11/19/14

Winter is Coming – Get Fit and Stay that Way

By Jojo Das,

Residence Advisor

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It happens to us all. The cold air and pouring rain can dim the light inside of all of us, which includes our workout plans. Staying fit is vital for not only our physical health, but also for our mental and emotional health and happiness. Here are four of my own most used tips to get your toosh moving this winter.

 

  1. Find a buddy – a workout/exercise partner is something that I have found either makes or breaks my fitness routine. I personally have a tough time to self-motivated, but if you know that someone else is counting on you to be there, it provides just enough of that extra “oomph” to get you out there. Also, when you are out exercising, your partner can give you that encouragement to keep on pushing through your own self-set limitations and achieve your goals.

 

  1. Make a schedule – I know this one is kind of tedious, but look at your weekly routine and pencil in times where you can workout. Now here’s the hard part: actually use those times you set aside to workout. Having a schedule planned out means you don’t have to scramble for a time to get in your exercise, and also (hopefully) avoids the whole “Oh, I’ll just start tomorrow” scenario. If you already planned it through, go do it.

 

  1. Set a goal – Now that you have steps 1 and 2 done, pick somewhere you want this endeavor to head towards. Make this goal reasonable, and don’t get too discouraged if you don’t see progress right away. Like all good things, fitness takes time. Setting a goal is a good way to keep track of how you grow with your personal fitness, and gives you something to shoot towards. Also, when you do hit that goal, it gives you a pretty good reason to go celebrate!

 

  1. Repeat – There, you’ve figured out what works for you. You’ve found a buddy that motivates you, you know how to make a schedule that works, and you’ve just finished reaching that first goal. What next? Do it all over again and this time, reach even higher.

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11/9/14

5 rumours about cycling at UBC

By Sam Bowerman

Residence Advisor

1. You can’t bike in the rain.

If you’re a cross campus commuter a rainy day can be the difference between hoping on your bike and walking. Even a five minute pedal across campus can leave you soaked from head to drenched toe. However it still can be done, and in the driest of fashions. If you’re committed to cycling, even when the weather gets scary, here are my recommendations;

-Wear a raincoat; think function over fashion and leave the umbrella at home.

-Get some fenders; avoid wet bums, feet and face by installing fenders on your bike, they’re fairly cheep (around $30) and make a world of difference on wet days.

-Stay off pedestrian routs; if you thought Main Mall was crowded normally try riding it when everybody has an umbrella, talk about congestion.

-Keep your bike inside; show your bike some love and let it dry off, it will help prevent rust and will keep you bike rolling better longer.

2. The Bike Kitchen is unfriendly.

Some folks on campus say they get bad vibes from our local community bike shop The Bike Kitchen. Although the fine bike gurus under the SUB can be at times short, they are ultimately there to help. One of the most important things to know about The Bike Kitchen is that unlike other bike shops, it’s a co-op, not a business. While other shops may try to ‘butter you up’ in order to upsell you something you may not need, The Bike Kitchen will tell you exactly what you need and find you the option that fits your budget. Some may see this as cold but I prefer to think of it as ‘tough love’. The Bike Kitchen is also one of the only places in Vancouver where you can learn how to wrench on your own bike and work on your own bike with a full tool set for very little cost. Plus students get a 10% discount. So don’t be afraid to go to the Bike Kitchen, they love to see people cycling on campus and want to do everything they can to keep you rolling.

3. Main Mall is the quickest route between classes.

In my second year I often found myself sprinting between Buchanan and Forestry in order to be on time for my back-to-back classes, that is, until I started taking East Mall instead. On campus the shortest route between classes often involves Main Mall. For that reason everybody and their dog are walking on it when the clock strikes ten-to. Cycling is much quicker than walking but not if you’re too busy dodging and squeezing through groups of pedestrians it can be slow. If you need to ride down Main Mall by all means do, but if you have the option try riding East or West Mall instead. They might be longer in distance but they’ll get you there quicker, guaranteed

4. All used bikes are bad bikes.

As an avid up-fixer of old bikes, this statement makes me cringe. It is true used bikes can be neglected and often leave something to be desired aesthetically, but if you’re buying a used bike from a shop 99.9% of the time it is a good purchase. The same goes for buying a used bike online from a site like Craigslist, Kajiji or Pinkbike. People selling bikes online will most often get the bike fixed up prior to selling it. Used bikes may not look snazzy but they do their job, for the most part, very well and cost significantly less that good quality new bikes.

