superfitbabe

Today is unexpectedly a momentous day. If you look at the title, you’ll probably infer why, but the reason why today is particularly special is because I got my first hate comment on any one of my social media platforms! Now I did receive a somewhat questionably ambiguous comment two years ago on an Instagram post that I probably deleted (after I blocked that user and deleted the comment, of course), but I didn’t really consider it an actual stab at my platform. On the other hand, this comment was quite striking.

First off [I don’t even know how to pronounce your username that I will not disclose], I’m not going to delete your comment. In fact, I want to record this as a means for exposing your highly misinformed remark before you get any opportunity to delete it–which frankly, if you end up doing, fine, and if you don’t that’s also fine. It took me five seconds to really try to understand your comment before I nearly died laughing. Your comment really makes no sense to me. I want to respond to you this way not because you’ve offended me–because you really didn’t–but because I want to defend the two larger communities that you’ve offended and that are dear to my heart: Asians and vegans. Let’s see, where do I even begin. Well, I’ll just break it down one by one below

1. “u guys don’t eat dogs and stuff”: first of all, I’m going to assume that this person means dogs and meat products in this phrase. But is there anything wrong with not eating dogs? Is it because I’m Asian and Vietnamese that you automatically assume that I eat dogs? Are we as human beings supposed to eat “dogs and stuff”? If anything, I was raised here in America where people would normally frown upon dog meat consumption. You’re just using a stereotype to your own disadvantage and that just makes you look foolish.
2. “pathetic, retarded vegan”: Again, another sign that you’re heavily misinformed. I’m sure that this is the first and probably only video you’ve ever seen on my channel, but let me tell you right now that I am not vegan. I DO eat primarily plant-based, but in general when I’m in school, out and about with my family or if my mother makes us dinner, then I eat animal products except for red meat and dairy (which I only eat if it’s a last resort). It’s also extremely offensive to use these demeaning words to describe vegans. Veganism is such an inspiring movement that is standing for something that I agree with highly and I’m slowly transitioning into myself. Lastly, retarded classifies a mental disorder AND is already degrading in itself. So the fact that you used that word in the wrong context AND as a means of harming someone else is pathetic itself. Sure, there are some who are not very strong representatives of what veganism is all about, but vegans are NOT pathetic nor retarded. They are powerful and wise beyond words.

I’m not 100% sure if I will respond to the comment specifically on YouTube, but I think this pretty much sums it up perfectly. Anyways, I know that I’m bound to get these types of comments because with the growth of my publicity comes more pathways for people like the user above. I accept criticism that is legitimate and well-executed, but hatred is hilarious. I don’t allow hate comments to ruin my day, nor do I let them discourage me from staying true to myself. It’s just sad that some people feel the urge to put others down and not work on themselves. I wish them the best to hopefully discover something meaningful that they can put their energy into instead of spreading negativity onto others who don’t deserve it.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s move on to the salmon, shall we? At the moment, salmon is probably my number one favorite fish to eat, right in front of cod, scallops and ahi tuna, which I know isn’t the best for me because of its high levels of mercury. Salmon is also one of the most versatile fishes that can be enjoyed in any way, even though my family and I prefer it traditional.

This procedure pretty much cooks the salmon perfectly. The fillets are crispy and pleasantly umami on the outside, and buttery and smooth when you take a bite. Sometimes, my mother marinates the salmon in teriyaki or a balsamic vinaigrette, but that’s for another recipe in the future! In this photo, I added some avocado slices to my salmon and served it with a detoxifying kale and quinoa salad that I will reveal the recipe in an upcoming post!

RECIPE (serves 4)

• 2 pounds of wild caught salmon
• 2 TBSP extra-virgin olive oil (less or more depending on your preference); sub for sesame oil if making an Asian-style recipe
• Sea salt and pepper to taste
• Opt: teriyaki sauce, ponzu dressing, sesame oil, balsamic vinaigrette, avocado oil, maple syrup, Sriracha, garlic powder, oregano, etc.

PROCEDURE

1. Preheat the oven to 450F or set on broil.
2. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and lightly spread on the olive oil or any oil.
3. Place the salmon fillets accordingly and season each salmon piece with sea salt, pepper and any other seasonings on the side facing upward.
4. Flip the salmon fillets and season with desired seasonings.
5. When in the oven is ready, broil the fillets for 13-15 minutes.

How would you respond to hate comments? What is your favorite way to cook salmon?