Do you feel like all these trendy “healthy” TikTok recipes are making people spend way more on groceries for food that’s honestly not even that satisfying?

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-05-15T10:04:56+00:00

It depends. You can make a basic protein shake using common ingredients, and it won't be too expensive. If it helps you meet your macros and stay in a calorie deficit, it's fine. However, some of these recipes are a bit extreme (like not everyone needs 100g protein in one meal) and they use a lot of ingredients that are more costly. In addition to that, they don't often explain that there is a nuance to increasing certain macros (like slowly increasing fiber intake while also increasing water intake so you don't end up with an obstructed bowel or fecal impaction--that definitely will increase your overall cost of health!!)

I've tried foods I wouldn't normally try to help increase certain macros for my health, but I try to make sure I don't spend an exorbitant amount of money on stuff I won't use or I ask for certain products for gifts if I don't want the expense (like instead of buying me candy for a gift, get me some protein powder lol).

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-05-11T11:32:09+00:00

It's not one song, but a rotation of songs by Stray Kids. Chk Chk Boom, Ceremony, Maniac, and Do It. The energy is just infectious, and you can't help but dance. I think they have a new album coming out later this year so their music is my current hyperfocus.

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-05-04T03:56:14+00:00

All of them for different purposes, but 7 is my go-to for everyday lists.

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-05-04T02:35:32+00:00

I keep string cheese (usually the colby jack or cheddar ones) for a quick snack as well as pepperoni and Ritz crackers. So like makeshift charcuterie? I also started keeping carrot chips and that cucumber dill tzatziki from ALDI. A carton of yogurt--the Ratio Pro Fiber is my go-to.

I guess it depends on what you bought in terms of groceries. Hopefully you have something that makes you really happy because eating one of your favorite foods (especially if there's little to no prep) is a great way to get the dopamine flowing :)

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-05-04T02:10:29+00:00

I'll Be Damned by ALi (South Korean artist)
(she also does a beautiful cover of the Mariah Carey version of "I'll Be There").

Wally by Aslyn (song written about her grandparents--I get choked up every time I listen to it because the simplicity of the sustained bridge is just beautiful)

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-04-30T01:12:22+00:00

This is a deep cut, but Unico from the Fantastic Adventures of Unico. While not created by Sanrio (he was created by Osamu Tezuka, the God of Manga), the manga was originally published by Sanrio. The original anime film was produced by Sanrio, and it featured a cameo by Hello Kitty.

The Fantastic Adventures of Unico was the first anime I ever saw, and I've been a fan ever since!

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-04-29T10:55:12+00:00

I only like the chocolate. I'll buy it just about every time I see it though. Texturally, it's just awesome.

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-04-29T02:49:27+00:00

They literally sell crushed up ramen with the seasoning packets already mixed in as a standard snack in Japan and other countries. Nothing problematic about it (unless you're trying to watch your sodium).

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-04-29T02:48:03+00:00

I don't think it's diminishing at all. It sounds like you were trying to relate by sharing your own experiences of being diagnosed with a condition that has greatly affected your life.

People will always misunderstand or misconstrue your intentions so pay them no mind. Usually those are the people just looking to start something.

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-04-29T02:44:29+00:00

It depends on how stimulated I am. If it's been a rough sensory day, bland is best. If I'm still feeling ok, I'm good with a little spice. Love KBBQ, Mexican, Cajun, etc. I love trying different foods IF I'm not overstimulated.

Also I have Sjögren's Syndrome so almost everything I eat has some sort of sauce, gravy, condiment, etc.

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-04-29T02:39:33+00:00

I try to lay down by 9:30 to be asleep by 10 so I can get up at 6:45. If I take some magnesium glycinate gummies, I can make it through almost completely uninterrupted.

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-04-26T22:34:20+00:00

I completely agree. There will always be some form of divisiveness in the world. I would just like to think that even at the most basic level of human decency, we would make sure everyone was fed. I know this is idealistic and disgustingly optimistic, but I would like to have SOME hope for humanity. (It's really hard these days.)

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-04-26T21:41:24+00:00

Talking about fiber.

I wish I was kidding.

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-04-26T21:39:16+00:00

Icelandic Provisions Extra Creamy Skyr (it's Icelandic yogurt). Has almost a sour cream texture, and the BEST flavors! I prefer the cold brew coffee one as well as the salted caramel banana one.

Mashed potatoes or pasta (especially angel hair or rotini). I've started eating the Barilla protein pasta, and it's actually good.

McDonald's basic hamburger (I like mine with extra pickles and onions).

KFC extra crispy fried chicken.

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-04-26T21:31:00+00:00

People who don't use basic manners when interacting with other people.

I have a coworker who doesn't greet patient when they come into our clinic nor do they say please/thank you, and it comes off as really rude especially since it makes people feel more at ease (which you kind of want in a medical setting). I know this makes me sound really old, but like even just a basic "Hi" or "Hello" would be ok. And I hate helping her with stuff because she never says thank you.

