Wow. I had no idea my last post would generate such passionate responses. I have to say, I really enjoyed reading each and every of your comments, whether you agreed with me or not. Some made me laugh out loud, some made me nod vigorously in agreement, some made me reconsider what I wrote, some made me think deeper into the subject.
Despite what I said about the blog world reminding me a lot like high school, I think the key thing that distinguishes our blogging community from the high school cliques is the fact that we have an instantaneous, open, and uncensored discussion.
I love that. Because it reminds me that despite the trends and the labels I mentioned, we are all unique with individual, original thoughts and opinions. So thanks, guys! Thanks for contributing and providing such a lively, interesting debate! 
However, I’d like to emphasize that I was not condemning anyone in any way. What I wrote on my last post was just an observation. Obviously, I’m not saying that you have to do everything different from everyone else. And I’m not saying that following some of those blog fads are a bad thing, as I specifically mentioned on my last post. Plus, I’m sure some of you liked those things way before it even became “in”.
I also mentioned a few of my own personal “blasphemies” not because I think it’s wrong to like chia seeds or Larabars, but to suggest that it is okay to disagree with them and branch out! I may not like froyo anymore, but that doesn’t mean I’m gonna persecute you for loving froyo! I mean, I love kabocha and cheese, but that also doesn’t mean I expect everyone to love them, too.
That said, I’m sorry if I sounded accusing or judgmental. I’ve always been a bit of an extremist, so that shows in my words, too. If you like liquefied kale, that’s okay. We can still be friends. 
Okay. Now that we’ve tied up some loose ends, I’ve got exciting news to share: My last final exam is TODAY! In just a few hours, I’ll be done for this semester! This calls for a celebration, so after that, I’m going out for sushi with Mimi and Kathryn! Can’t wait! >.<
Meanwhile, there’s been some random pictures stored in my camera, and they’re in need of a massive clean-up. So these are just some random snacks and eats I’ve been munching on to fuel up during the past week of final exam preparations…Get ready for an influx of pictures!
Right, let’s see what brain fuel I had…
Free Chick-fil-a sandwich! 
They were handing these out on campus, and I gleefully snagged one home. Hey, when you’re a college student, you take free food wherever you can get! 
Hm. I wasn’t impressed. This was one boring sandwich; just a breaded and fried chicken filet between a limpy bun. Blah. I ended up dumping a lot of hot sauce in it.
Oh, and shocking news…I’ve decided I rather like chocolate after all! 
But just mild milk chocolate, preferably with something like nuts included. I still can’t really do dark chocolate. And I’m loving the S’mores edition goldfish graham crackers! Anyone tried those yet?
More chocolate: 
I think chocolate candy bars may be the best brain fuel ever. It’s instant energy, and during the next couple of hours, I manage to have intense concentration in my work. The problem is, after that two hours, I crash. That’s why I try to avoid excessive sugar if I can. 
By the way, this is now currently my favorite sandwich: 
Smoked ham, brie cheese, tomatoes, honey-mustard, salad greens, cottage cheese in whole-wheat pita. 
Grilled like this: 
Yum. I never get tired of this combination.
I’ve also been befriending my buddy, Carl’s Jr: 
I usually get the Teriyaki burger, but I tried the Western Bacon Cheeseburger for something new: 
Charbroiled All-Beef Patty, Two Strips of Bacon, Melted American Cheese, Two Crispy Onion Rings and Tangy BBQ Sauce on a Toasted Sesame Seed Bun.
The problem with this burger is that the bacon is pretty pathetic. 
And I’m not sure I understand the onion rings in there. Don’t they know the point of onion rings is for its crispy exterior? These just turned rather soggy in the burger. Ah, well. It was still delicious.
At some point I also had fries:
Because sometimes you just need the grease. 
I also finished off the last of my Man Bait lollipops: 
Maple-Bacon Lollipop! Yes, that’s right! You can actually see the real bits of bacon in it: 
It was the best lollipop I ever had. How can you go wrong with bacon?
