Certificate in Trail Food: Delicious & Nutritious

• Trail Food Fundamentals: Understanding the importance of nutrition and calorie density in trail food, basic food safety and storage considerations, and the role of hydration.
• Trail Nutrition: Learning about macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and their role in physical performance and recovery during outdoor activities. Exploring the importance of balancing energy intake and output.
• Meal Planning and Preparation: Planning meals for multi-day hikes, considering factors like weight, volume, and ease of preparation. Demonstrating techniques for preparing and cooking trail meals using minimal equipment and resources.
• Dehydrating Foods for the Trail: Understanding the principles of food dehydration, including equipment options, food safety considerations, and techniques for dehydrating fruits, vegetables, and meats. Learning how to rehydrate food on the trail for a hot meal.
• Selecting and Evaluating Commercial Trail Foods: Identifying and evaluating commercial trail food options, considering factors like nutritional content, ingredient quality, and cost. Comparing and contrasting different types of trail food, such as bars, gels, and dehydrated meals.
• Special Dietary Considerations on the Trail: Exploring dietary restrictions and preferences, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets, and how to adapt trail meal planning and preparation accordingly. Considering food allergies and intolerances, and strategies for managing them on the trail.
• Trail Food Tasting and Menu Development: Tasting a variety of trail food options and evaluating their taste, texture, and nutritional content. Developing a personalized trail menu that balances nutrition, flavor, and convenience.