But I can buy a brand new bike for just as much at (insert major department store here).

You can but like many items you find at major department stores, these bikes are disposable and not built to last. Many people who buy these bike often have to spend more money repairing them shortly after purchasing them, so in the long term can be much more expensive than their low price tag would suggest. If you’re looking to buy a new bike you should start looking at bike stores and should budget to spend a minimum of $400.

5. Bikes have the right of way.

Nothing is more counterproductive to establishing strong cycling culture than a cyclist mowing down a pedestrian. If you’re riding through a busy pedestrian area slow down and even stop if you need to. Another bad habit cyclist get into is getting into a rhythm and zoning out. Do whatever you can to stop this from happening; take out your headphones, keep your head up and look far ahead. As a cyclist it is your responsibility to respond to the people around you, not the other way around.

11/6/14

Ten Tips to Help You CRUSH Your Exams

By Cynthia Naslund

Residence Advisor

With the exam season just around the corner, it’s important that you are equipped to tackle your challenges head-on! Here are some tips to make sure that this exam season is one of success:

1. Create a schedule complete with exam dates and daily revision tasks. Find a balance that is appropriate for your exams and stick to it!

2. Organize your study space and material. Get rid of distractions and organize each course’s material so that you are not fumbling through countless pages of looseleaf.

3. Review and re-do your old midterms and quizzes. Book an appointment if needed to access your previous exams. This lets you know what areas you need to focus on.

4. Find a study buddy! Explain concepts to each other and quiz each other.

5. Scatter your day with study breaks. Whether it’s a quick jog or phone call to a friend, make sure that you are giving your brain a break.

6. Make use of ‘brain food’. Although treats are nice, it’s important to consume nutritious foods like fish nuts, seeds—items that are have been said to improve concentration

7. Get enough sleep before your exams. Go into the exam well-rested, as opposed to exhausted from last night’s all-nighter. Chances are that the extra sleep will aid in a more efficient and unclogged brain.

8. Get a hold of past exams through friends, a Google search or talk to your professor about seeking resources for extra practice! Extra practice will help prepare you for potential questions.

9. Make your own notes! Instead of memorizing long blocks of text, condense the info by creating notes that retain critical points and concepts.

10. Never forget that positive attitude = positive results

11/6/14

How to purchase electronics at a discount

By Jerry Zhang

Residence Advisor

(shop locally by searching smartly)

Step 1

Search Far and Wide

Look online. Start at Newegg, Amazon and Shopbot. Check and consider the prices. Shopbot.ca is excellent tool that searches many Canadian internet retailers to find you the cheapest price.

Look locally and see what they have in their physical stores. With many big box retailers such as Bestbuy and Futureshop you are able to look at the amount in stock. You don’t want to go take the 99 and come back disappointed when that TV or laptop is sold out in-store.

Step 2

Price Match

Always look at multiple sources to find the lowest price. Many retailers with price match a competitor’s price. Both Bestbuy and Futureshop have excellent policies of not only matching but beating that price by 10% the price difference.

Step 3

Save and Enjoy, But of pitfalls

Beware of re-stocking fees

Retailers like NCIX may have a lower price than Futureshop or Bestbuy but beware that they also carry a 15% restocking fee. So if you don’t like something or simply want an exchange you will have to pay big dollars in the end. If you find something cheaper price match it and not only will Futureshop or Bestbuy beat that lower price but they won’t charge you a restocking fee.