I also got bored pretending to study so I took some random pictures of myself: 
I look so serious. Pretty ridiculous, considering that I’ve got a lollipop stuck in my mouth. 
Exam period sucks.
Anyway. Ever since Christina sent me those roasted plantain chips from Trader Joes, I just can’t seem to get enough! But since I don’t have access to Trader Joes, I decided to roast my own: 
Just buy some half-ripe plantains, peel and slice them up, spray them with oil, and bake them in a 350 degree oven until nice and crunchy, and then sprinkle with salt: 
Not bad! These are too addicting, though. I just can’t stop eating them! But I think they are more nutritious than regular potato chips…am I right? 
Okay, is it lunch time yet? Did I mention that I haven’t had sushi in 4 years? I am so freaking excited! Ah, how will I ever concentrate during exams?
Which reminds me, I really need to get going…so until we meet again…exam-free!!!
Question of the day: What is your favorite brain fuel?
[Edited to add] I did not get my sushi fix today. Poor Kathryn had a nasty tummyache! Hope you’re all right now, Kat!
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Bacon lollipop? Um, I think that was INVENTED for ME. We don’t have a Carl’s Jr. around here, but I’d like to try. My favorite brain food is banana and pb. It always gives me energy!
yeah, your last post do stir up some fresh air in the blog world
I was even talking to my parents about them. They just said : remember tou tou, you are blogging for fun, don’t feel pressure to blog for the sake of blog ! 
So finally you decided to open up to chocolate and nuts???!! welcome to my group!! I am fanatic about these two…..can’t live without them! especially after I moved to U.S, I find the Almonds are huge compared to those in China, and of coz, taste much better! So basically I am spending 20$ per month on these nuts
I grew up in Texas and Chick-fila is like a religion there!
My favorite brain food is whatever satisfies me at the time. It’s never the same
I am with you on the MILK chocolate- every single time. Milky, sweet and creamy = awesome.
I HAVE those lollipops for my brother for Christmas… It’s the only gift I have so far for anyone. I am so disorganised this year it’s ridiculous.
Brain food… Carbs. And cheese. Science behind the cheese is that it makes me happy and when i am happy, I function better. Therefore, I declare melted cheese brain food.
Congrats on your last final today!!! How exciting!!!
Enjoy the sushi!
Your last post was really interesting and made me think of all the things I have tried because of blogging (juicing, Larabars, countless recipes…). I’m actually really glad I tried them all (even though not everything was for me).
Again, congrats on your last final!!!
It’s so great to see photos of you Sophia – you are beautiful! I have to say, the Carls Jr. burger looks mighty tasty…I am starving.
You inspired my sandwich that I posted today. Thank you, it was DELICIOUS!
Good luck on the exam! My brain fuel is a good piece of fruit.
YAY, last final!!!! Somehow, the fact that you used to not like chocolate totally flew by me… had I known I would’ve already tried to convince you otherwise
I love plantain chips (and plantain in general). When I was in Ecuador for a few weeks my host family would make these breakfast hash browns, but with plantain mixed in as well. It was SO GOOD. I should find the recipe again!
Good luck with your last exam! You haven’t lived until you try Chick fil a’s waffle fries. Brain fuel for me is a good yogurt mess!
I have been eating this 85% dark chocolate (yes, I know, CRAZY) and I’m obsessed with it. It’s really delicious, UNLESS I eat a piece of milk chocolate before..then it’s not so good
As far as brain fuel, I’d say my oats in the morning are my best brain fuel, or my homemade granola.
I really enjoy those plantain chips from Trader Joe’s. That’s awesome that you made some of your own, I bet they were even better than the store bought varieties. And, yes, MUCh more nutritious than potato chips!
I agree, greasy food is a must sometimes. When you are craving it, you gotta fulfill that need!
I didn’t think you sounded judgmental. I just thought you were asserting your individuality! I loved it!
