Nuts are an important source of food for backpackers. Nuts promote a healthy immune system by restoring nutrients and calories that are lost through backpacking and outdoor activity. Nuts also make a delicious snack food and add a crunchy texture to freeze-dried backpacking meals. When it comes to caloric density, nuts are king. After pure fats and oils, nuts are the richest source of foods we eat, averaging 600 calories per 100 grams (3.5 oz, about 1 cup). When trail food supplies are running low, nuts make the difference. Their high fat content takes the edge off hunger. Here we’ll briefly […]
Vegetarian Topics
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Coconuts are harvested from the coconut palm tree. These trees flourish in tropical climates such as the Philippines, Thailand, Mexico, and India. They also grow on the U.S. mainland in South Florida. Coconuts have made it to the shore of nearly every continent, unassisted by human effort. They can travel up to 3 months in the ocean, wash up on sandy island shorelines, and sprout into a tree that will bear up to ten thousand coconuts in a lifetime. This is why coconut palms are found growing throughout island beaches. The water from coconut is high in electrolytes, and the […]
Nutritional yeast is the perfect companion for vegan adventure travel because it gives cheesy flavor without the need for refrigeration, is low in sodium, and has a very long storage life. Some brands of nutritional yeast are vitamin-fortified and considered a health food. There are no plant foods that reliably contain B-12 and nutritional yeast is an economical way for vegans to get this vital nutrient.
For long-distance backpackers, the importance of consuming high-calorie vegetarian fats cannot be overstated. You can burn up to 5,000 calories daily when you’re backpacking in mountainous terrain. Because fat provides the highest source of calories by weight, hikers should consume more fat to account for lost calories. But it’s not just about energy. Fats also play a vital role in insulating your body, supporting immunity and brain health, and aiding in the absorption of vitamins you get from food. They even act as carriers for fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). When it comes to fats, it’s crucial to understand […]
Quinoa (pronounced Keen-wah) is the edible seed from the quinoa plant, a plant related to spinach and chard. Although technically a seed, it is generally classified as a grain since its appearance is similar to the grains we are familiar with. What is so special about quinoa? Quinoa is a superfood that offers a wide range of benefits to our health. Some of the benefits of eating quinoa are: High Nutritional Value – Quinoa is rich in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. Complete Protein – it contains all […]