And – Am I Really What I Eat? –

Written by John Swart – From March 24, 2014 –

So being of the Homo sapiens species (American male variety at that), I am imbued/infused with a certain amount of fierce individualism, a.k.a. male ego, that predisposes me not to seek help or admit to any frailties. With that genetic/environmental/karmic coding, I am finding it a bit of a challenge seeking sponsorship for my mission as it means asking for assistance and opening myself to rejection. This has happened a few times in the form of cold, corporate dismissals (their identities shall remain anonymous despite a strong desire to rat them out). Yes, the big “E” [ego] is taking some hits. As I said in a spiritual group I attend, “I’m not much, but I’m all I think about.”

Another issue at play here is my very strong sense of how things should go, i.e., the outcomes that need to happen and how others should be responding to my master plan. It is said that, “Expectations are premeditated resentments.” This has been my mantra today.

So, bottom line is, everything is going exactly the way it is supposed to, and I’m being graced with these wonderful lessons (I know, sounds new-age-woo-woo). A zen teacher of mine said that you are hit in the head with the size board you need. In my case that is often a sequoia. So when life doesn’t comply with my plans, whop-whop comes the sequoia carrying out its karmic duties.

Life works perfectly, despite my best ego efforts to thwart the process. Tomorrow I will be back on my ego-bashing assault to get on the trail. Let those lessons roll. I’ve got meditation, yoga, and chocolate to deal with them.

Am I Really What I Eat??? – From March 30, 2014

One of the top five questions asked of a thru-hiker is, “What do you eat?” And a very good query, I must say.

Prior to hiking the Appalachian Trail I was mostly vegetarian. I did no pre-planning around nutrition (yes, I know, naive and foolish) and paid the consequences as time went on. I incorporated animal products (pizza and Ben & Jerry’s being two major indulgences) as I thought protein would be a big factor in powering my effort.

Hiker nutrition, in general, can be somewhat deplorable on the trail (at least from this foodie’s perspective). My standards as well, sank to a rather low depth (albeit better than most, I would say). Quick, easy, cheap, filling, and non-perishable, was the rule of thumb.

Staples for many hikers include ramen, bars, trail mix (aka gorp), and Snickers (by the truckload). I personally ate tuna, quinoa, lots of gorp, bars, dehydrated beans, rice, and various other items, avoiding the Snickers habit. Then, when stopping in towns, it was a bee line to the closest buffet (usually Chinese) or the nearest pizza joint.

By the end of the AT, I felt rather depleted nutritionally and quickly gained 10 unwanted pounds. Things turned around, however, after I hung out with a friend in Savannah who gave me a copy of The World Peace Diet by Will Tuttle to read.

Tuttle’s book, with its discussion of food’s relationship to health, the environment, and compassion for all beings, was so compelling that I switched to an all plant-based diet before I finished reading it. The results were profound. Within a week my energy level soared, my post-trail depression lifted, and the ten pounds fell away without effort. I have since discovered that I’m gluten intolerant.

Today I remain on the plant-based dietary path and continue to see wonderful results in the form of energy, mental clarity and emotional stability. So I will be doing things differently this time around on the Pacific Crest Trail.

We are very blessed here in Asheville to have quite a bountiful and healthy food scene. My favorite establishment for health and nutrition is the French Broad Food Co-op. (As their bumper sticker says – I own  it!). The Co-op has the best bulk herbs in the area and a very knowledgeable staff. The manager, Melissa, is my consultant for the hike, as she has been on many other nutritional matters. She is a renowned herbalist and teacher and she flat out knows a donkey cart load on all nutrition/heath issues. Melissa is also a really neat being and a delight to chew the fat with. At 4’10″ she is the ultimate soccer mom: she plays on her adult son’s team.

The rest of the Co-op staff is also exceptional. I feel like I’m walking into a good friend’s house every time I go in. The Co-op has been one of the few businesses so far to show support for what I am doing.

So the plan right now is to keep my diet as light, simple and nutrition-packed as possible. Food items will include the following (for the first few days following each restock in various towns):

• dehydrated beans
• quinoa flakes
• super food mixes:
  • maca
  • kelp
  • spirulina
  • plant-based protein powder
• healthy bars
• trail mix
• fresh fruits
• veggies

Of course, like everything in life, this is totally subject to change. Once out on the trail, the gloves come off and our best planning/resolutions can quickly be scattered like the wind to the four directions.