Beware of added shipping and customs charges when shipping from the United States.

Beware of buying electronics from unauthorized dealers as that would void the warranty.

Example

Brenthavent 13 inch MacBook Pro Sleeve

Bestbuy price of 49.99

Amazon.ca price of 10.99 with free shipping included

Total cost was less than 12 dollars including taxes saving of over 70%.

10/8/14

FOMO

If you are like me and have intense FOMO, here are some tipds to deal with it! 🙂

1) Realize where you are now and where you want to be:

Short term fun can get in the way of long term gains, therefore before deciding to drop everything and go party, think about how that will affect your long term goal. Are you as focused as you need to be right now as this moment? I’m NOT saying turn into a hermit and dissociate from life. All I’m saying is it’s good to have balance, which I am trying to practice right now!

2) Turn your surrounding into your ideal (BEYONCE) zone:

If you are like me again and LOVE LOVE LOVE dancing, and like to go out to dance, here is my tip to you. Turn up those speakers, click on your favourite 8 tracks playlist and jam out with some friends in your room, or even by yourself. A good let loose session gets some blood flowing, gets you moving and allows you to express yourself! Also, this way you saved about 2 hours of your time showering, getting ready, looking good, etc, etc. I save money and time, which is every student’s dream.

3) Create a fun study group:

Sometimes your FOMO can be diminished by having some friends around you! Instead of trying to focus in your dungeon, might as well have some friends around to have some social interactions to decrease your FOMO.swerve

Hope these tips help you get over your FOMO!  For now, good luck to everyone on their exams and hope you have a fabulous year with us at GAGE 🙂

Your friendly advisor,

Sharon Sehrai

10/6/14

Quick n’ Easy Recipes with Chloe

On Today’s Menu:

California Cobb SaladCobb salad
The first recipe is a Cobb Salad which usually have for lunch after class, it is really light but will keep you going until dinner time! I also like to add avocados and substitute the chicken with some beef for added protein!

YIELD: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

4 slices low-sodium bacon
3 large eggs
10 ounces baby spinach, rinsed and pat dry
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup chopped plum tomatoes or halved grape tomatoes
2 avocados, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1/3 cup crumbled feta or blue cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

California Cobb Salad Recipe[6]DIRECTIONS:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, fry bacon until crisp. Remove to a paper towel lined plate to soak up excess grease. Roughly chop into small pieces and set aside.

In a small pot, add eggs and cover with cold water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 10-12 minutes. Drain, rinse eggs with cold water, carefully remove shells, and chop into small pieces. Set aside.

Just before serving, toss spinach with olive oil and lemon juice in a large bowl. Add bacon, eggs, chicken, tomatoes, avocado, and crumbled cheese. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Enjoy and watch for a new recipe coming next week!

By Chloe Lam
Residence Advisor

10/6/14

Coping With Hangovers

By Kurtis Formosa
Residence AdvisorYikes!

Did you have a big night out at the Pit last night? Feeling a little sick and not sure how to deal with it? No worries! Here are some ways to make your hangover day manageable:

Good Breakfast:
Go ahead and make yourself a delicious fruit smoothie. Getting some fructose in is a great way to burn alcohol faster. Throwing bananas, frozen strawberries, vanilla protein powder, milk and ice all in my magic bullet makes my personal favourite hangover shake. Also make sure to stay hydrated and eat something to help with dehydration and help slow the absorption.

Coffee: …Enough said.

Don’t be Mopey:
Just because you are hungover doesn’t mean everyone else is! Continue your day as you normally would, interact with others and you will have energy back in no time. If you have class, go! Don’t let your hangover interfere with your regular daily routines.

Don’t Get One!:
Probably the best way to cope with a hangover is to simply avoid one in the first place. Watch your alcohol intake accordingly and try to keep yourself in control. If you’re about to crack a cold one, ask yourself: “Is this beer worth the hangover?”

