The more people believe in something, the more accepted it becomes. The more we think something to be “wrong” the less acceptable it becomes. We eat the way our parent’s taught us, what tastes good, what is convenient, and hope that we stay healthy. We don’t know why we practice a specific behavior if we never stop to question it. Most people do not pause to question their dietary choices until they become sick. Meat and Milk The meat and dairy industries, fast food restaurants, the government – even your medical doctor – would like you to believe that consuming […]
Did you find berries growing on the trail and wonder if you can eat them? Here are some tips to help you decide. These Berries are Not Safe to Eat Nearly all white, green, and yellow berries are poisonous. Never eat the berry (or the leaves) from a plant that has a milky sap. 50% of red berries are poisonous, so eating them is only worth the risk if you can positively identify it. Avoid leaves or seeds with an almond-like scent, a characteristic of cyanide compounds. These Berries are Safer to Eat 99% of aggregate berries (small fruit pieces […]
It is a good idea to get into the habit of asking yourself these questions about your backpacking food: Where did it come from? How was it produced? Does it contain genetically engineered ingredients? It it Organic? Conventional? Natural? We’ll explore what some of these terms mean here. The “Natural” phenomena Food manufacturers know consumers will pay a premium for minimally processed, wholegrain products. And to many of us, the word natural implies wholesome earth grown ingredients. Yet, nothing could be further from the truth. Regrettably, many food manufactures stamp the natural label on products containing the most unnatural of […]
“Fresh” Strawberries in January? I’ll pass. But, a preserved strawberry? As long as it was grown organically and preserved without sulfites, color enhancers, or preservatives. Few people may be that fussy even though these concerns are valid. Choosy eating is not pompous. Following a careful diet requires discipline and knowledge. Patronizing only in-season, locally harvested food is challenging depending on where you live. A January winter might leave you with only squash and carrots as fresh crop choices. This is why preservation, such as freezing and drying are important. The supermarket knows no seasons, as coined in the movie ‘Food, […]
“From the perspective of nutrition, performance, and environmental impact, a vegetarian diet is the sensible choice for the outdoor recreationist. It benefits you and the ecosystem. – Outdoor Herbivore Celebrate the Experience of Food! Outdoor Herbivore believes we should not trivialize what we consume. After all, food can heal our body just as it can destroy it. For centuries, food has been refined to improve taste, environmental resilience, and medicinal properties. Numerous plant varieties were cultivated to allow for a variety of taste preferences and nutrients. Humans came to understand which species were useful in preventing and curing diseases and ailments. […]