Healthy Habits: Better Eating

Eating healthier is something that is always on my mind. Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that get in the way of doing so successfully. One being that I love to eat, and sometimes I confuse delicious food with healthy food. 

I think that I struggle with the same types of problems that many others do, so I've done my research. Every so often I meet with a nutritionist and we have come up with some great ideas to eating healthier. I think they relate to a lot of people, so I want to share with you what I have learnt, lovely reader. 

Exercise and Then Eat Your Protein

I may be the least athletic person, but I try and get on the elliptical bike at home at least 3 times a week. The most important thing about exercising isn't just working out, but it is making sure you eat protein afterwards. I usually exercise in the morning, so I prepare myself a yogurt (greek yogurt always), and eat a bite or two beforehand to wake my system up. Then after I'm done I finish the yogurt, and that keeps my metabolism going for the rest of the day. It's a super healthy way to start your day, and get the most out of your workout. 

Boredom Eating

I suffer from boredom eating. If I'm sitting at home doing nothing I normally end up going into the kitchen and grabbing whatever I can find from the pantry. Or in school, if I'm sitting in class having trouble paying attention then I'll just grab any food from my bag and nosh away (but this does actually help me concentrate sometimes). This is a terrible habit which I hope I am not lonely in doing. The best way to fix this problem is to either go out and do something, whether that's going for a quick walk around the block or anything else to keep your mind occupied on something other than your stomach. Or you might actually be hungry, and in this case you can eat something. Just make sure that your snacking on something like fruits or vegetables and not chips and candy. 

Maintain Regularity

Something that really surprised me as being a way to eat healthier is actually to eat more frequently. Of course this doesn't mean snacking on unnecessary treats all day long. What this means is that when you eat more meals during the day it keeps your metabolism running and working hard. For example, never skip out on breakfast because it really is the most important meal of the day for your body to start running. Then, at least two hours after breakfast eat something else (preferably protein). You should never go more than three hours without giving your body something to digest, that way your metabolism doesn't get lazy or work slower.

Treat-Yo'Self

If you feel like you have been doing a really great job at eating healthy all week, then you have earned a "treat-yo'self" day. After a week of healthy eating and NO CHEATING go ahead and eat whatever you want once a week. That really means whatever you want. This tricks your system, and makes sure it doesn't stay at a steady pace or level out. Instead it ramps your metabolism up for a day. That way, the rest of your healthy week is a breeze for your body. 

xoxoxo

Nina

Song stuck in my head right now: Perfect - P!nk

Blog Update: Turning 17, Staying 16

Ever since I named this blog "Sixteen Once" the same question has been asked by almost everyone... "What happens when you turn seventeen?" My answer is always the same, and it is that everyone at some point in their lives is sixteen once. We all are, will be, or were 16.
I must admit that when I first decided on the name, I didn't intend for it to mean this. It was a happy coincidence. 
Now that I am officially no longer 16 (yes, I'm 17!!), I feel like I should explain the theory behind the name.
The number 16 reminds most people of a sweet sixteen, thus making it a girly number. 16 is also an age right in the middle of one's teenage years, and the main audience that I cater to on this blog is teenagers. My birthday is on August 16th. And finally, as I mentioned before everyone is 16 once, thus making it a relatable number (just like this is a relatable blog).
But what I think is the most important reason for the number in relation to this blog is the feeling you get from it. It is a happy number. 16 makes me smile. The goal for Sixteen Once is to to share my thoughts, teach some things I know, give my readers new ideas, but most importantly it is to make people happy. I sometimes throw in a joke to make you laugh too.
Thank you to everyone who reads Sixteen Once, and who supports me. These past couple years have been so fun, and I don't plan to stop posting any time soon.

xoxoxo

Nina

Song stuck in my head right now: Sixteen Going on Seventeen - Sound of Music

Helpful Tips: Statement Backpacks and Back-To-School Thoughts

It's about that time where we can all feel the summer coming to an end. Last minute family vacations are being crammed in, camps are ending, and back to school shopping begins.

