Changes

Hello world. Sorry I have been MIA, there have been lots of things going on here recently and I'm not sure the best way to sum it all up.

To begin with, I just returned from a month long rotation called HEART. It's an acronym that stands for something very long that I, nor any of the other students could ever remember. I had the great opportunity to live in northern California, surrounded by towering redwoods that proved to be an incredibly healing, peaceful, and special place. I lived with 23 other truly amazing and inspiring medical students (including one yoga instructor!) from all over the country. We came from very different locations and the majority of us had never met before, but by the end of the rotation I knew I had made a group of lifelong friends. We lived together, we laughed together, we cried together, we journeyed together, we hugged together (we had pretty epic spiral hugs), we explored together, and I feel we all changed together. I can't really put into words what the rotation entails, but it really was something special and something I will never forget.

Mini-plug for HEART. If you're a medical student who wants to remind yourself why you wanted to become a physician and rejuvenate yourself before you start residency, apply for HEART. You won't regret it, I promise. Learn more HERE.

One topic I brought back from HEART was gratitude. I really learned how important it is to be grateful everyday and take time out to reflect on what you are thankful for. We created little mailbox baggies for ourselves and others would leave gratitude notes in them periodically. I loved reading them and appreciated all the kind words other had to say about me. I wanted to try and create something in my home to remind me to be grateful everyday. Enter Gratitude Board. We had a cork board hung up on the wall near the front door. Over the years, it had accumulated a good collection of miscellaneous items like coupons, arizona basketball ticket stubs, business cards, doctor's appointment reminders, eyeglasses prescriptions, free Desert Museum and Biosphere 2 passes, etc. It was basically a junk hoard I would have to look at every time I left the house. I thought it would make a perfect gratitude board and something I can look at every time I leave or come home. Down came the odds n' ends and up went my daily gratitudes. It looks a little sad and empty now, but I promise it will grow. The first gratitude note I added (not really a gratitude, more of a reminder to myself) simply says "Patient: Thank you for your wonderful bedside manner. It's nice to have someone actually listen to me. You're going to be a great doctor."

my new gratitude board

One of the highlights of HEART was that we created a strong community which included cooking for each other. Of course I was excited about this! Being around other foodies and health conscious eaters was such a great experience. I picked up so many new recipes and helpful tips in the kitchen. I learned to be much more mindful while eating and appreciate my food. I learned hara hachi bu from Wendy--eat until you're 80% full. I was reminded of the importance of where your food comes from and buying quality food. My body and gut are the happiest they have been in a long time. A month of eating an organic, high quality, mostly vegetarian diet can really do wonders on your body.

I've tried to bring that mentality back home with me, though it can be difficult as a medical student. I've recently been on a nutritional yeast kick. I've been sprinkling it on almost everything. Tonight, I made a bowl of popcorn using coconut oil, drizzled it with olive oil and then sprinkled some nutritional yeast and sea salt on top. Perfect late night snack. Even JC was hooked.

popcorn sprinkled with nutritional yeast

Another healthy change JC and I have picked up is sprouting. I got into sprouts a few years ago after visiting the farmer's market and tasting all of the wonderful sprouts for sale. Who knew there was so much more than just alfalfa sprouts out there? JC recently bought an Easy Sprout Sprouter which makes sprouting so simple. So far we have done simple alfalfa sprouts, JC is working on some red lentils, and I'm doing some wheat berries. I'm still debating if I want to continue my wheat berries for munching or to use them to make rejuvelac. My favorite resource for all your sprouting needs is Sprout People, they not only sell any type of sprouting supply you would need, but they also have great videos and instructions about how to sprout just about anything. Happy sprouting!

wheat berries day one

Lastly, my final healthy comment (and the recipe for today) is about tofu. It is such a versatile food that can be prepared so many different ways. JC left a carton of extra firm non-GMO tofu in the fridge before he left for Flagstaff. I decided to try and fry it up to eat with a seaweed salad. I've had problems in the past with frying tofu. I've never been able to create a crispy outer coating with that perfect browning on the outside. I was inspired by one of my fellow HEARTies who whipped up a batch of fried tofu while I was there and it was delicious. I googled how to fry tofu and found a pretty foolproof method of frying tofu. It turned out great with a crispy coating and it was so simple. I'm not going to list out the full recipe here, but you can head over to herbivoracious where they have a great step-by-step on how to make fried tofu (actually how to make tofu really freaking delicious).

really freaking delicious fried tofu

Like I said, lots of changes recently, both good and bad. Sometimes it can be difficult to stay optimistic and find the good in things; but it is always there, you might just have to search a little harder. I'm grateful for so many things in my life and so lucky to be me. Thank you to anyone and everyone who has ever helped me in the past, I wouldn't be the person I am today without you. I'm so grateful for each and every one of you. Enjoy today!