One of the most popular questions we are asked as a crew is, “What do you eat?”. Well, the simple answer is: a lot
For the trip around Vancouver we packed 468,000 calories condensed into over 125 Kg (275 lbs) of mostly dry, organic food. This averages out to just over 7,000 calories per day packed into daily rations.
Our food is organic and often fair trade. Our daily food plan is modeled strongly after my Olympic experience. While training, I studied and observed my food intake to maximize health & performance. What I noticed was profound. There is a direct link between human and environmental health. By this I mean, food that is healthier for the planet is healthier for the individual eating the food. Organic food makes a stronger body and a stronger planet. We picked up our food from Lifestyle Markets in Victoria and are deeply grateful for their support of our adventure.
As the crewman responsible for food, I was initially concerned that we would have barely enough food to eat every day. We estimated the energy density of our food with Angie Hanson, Greg’s sister (THANKS Angie!). Every day, we burn an estimated 10,000+ calories of energy. However, I have been surprised. Our daily food rations have been lasting 25%-100% longer than anticipated.
The reason for lower food consumption, I believe, is rough weather and the ‘sea legs’ adaption phase. When it is rainy, miserable or very wavy, your body has a reduced appetite. I’ve come to realize that it is important to cook extra food when it is calm & warm to build stores for the extra wavy, rough and rainy days.
A typical day of meals includes:
Oatmeal with flax, hemp, raisins, cinnamon, brown sugar
Eggs, crackers, cheese
Trail Mix
Rice, beans & canned fish
Rehydrated fruit smoothie with whey & hemp proteins, maccha tea
Quinoa Salad with cheese, raw seeds, rehydrated fruit, coconut bouillon.
Snacks: raw food bars (some with protein added), nut mix, gummies,
Vitamins by Natural Factors
Water, sports drink, tea, coffee, hot cocoa