Shopping for clothing and school supplies for the fall is one of my favorite types of shopping. School still hasn't officially started, and the idea of starting a whole new year is thrilling. Imagine what new relationships will be formed and what old friendships will be re-kindled after a summer apart.

In just a few weeks I will be starting my senior year of high school. The mere idea of being a senior is insane. Now my friends and I are the "senior girls" admired by freshman and the "senior guys" obsessed over by freshman. But senior year is not just about ruling the school. The first half of the year comes with a lot of stress. Applying to college is no longer a distant thought, it is actually something that we have to do along with other normal school work. In fact, I was supposed to start writing my essay this week. Unfortunately it's hard for me to grasp the idea that I have to actually start writing and not just thinking about what I should write. For now, I just want to get back to school, see all my friends, and rewire myself to the everyday tedious schedule that is high school. 

But one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking things about starting school is wanting to make a good first impression. Even though I may have already known these people for years, I always worry about what I should do on the first day, no scratch that, the first WEEK of school. What should I wear, how should I do my hair, what backpack should I get. It's just more pointless stress in my life, but it's a routine. If I have done it every year before than I might as well my last year of high school.

Below are some adorable backpacks that are perfect for making a back-to-school statement.

1. Heritage Backpack Burnt Orange Crosshatch Rubber

2. Vans Disney Old Skool II Backpack

3. Sole Society 'Reed' Convertible Backpack

4. Faux Fur Drawstring Backpack

5. Baggu Backpack in Black Static

6. Superbreak Backpack in Red New California Republic

7. Realm Backpack in Black/Black

8. Superbreak Backpack in Multi Tropic Gold

xoxoxo

Nina

Song stuck in my head right now: Corner of The Sky - Pippin

Travels: Bermuda

Spending a week on a boat and on an island very different from home made me think about things differently. It was nice to get away for a bit, and it was especially nice documenting the island so that I can share my new point of view.

Ridiculously Blue 

A bird's eye view 

Oh Grandma-ma, Oh Grandma-ma, She's a Grandma doomdy doomdy doom 

Bermuda is very proud of being the home of the smallest drawbridge

Bermudian Piranhas

Don't the English not like the Irish?

Real-Life Barbie Dream House

And now, the classic island beach photographs

Where Stalactites and Stalagmites meet

The Crystal Caves

Joey the Tree-Kangaroo

Pippin and Percy the Otters

The people of Bermuda

Ah, Bikini Bottom...

xoxoxo

Nina

Song stuck in my head right now: Back to Black - Amy Winehouse

Trends: The Cronut

Trends are powerful. And, they challenge our desire to be unique. I like to have my own style, but when I go shopping I sometimes have an urge to buy something because I see other people wearing it. But then I can't tell if I like the top or shoe, or if I want it because it is what everyone else is wearing. I might cave and buy it, convincing myself it's what I really want. Other times, I remember that I am trying to be the best possible me and not the me that's just like everyone else. 

On the flip side, trends don't have to make us less special. Doing what others are doing can be fun, and maybe it will lead us to try new things or learn something new about ourselves. 

One trend that surprised me this summer in New York was the 'Cronut' craze. The first time I walked past the Dominique Ansel Bakery on Spring street, I noticed a long line of people standing outside. I was instantly curious about what they were waiting for. Sure enough, that special something was the bakery's own invention. The Cronut was invented in May of 2013 by chef Dominique Ansel. It is described as a Donut-Croissant hybrid. Each month the bakery features a new flavor that has kept customers interested for the past two year. Some start standing on line as early as 7:30 for the 9:00 am opening.

I passed the bakery every morning for a month before I decided to try it. 

As I waited online, I realized I had no idea what to expect. I googled 'Cronut' and went into the bakery to seen them in person, but I had no idea what it would taste. This month's flavor is rum caramelized banana with brown sugar ganache. I don't love bananas and I have no idea what 'ganache' means! 

