Alisan Keesee
Bio
I am a 24-year-old Seattle based writer who lives alone with my cat. Originally from a small, unincorporated Washington town, I have a penchant for boybands, black coffee, and true crime. I am a graduate of Western Washington University.
Stories (32/0)
To Understand American Obesity, You Have To Understand American Poverty
During my ecogastronomy class, we discussed how the processing of food is contributing to obesity in the US. In this discussion, the Whole30 diet came up. The Whole30 diet encourages eating only whole foods which means no processed foods and sugar (real or artificial), dairy, legumes, and sweets of any kind. While we didn't discuss the specifics, someone in class said, "How is that a diet?!" Other students were similarly surprised that many people don't eat only organic produce or the fact that at least one third of our university’s campus suffered from food insecurity.
By Alisan Keesee5 months ago in Feast
11 Reasons Shopping At Independent Bookstores Should Be The Only Place You Buy Books
With the convenience of Amazon, bookstores and other retailers often struggle when it comes to book sales in comparison to the online behemoth. However, brick and mortar bookstores aren't quite a thing of the past. Why? Longtime authors and writers still shop at and promote independent bookstores.
By Alisan Keesee5 months ago in Geeks
5 (Lesser Known) Tips For IUD Insertion
I was never comfortable with the idea of an implanted birth control option. I remember feeling my friend's Nexplanon implant and wanting to gag from the way it moved underneath her skin. Whenever I thought about an IUD (intrauterine device), I heard about all the horror stories of uterine perforation, or heavier, crampier periods (something I certainly didn't need).
By Alisan Keesee5 months ago in Viva
Dudes, Stop Doing These 5 Things On Your Dating Profile
Online dating sucks. But, during the pandemic and within today's social circles, it is often the easiest way to meet people and put yourself out there. When spending time swiping through potential new boos, I've noticed a few things about a guy's profile that immediately turn me off. Now, I'm not saying I *never* like guys whose profiles carry these traits, but *almost* never.
By Alisan Keesee6 months ago in Humans
Pas de Deux
Your godfather only came into your life every few years. He always brought with him gifts from around the world, little worlds on their own. You remembered how on your eleventh birthday he brought you marzipan from Germany, alpaca wool mittens from South America, and sesame snaps from China. He had not come to visit since, although you'd heard of him throughout the years.
By Alisan Keesee6 months ago in Fiction
The Truth Behind Eating Disorders & Why They’re More Prevalent Than You Think: Through The Lens Of My Experience
For the first 20 years of my life, I rejected diet culture. I ate what and how much I wanted. At first, as a child, this didn't matter. I was active and ran around, keeping me slim, though with the healthy plump expected of children. However, around the age of nine, my body began to change. Hair sprouted from new places, I could no longer get away without a bra, and my hips subtly widened. Though, it would not be for another two years, when I began menstruating, that I started to become more aware of my body.
By Alisan Keesee6 months ago in Psyche
I Didn't Know I Had Social Anxiety: Here Are The Subtle Signs
Earlier this year, I was diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder. It was the last of the 3 anxiety disorders I got diagnosed with, and one that I frankly did not expect. Despite considering myself a mental health advocate and having a fairly good understanding of anxiety disorders, I even fell victim to the stereotypes of social anxiety.
By Alisan Keesee7 months ago in Psyche
Stardust Is The Most Underrated Movie Ever
Stardust (2007) is a movie about a shop-boy-turned-hero, a world separated from ours by only a small stone wall, and a fallen star. It is based on the novel of the same name by Neil Gaiman. With a plot reminiscent of classics such as The Princess Bride, with a romance-fantasy plot with a few comedic points and action scenes wrapped in, it would appear to be an instant classic.
By Alisan Keesee7 months ago in Geeks
5 Tips For Dating With Social Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses in the United States and around the world. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 40 million adults have an anxiety disorder. Of those 40 million, around 15 million have social anxiety disorder.
By Alisan Keesee8 months ago in Psyche
Fanfiction As Sex Education: Good or Bad?
I read my first fanfiction when I was about 12. By my current (and most avid fanfiction reader's standards), it was an amateur fic that was cliche and the storyline was mostly author self-serving. However, my 12-year-old self found happiness in the story, surprised something like it even existed.
By Alisan Keesee8 months ago in Filthy
The Gabby Petito Case Sheds Light On Racism Within The Media: Here’s Why
It's not just true crime fans who have been following the missing persons (and now officially homicide) case of 22-year-old Gabby Petito. Gabby and her fiance departed for a cross country road trip in a van they outfitted to function as their accommodations.
By Alisan Keesee8 months ago in Criminal