I hope that after reading this you find yourself well equipped so you’re ready for the next night out!

10/1/14

What’s in my backpack?

Ju Young Photo
By Ju Young Park
Residence Advisor

 

 

 

If you are always on campus like me running from one class to another, it’s really important that you have everything you need in your backpack! These are the things I carry with me everywhere.

Laptop and its charger
Phone and its charger
Agenda
Binders and some paper
Pencil case
Calculator
Wallet with my IDs, room key, bus pass and some money
Thermos& tea bags
Healthy snacks
A pack of gum

Now, what do you carry in your backpack?

10/1/14

6 ways to be more efficient while studying

By Karimah Naguib
Residence Advisor

  1. Turn that iphone onto “Do not disturb mode”Karimah Picture

It is amazing how easily our phones can distract us. When you
schedule out a time to study make sure that time is solely dedicated to studying.

  1. Download “Self control” app on computers

This is an amazing app that allows you to choose websites (such as facebook, youtube, instagram) to block for a certain period of time. So if you set aside 2 hours to finish that econ assignment you procrastinated… make sure to set you self control on for two hours so you cant be distracted by your favorite websites. Check it out here.

  1. Make a study schedule

Planning out what and when you are going to be studying is a great way to keep you accountable and organized with your studying.

  1. Plan study breaks

Your brain can’t continuously study for 4 hours straight! Be sure to give yourself short 5 or 10 minute breaks to keep you sane.

  1. Do more active studying

Reading notes can be tiresome and the majority of the time your mind just wanders while you read. Active studying uses techniques like speaking, discussing, and drawing to help keep your mind active and is really useful when you have lots of material to memorize. A great example of active studying is testing yourself with flash cards.

  1. Don’t compromise your sleep

Pulling an all nighter to study for your midterms isn’t the best or most efficient use of your time. If you’ve crammed all your studying to the last minute just go over your keys concepts and go to bed at a reasonable hour.

02/3/14

Quick and Easy Avocado Recipes

By Amanda Kettler

Although avocados are sometimes known as a high fat food, the fats that they contain are what we call ‘good fats’.  Meaning that they are monounsaturated which help to maintain good heart health and lower blood pressure.  Alongside this they are packed with other good for you nutrients like folate, vitamin A and even contain a significant amount of fiber.

Nutrition for 1 avocado:

Calories: 250

Total Fat: 23g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Potassium: 760mg

Dietary Fiber: 10g

Sugars: 0g

Protein: 3g

 

Basically, they are a great addition to any meal….so now what to make?

 

Baked Avocado & Egg

Ingredients: Avocado, Small or Medium Eggs, Salt, Pepper, and any other seasonings you’d like.  I’d suggest a splash of chili flakes or some fresh green onion sprinkled on top.

Step 1: Cut avocado in half and remove pit.

Step 2: Scoop out some avocado to make room for the eggs.  This is super important because no one wants to have raw egg dripping everywhere.  Put excess to the side-this can be used as an extra topping once they have been cooked.

Step 3: Season with salt + pepper, and any other toppings you want.

Step 4: Bake at 425degrees for about 15 minutes, or until desired consistency.

Step 5: ENJOY!

Avocado Alfredo

Ingredients: Avocado, 2 garlic cloves, juice of half a lemon, salt and pepper, water.

Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a blender.  If you don’t have a blender you can also do this by hand so long as you chop your garlic into teeny tiny pieces.

Step 2: Use as a sauce over pasta! You can also try this as a dip or as a spread on sandwiches.

Avocado Caprese Salad

Ingredients: Avocado, Tomato, Basil, Salt & Pepper, Balsamic Vinegar.

Step 1: Chop avocado and tomato into slices.

Step 2: Place avocado and tomato, alternating on a plate.

Step 3: Season with Salt & Pepper, drizzle with balsamic and top with some fresh basil.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

 

*This is great if you have guests or if you are avoiding dairy-it gives you a similar dish but accommodates those who don’t eat dairy!