It was totally worth waiting for. It wasn't too banana-y and wasn't too sugary. The dough was light and flaky like a croissant, and with every bite custard oozed out. I loved it and ate the whole thing.

I am not a food critic, so I can't help but wonder if the reason I have such rave reviews is because I was just following the trend. Just like shopping for the trendy top, did I actually like it or did I convince my self I did?

xoxoxo

Nina

Song stuck in my head right now: Hasa Diga Eboi - Book of Mormon

Helpful Tips: 5 Ways To Survive NYC Rush-Hour

I am lucky enough to be spending this summer in New York City. I'm staying with my Grandma in New Jersey, but my internship takes place in Soho, so there is a lot of commuting involved on a daily basis. It's taken me about two weeks, but I have finally come up with a few strategies that are key to having a more efficient and enjoyable morning (and afternoon) commute. Some of these tips and tricks apply most directly to commuters in New York, but I hope that they may also be helpful in any other situation where you need to be get through the mess that is rush-hour. 

1. Timing is Everything

Plan ahead and leave yourself plenty of extra time. If your commute consists of taking the subway be especially aware of your timing because you never know when your train might be delayed or just take forever to get to your destination. Better safe than sorry. Once you get off the train, if you have extra time, then you can slow down your pace and maybe even grab a cup of coffee. 

2. Avoid the First Car
During rush-hour in the middle of the summer, the worst place to be is in a crowded subway car. In order to avoid this hot, sweaty and sticky situation, try walking along the platform till you get to an emptier car and enjoy the AC.

3. Don't Initiate Awkward Eye-Contact 

One thing that I love doing is people watching and there is no better place than New York to do so. Unfortunately on the subway, looking at somebody sitting across from you leads to some pretty awkward eye-contact. The way I avoid doing that is by paying attention to people's shoes instead. What people wear on their feet is really interesting because their shoes show a lot about the person's personalities.

4. Decide First, Then Dine
Grabbing lunch in the city is one of my favorite activities, but long lines and small spaces require a lot of quick decisions. I am particularly indecisive when it comes to food, so before my lunch break I have already decided my plan of action. I go online and find the place I want, find the online menu, and deliberate what to eat before I get to the cafe. This enables me to make a speedy order and get in and out of the cafe as quickly as possible.

5. Push For Your Path
During rush-hour, everyone has the same agenda, to get to their destination as quickly as possible. But when everyone is rushing around it makes it pretty hard to find a clear path on the sidewalk. The only way to walk the streets of New York without bumping into everyone is to look straight a head and just go. Don't worry about making room for other people because nobody else will worry about you. If you have to push your way through then just push.

xoxoxo

Nina

Song stuck in my head right now: Blue Moon - The Marcels

Favorites: My Lunches in SOHO

Chobani SOHO

On the corner of Prince and W Broadway is a cafe that serves food all based with Chobani yogurt with a Greek twist. I got Chobani yogurt with peanut butter, peanuts, grape jelly, and sliced grapes. Sweet and savory at the same time.

The Cupping Room
Slightly on the expensive side if your just going for lunch alone, but super delicious. It was mainly brunch food so I got Eggs Florentine with fries. 

Hampton Chutney Co.
South Indian inspired food. Their main dish is their super long Dosas, but I opted for a tomato, mozzarella, and avocado salad with tomato basil dressing (basically a tomato basil mozzarella sandwich but as a salad).

The Frog's Crown Bakery
Serves empanadas, pastries, and other Latin dishes. It's an adorably small cafe with minimal seating, and decorated with many "frog prince" painting and sculptures. I ordered two empanadas that were perfectly filling.

Vive La Crepe
Who doesn't like crepes? I normally go for nutella crepes but the savory crepes at Vive La Crepe looked so much more appetizing, and I sure wasn't wrong... but I'll probably go back for some nutella ;)

xoxoxo

Nina

Song stuck in my head right now: Creep - Radiohead