Brain fuel for me is carbs. Pizza, pasta, that kind of thing. Of course, if it’s the morning, I love to have a big breakfast to fill me up — cereal, toast with PB, fruit, etc.
I used to work at Chick-fil-A, and some customers were OBSESSED with our chicken sandwiches…like get one EVERY day. But I agree..they’re not that great. Kind of soggy
I think dark chocolate is definitely an acquired taste. The first few times I had it, I thought it was disgustingly bitter. Now, I actually really enjoy it. Maybe even more than milk chocolate?
Really, a maple bacon lollipop. Too crazy. I love that sandwich though. Nice Carl’s jr pics too. I am glad you like chocolate.
WOW real bits of bacon in that lollipop?!?! NUTSO!!!!
Congratulations on being done on exams!! (By the time you read this, hopefully you’ll be all done!) Have so much fun at sushi and don’t be serious now that you’ve gotten the immediate stressors off your back!!
No sushi in 4 years??? go all out today man!!!Have some green tea ice-cream for me too while you’re at it! hahaha
Good luck with the end of exams! Great brain-fueling eats. That pita-brie-lunch sounds amaaazing. I am in love with brie. I’ve been dying to pair it with a sweet jelly on a sandwich roll. mmm!
I’m a total sucker for butterfingers!
New SAHALE SNACKS giveaway, music, food + fitness – http://katiechangesforkatie.blogspot.com/
Happy TUESDAY!
Katie
I wouldn’t necessarily say that bloggers all write uncensored things…I think a LOT of things that don’t go on my blog/in comments.
Enjoy the sushi!
free and cheap food is as good as money sometimes, ha, ha
awh…we were so close!
we should of hanged out!
happy holiday eating–
K next time I’m at the store, I am DEFINITELY on the lookout for s’mores goldfish! Reminds me of the s’more ritz crackers, which most people seem to hate. And I love.
During exam week my main brain food is COFFEE. And also lots of hard candy and lollipops. I always seem to need to do something with my mouth while studying (does that sound dirty? haha). Or gum chewing.
I’m totally in the mood for a cheeseburger now!
Welcome to the world of chocolate, Sophia!!! It’s a pretty sweet place…haha, to corny, I know! (I’m so excited, lol!)
And hooray for your last exam!
hmm favorite brain fuel. uhh. pretty much any kind of liquid. maybe thats only because it gives me reason to take lots of breaks to pee.
ah only one final left!! the hell is almost over
good luck on the exam! hope you have a wonderful tuesday!!
Yeah for sushi! And great that you have your last exam:)
That pita: mmm! And milkchocolate&nuts? I love it!
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
Cereal. I just need a lot of cereal when I’m studying. and cold milk with it, of course
Maple bacon lollipop sounds awesome! Good luck on your last final!
not gonna lie, if i was going to eat fast food chick fil a woudl probs be at the top of my list. loving the lollipop collage. and loving you always!!!
OMG the Dominican in me IS SO PROUD OF YOU for making platanos!!! (((((tear)))))
I love the pics of you studying that lollipop lol
dude you need to give a class on how to take kick ass pics of eats! amazing
Hahahahahaha liquifide kale. Made me laugh out loud.
Great post-awesome post, post. If you get what I mean.
Peanut butter. Lots of peanut butter.
Though that cheeseburger was looking mighty tasty…
BRAIN FOOD=coffee+vitamuffin or OATS
freaking awesome cheeseburger. I LOVE CHIK FI LA SANDWICHES! I had my first one 2 years ago, can u believe it? i wasnt living til then!
oh la la i think i could live off of butterfingers. And that is such a good idea to make baked plantains! i’ve tried the deep fried kind before (heaven) but baked sounds yummy too. Regular banana chips are like crack to me… like i will eat an entire package of them in one sitting.. and then wanna die because that is just too much banana lol.
Fave brain food is apple, chicken patties, hotdogs, tacos, and coffee!!!
Our campus always gives out free food…and I always take it!
