered an off-campus venue because it is not affiliated with Hospitality Services. The food here is very well priced. Monday is wings night at the Q, and it is always really busy. As their slogan says: Your friends are waiting for you…at the Q.

Basilique
This quant little place is located just down the street from my house. Their menu features a variety of Mediterranean cuisine. They have some amazing pizza. They also serve a variety of other yummy kabobs, shawarma, salads and subs.

Pita Pit
Oh, Pita Pit. I have had many journeys to you over the last few years; ironically less since I moved close by. The staff here are always friendly, funny and quick. They are open late every night (between 2AM and 4AM) and they also deliver. There is a wide variety of both vegetarian and meat options, and everything is made fresh to order which will make everyone happy.

Food Services on Campus: Danielle's Favs

"Food Services on Campus: Danielle's Favs", August 2007.

At some point, regardless of if you are living on or off campus, you will become a hungry, hungry hippo, and want to find something to eat. There are sixteen places to eat on campus, all with different menus. I don’t think it is plausible for me to go into depth about all of the food options in all of the locations, so I’m going to mention some of my favorites. Hospitality Services main website is available for you here: http://hospitality.mcmaster.ca/Locat...ng_Outlets.htm

Commons Marketplace
If you live in North Quad, this will be your dining location of choice, especially if you are in one of the residences with a tunnel. Because I have some dietary limitations, I found it hard to eat here sometimes. That being said, I did develop a strong affinity to the veggie burger that Sizzles serves, as well as their vegetarian Egg McMaster. My favorite place, hands down to get food was Your Healthy Choice. That was because I could get pasta made with whatever I wanted in it (a variety of veggies, tofu, beans, chicken, lentils etc), but unfortunately due to the price it ate up my meal card dollars very quickly.

The Wokery
Most people have no idea that this place exists. If you go into the basement of Kenneth Taylor Hall (KTH), and sniff around you can find it. Open only for lunch, The Wokery serves a variety of Asian food. I frequented this unit last year to buy stir-fried vegetables and Pocky.

La Piazza
I don’t know if I’m the only person who noticed this, but I found La Piazza to be almost identical to Commons. That being said, I had the same sort of dietary issues here as well. However, the Pizza Pizza served good pizza, and it was very well priced.

Made in Japan: The Teriyaki Experience
This one is pretty straight forward, as it only really sells a few options. I almost always get the tofu yakisoba. Their California sushi rolls are pretty good too.

Tim Horton’s
Again, this one is pretty simple too. I would come here for French Vanilla Cappuccinos, and every once in a while a donut or muffin.

East Meets West Bistro
This was a fair hike when I lived in residence. However, it was really worth it. The food here was always good, as were the cakes. It too ended up being more on the expensive side, but I thought it was well worth the price. From the Asian Wok I would get the fried bananas, Buddha’s feast, and vegetable lo mien. From the Wood Stone Oven I would order the garlic cheese bread, the vegetable or chicken quesadillas, and the quarto fromagio pizza. And from the International Grill I would get the Tomato Gnocchi, or the Greek salad.

bymac
bymac is new this year, so I have not yet checked it out. However, they serve smoothies, so I have a feeling I will be frequenting it somewhat often.

Bridges Café
Lastly, I am going to talk about Bridges. This facility features food that is vegetarian and vegan friendly. I recommend the pasta stir frys, the rice bowls, the falafels, as well as their best menu option: their extremely inexpensive sweet potato fries.

All this talk about food is making me kind of hungry…