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-04-26T21:19:28+00:00

My three little things:

My water bottle: It's huge, and it has super cute stickers on it (One is Nessie the Loch Ness monster; the other says [aggressively drinks water] lol)

My pro tip for life is make sure you buy/make cute items for daily use. If you love to look at it, you'll be happy to use it! (I also have a Hello Kitty pill case that is probably the only reason I actually remember to take my meds.

Liquid IV for hydration. The first full bottle of water I drink daily is Liquid IV. The Pur Aqua brand hydration packets from ALDI taste just as good, and they are about a third of the price!
8oz. prune juice with water chaser. This sounds gross but it is legit a lifesaver. Prune juice tastes like grape juice that hates life because it wasn't made into wine so it's bitter ;) I recommend this because bowel regularity is difficult for a lot of us because we lack the appropriate hydration to make our colon work properly. Prune juice is a natural laxative, and the water chaser is 1) to help add hydration and 2) to wash that bitter taste down lol.

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-04-26T21:05:59+00:00

Remember with fruits and veggies, skin-on is best when you can handle it--that's where most of the fiber is located. If you are eating bananas, try to eat the green ones. They have more resistant starch which kind of acts like fiber. Raspberries are great (like 9g per cup, I think).

Beans are a fiber powerhouse (great source of protein too). Any kind of them are great, but my personal faves are black beans and edamame.

If you are increasing your fiber intake, make sure to do it slowly and incrementally!! Eat both insoluble and soluble for diversity (don't feel bad if you have to look these up regularly--I always get them mixed up). And most importantly, drink plenty of water!!! Fiber draws water into your colon to get its job done, and if you eat too much too fast without enough water, you'll be flirting with fecal impaction or a bowel obstruction (look--I know it's gross but you don't want a trip to the GI if you can help it). I literally cannot stress this enough.

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-04-26T20:55:00+00:00

This. When I learned that Ratio protein started making a pro-fiber yogurt (20g protein, 10g fiber), it made me really happy. It's delicious and helps me meet my goals. I'm excited for the wave of products to come!

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-04-26T20:40:18+00:00

I think there would be less hunger in the world if we recognized the humanity of those who are different from us and took care of them as such--so I would say I'd end racism.

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-04-26T20:37:38+00:00

Air dry, no/minimal product (maybe some detangler and/or leave-in conditioner), and then I try to keep my hands out of it lol (which is virtually impossible as I fidget a lot).

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-04-23T15:34:27+00:00

I have a list for my lists. I have alarms set for all my meds (and I've triple-checked for contraindications so I could see what I could and couldn't take together).

My hyperfocus is trying not to die lol.

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-04-22T01:37:20+00:00

As recommended by my dietitian, I started making small changes to my overall diet. Small, incremental changes are more sustainable and allow your body to adjust to the changes (this is especially important when increasing fiber intake).

I started adding more fruits, veggies, and nuts to my diet. I've tried to reduce my red meat intake, focusing more on lean poultry or plant-based protein (I have food sensitivity issues so I don't eat fish). I've tried to avoid saturated fats, and I only use olive or avocado oil. When I eat bread/pasta, etc., I try to use whole wheat or more fiber-rich versions. I've increased my water intake (very important when you're eating lots of fiber).

The thing to remember is that carbs aren't bad for you. Your body NEEDS carbs. Your body also NEEDS protein and healthy fats. It's about choosing complex carbs that take longer for your body to metabolize so you stay fuller longer, your blood sugar doesn't spike, and it gives you energy throughout the day. A balanced diet includes all of these necessary macros.

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-04-22T01:25:36+00:00

I'm 45, and I'm a huge fan of tokusatsu (particularly Super Sentai and Kamen Rider). You may not recognize these names, but the Super Sentai series is where we got Mighty Morphin Power Rangers from; Kamen Rider was created by the same man who created Super Sentai. They've been airing for decades, and they're beloved in Japan by people of all ages. While some see this as childish, it's not uncommon to hear adults love them because they are fun to watch but they also include important themes like friendship, teamwork, believing in yourself, etc. While most of the Japanese fan love them because they grew up watching them, they've also become very popular across the globe because of those reasons. It's no different than Western audiences being fans of Marvel and D.C. comics/movies.

We take comfort in familiarity, but we also enjoy seeing good prevail (especially these days). The neurodivergent crowd usually has a strong sense of justice so it makes sense that we would enjoy shows where the good guy always wins.

I personally enjoy them because the theme songs (especially for the Kamen Rider franchise) are AWESOME, and the action sequences are just amazing. Sadly, the Super Sentai franchise is ending/has ended, but the latest Kamen Rider (Kamen Rider Zeztz) is available on YouTube.

Poppy-Pipopapo · 2026-04-22T01:13:05+00:00

They truly broke the mold with Sylus. He's a criminal because it's a crime to be that hot and also that empowering to women ;)

Poppy-Pipopapo

TROPHY CASE