I want to try those Goldfish so badly! Have you ever had the Ritz mini s’mores sandwiches? They’ve been around for awhile. I used to eat those by the boxful.
good luck with the rest of your exams. plantain chips sound like a great idea!
Hey why does Carl Jr. have the Hardees star??? Is it the same thing, diff name in diff areas?!
Oh yum I’m glad the plaintain chips turned out!!! I’m gonig to try to make my own, too b/c they ARE so addicting.
Have fun at sushi! Eat some for me!
your blog is fun keep being u
So many good eats! I love the sound of your new pita. Honey mustard and I are very VERY close friends.
Have fun eating that sushi! I have been on a total sushi kick lately. I think I’ve had it at least once a week for the past month. Such good stuff.
The bacon lollipop!!! Yesyesyes! I want to try it! I think it legitimately sounds delicious.
Must add that pita to my repertoire. I haven’t had brie in forever!
My brain food is popcorn and hot chocolate. They keep my mouth and hands busy so i don’t fall asleep or suddenly find myself on facebook.
hahha so true about trying new foods. i will do that! =D
i know, hahahi just got lazy!
Oh no, I wasn’t in time to comment on your previous post! It was really spot-on and I really loved your analogy to high school. Though I just started blogging a few months back, I love it! I’m discovering more of myself through it. I also realized that ultimately, it doesn’t really matter to me how popular my blog is. Just the experience of creating something that holds meaning to me is rewarding in itself. Of course, who God chooses to reach out to through my blog is His calling. =) Ooh, I always look forward to viewing your pics on your blog. They fascinate me!
As for brain fuel, I usually make sure I have some hot milo and a good breakfast before any exam. I heard that having eggs first thing in the morning makes one more alert. Haha…
Your photo quality is amazing, just had to mention that.
And these: S’mores edition goldfish graham crackers!
I have never even heard that goldfish made graham crackers. That’s what gluten intolerance will do, you lose track of all these forbidden foods. But hot diggity, they sound good
I don’t like dark chocolate either! It’s just too hard core for me.
Sophia, YAY for almost being done with final exams! Actually, you’ve probably taken your last one by now so you’re officially done, CONGRATULATIONS! Your eats look fantastic – plantain chips are an awesome idea, thank you for the inspiration, I’ll have to make my own sometime soon!
i’ve never had chick-fil-a?! can u believe thatt. and you’ve got me cravin some chocolate
xoxo
shelley
http://findinghappinessandhealth.wordpress.com
dude… i was the master procrastinator in college. i don’t think any foods fueled my brain… sleep did, though. make sure you get a ton of that!
Oh Chick-fil-a, how I love thee!
Let’s do Carl’s Jr. together sometime. I think a hamburger and fries is a necessary step in breaking some of my food hangups
. But I’d need a buddy with me!
Teehee, dark chocolate IS an acquired taste. I hated it as a kid. Now I looooooove it. Milk chocolate tastes like fluff to me now.
And that pita is sexy!
I love to fuel up on pasta!!
I am loving the greasy food and chocolate girl – that’s the way to celebrate!!
Yippppppppppppppeeeeeee for your last exam!!! Must feel SO good
Um… all I can say is: your arteries are AMAZING.
Okay NOW check this out: http://notsohumblepie.blogspot.com/2009/12/bacon-cake-is-lie.html
Mmm, sweet bacon anyone?
My brain food is Stride spearmint gum. (If I were in the States and had access to Orbit gum, it would be Orbit spearmint gum.) And yes, gum is considered food.
I’ve always preferred the criss-cut fries from Carl’s Jr over the regular fries.
Let’s see my brain food. Chocolate. if I feel like being a good girl I’ll take some fruit, other than that it’s got to be chocolate or candy.
Go and rock that last paper babe!
no sushi in 4 yrs?? Why??
That plaintain is definitely more nutritious than regular chips,oh yes mam!
you pictures look good.
Hope you had a good exam and appeared for every question. College days are woth a million. You can never get them back again.
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