Walking around trendy neighbourhoods in New York City or Chicago, you’ll pass many food trucks on street corners, serving meals as distinct as the cultures represented in each city. Initially, many may think the trucks offer a lower-quality last option. The trucks actually offer plenty of gourmet and affordable fare, and they can be ideal for those constantly on the go. Food trucks have also increased the availability of a broader range of ethnic foods and quirky, but delicious combinations of cuisines. The trucks provide access to dishes previously unavailable if not unimaginable and are soon to crop up all around Montreal.

Starting in 1947, when food trucks were first under consideration in Montreal, the Quebec government refused to authorize the operation of such enterprises, citing concerns for food safety and quality. But after the successful launch of numerous food trucks in other big cities, it became impossible to oppose the establishment of Montreal’s own signature brand of street food. Food trucks will be approved and should rapidly begin to appear this summer. To date, six food trucks have been approved by the government, and will be available for our enjoyment before the summer.

Two original food trucks pushed the margins of the old law and are indisputably the real deal: Grumman’s ‘78 and Noveau Palais. Grummans ‘78’s imaginative tacos provide the city with authentic Mexican food. According to the owners, “the food is fresh, healthy, affordable, locally-sourced, and locally-owned,” according to their website.  Customers can purchase two generously sized tacos for $7.50. Grummans ’78 began the revolutionary “food-truck” idea in downtown Montréal. Under the old law, Grummans had to limit their presence to a few days per year. Finally, after numerous struggles with the old law, this truck will now be available for all to enjoy.

Nouveau Palais serves miniature burgers, cookies, and milk out of a Winnebago, as if sent to satisfy the hunger pains that accompany late night studying. This truck operated just within the old laws by serving food outside their restaurant on West Bernard and Parc, in the wee hours of the night. Now, the Nouveau Palais truck will serve food in the daytime as well.

In addition to these classics, newer options have cropped up at Montreal’s yearly Jazzfest are worth exploring. Crêpe-moi is famous for its fabulous paper-thin crêpes and unlikely fillings, like chorizo and goat cheese. Purists need not fear—it also carries the classics, such as sugar and lemon crêpes. La Mangeoire, a gourmet sandwich truck, serves unique and tasty combinations.  Popular choices include an enormous falafel sandwich, and the ‘Ribwich’ (BBQ ribs and coleslaw). Their most indulgent concoction, the Decadent, combines peanut butter, Nutella, and bacon.

 Pas d’Cochon dans mon Salon and Lucky’s Truck are both known for their comfort food and barbecue. Finally, out of an understated trailer, HotBullDog serves homemade sausages, including a tomato-basil sausage.

The development of a network of food trucks in Montreal is undoubtedly exciting. These six trucks are, hopefully, only the beginning of healthy, imaginative, and affordable meals for students. They will eventually be allowed to freely roam the city; but will first be spotted during festivals in the Quartier des Spectacles and on First Fridays at the Big O.

Yes, it’s that time of the year again. If you’ve made a New Years resolution  this month, you are engaging in an age-old custom. According to a study by Virgin Mobile Canada, a whopping 51 per cent of Canadians make resolutions — 19 per cent of which fail within the first 24 hours of the New Year. This year, the Tribune has come up with two different approaches to a hopefully different 2013.

Keep it classic

Set a goal: Step one may sound idiot-proof, but it can be harder than it looks. Setting a goal is the easiest thing in the world to do, but making a plan and—here’s the kicker—trying to actually stick to it, is deceptively tricky. Yes, many of us would like to be able to run a marathon after only two weeks of training, but setting reasonable, reachable goals is the best way to actually succeed. Setting smaller milestones, under a reasonable timeframe, allows you to better track your progress and schedule rewards (sweet, savory, or otherwise). Flip on your motivational switch and internalize why you want to achieve your goal. Write it down, memorize it, chant it, post it beside your bed—do not let the idea leave you.

Grab a buddy: The problem with setting personal goals is that you are more likely to cheat yourself. If you use the buddy system, and advertise your goals to your family, friends, and roommates, you are more likely to be encouraged, or policed, into keeping at it. Tip: advertise your goals and your progress in a clearly visible place. This is a great conversation starter and a good way to boost your motivation every time someone asks you about your resolutions.

Work out at home: The vague goal of “getting fit” can leave you not knowing where to start. Instead of buying a gym membership and meaning to show up every day, try to incorporate small things into your day to increase your physical activity. Establish a home-workout routine, including skipping rope, yoga, and weight-bearing exercises (push-ups, sit-ups, planking, squats). If you need inspiration, search for ‘at-home workouts’ on YouTube to get programs and music you can follow along to, for free! Cardio is key, but do not forget those weight-bearing exercises. Building extra muscle improves metabolism, and increases the number of calories that you burn when working out.

One step at a time: In order to become conscious of your daily activity, you may also want to invest in a pedometer. You can chart your daily steps, and strive to increase your activity by walking to class or work, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

Treat your body well: For those who have resolved to diet, don’t focus on skipping meals, but on eating properly and proportionally. You do not want to be ravenously hungry, nor do you want to indulge. Spread your caloric intake out over the day, and strive to have at least three different colours of fruits and vegetables for a nutritional boost. Another healthy suggestion is to increase your water intake. Simple, and effective, water is indisputably good for you, your skin, your metabolism, and your mind.

Focus on friends: Another healthy resolution to make this year is to improve your social bonds. Take the time, and make the effort to reconnect with those old friends you may have been losing touch with. You can also expand your circles by joining a new club, or volunteering in the community.

Smile: Finally, strive to smile and be happy! People with positive emotions live longer, happier, and fuller lives. Resolve to look at yourself in the mirror every morning before you have breakfast, and simply smile. Try adopting a mantra, or short saying like “I am a happy person” or “My life is full of happiness” to internalize positive emotions.

— Susan Westfall

You need new goals

Year in and year out, popular New Years resolutions relate to fitness, money, and other lifestyle overhauls: lose weight, stop smoking, get a better job, learn to budget money, and get organized.

Instead, set more meaningful objectives this year. If you really want to make a change, then be honest with yourself, and make better resolutions.

Instead of: “Get better grades.”

Try: “Getting off of Facebook in class.” No, it’s not just for a minute, or to check one notification. If you want to do well, you need to be present and engaged in lecture. What else are you sitting there for?

Instead of: “Don’t stress.”

Try: “Managing stress by giving your brain some down-time.” Avoid TV show marathons, and clicking through Reddit or Twitter for hours. Use the time you spend away from glowing screens to let your mind wander. Daydreaming can help you to actually process feelings and information, which is crucial in keeping your head clear.

Instead of: “Find the perfect job.”

Try: “Prioritizing.” Choose a couple of issues you care about and think about how you can get involved.  Let those priorities shape your plans after McGill, rather than the other way around.

Instead of: “Get ‘involved.’”

Try: “Helping others.” Sign up for a volunteering organization. It may be new and awkward at the beginning, and you may not know what you’re doing, but throw yourself into the new task. Once you’ve gained your bearings, you’ll be surprised by how much you learn, and wonder why you never got involved in the first place.

Instead of: “Look better/lose weight/get ‘fit’”

Try: “Cutting the extras out.” Stop getting advice in bullet point form. Don’t expect the advice from ‘top ten’ lists to change your life! We’re good, but we’re not that good. Use this semester to think about what’s important to you, and don’t worry about the rest.

— Elisa Muyl