For long-distance backpackers, the significance of consuming high-calorie vegetarian fats cannot be overstated. When traversing mountainous terrain, you can burn up to 5,000 calories daily. Since fat provides the highest calorie content by weight, hikers should increase their fat intake to compensate for these lost calories. However, it’s not just about energy. Fats also play crucial roles in insulating your body, supporting immunity and brain health, and aiding in the absorption of vitamins from the food you eat. They even help carry fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K. It’s important to recognize that not all fats are […]
Vegetarian
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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 […]
Can I maintain my vegetarian/vegan diet on a thru-hike? This question is a common one that we get from backpackers planning a thru-hike. Some think a vegan won’t be able to finish their hike because they can’t consume enough calories or protein and will become weak and sickly. This is NOT true. You do not need to eat animal protein to finish any endurance activity. While hiking, the muscle continuously burns carbohydrates and fat as fuel, not protein. Like all other backpackers, vegans need to consume more calories from complex carbohydrates and fat. The best plant-based carbohydrates to consume when backpacking […]
Why is our food quality so bad? Blame the consumer, not the system. The American food system is simply supplying what the American consumer is demanding. If you don’t want it or like it, don’t buy it. There are always alternatives – maybe not as cheap or convenient, but they are there…be aggravated enough to search. ~Safdy The Consequences of Fast Food Today, everything seems to feed off corn and soy: fish farms, animal feed, and packaged food for humans. That is because corn and soy crops are efficient and cheap to produce. Corn and soy are efficient transformers of sunlight, […]
Capitalism abounds when you eat mass-produced processed food brands It is no surprise that in a capitalistic society our food system has devoted its energies to increasing production yields so it can sell food as cheaply as possible. Clearly, making a profit is necessary to sustain a business — as is creating efficiencies to maximize profit. But, advantages can also be realized when food is grown sensibility and responsibly. Organically produced and minimally processed food have paved the way. Unfortunately, the more responsible option is the more expensive option — until it becomes normalized. Drugged up Have you ever considered who profits […]