Rey BelenOne of the simplest, yet, greatest pleasures that I love doing, is traveling outdoors. There is just a different kind of high seeing all the wonderful things that God created for all of us to simply enjoy.
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The rushing waters of the sea, the calming sunset at the bay or the cold breeze touching the face while traversing an uphill trail of lush greenery – all of which worth experiencing in real life, that no amount of YouTube watching or Instagram browsing can ever replace.
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No wonder many people are into nature trips and adventures. Many mix their travel with different other activities. Some do photography, videography, advocacy, teaching, or even just food tripping. Similar to what the University of the Philippines Mountaineers (UPM) did during their recent event that became a feast for both their appetite for adventure and good food.
UPM added a different “flavor” and came up with the UPM Kalawang Chef, a challenge that dares teams to raise the game in their outdoor cookery while they are on their outdoor adventure. Contestants needed to incorporate a main ingredient in their dishes – US POTATOES.
Contestants were challenged to think beyond canned, convenience food and consider what US Potatoes could offer in a real-world outdoor adventure set-up.
Edsel Segovia, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a National Strength and Conditioning Certified Personal Trainer (CSCS, NSCA-CPT) started things off with a brief talk on fitness and proper nutrition.
US Potatoes, classified as superfood, are nutrient-dense food that can help fuel huge exertions from physical exercise and movement.
Potatoes are high in potassium, even more so than a banana, and are also full of vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, iron and magnesium.
Prepared with the skin on, US potatoes are true power-ups. Potato skins are a great nutrition source of proteins, phytochemicals and amino acids, especially lysine. Lysine promotes healthy organ and muscle growth, and also helps convert fat into energy. Here is a fat-free, sodium-free and gluten- free ingredient with as little as 110 calories per medium-sized serving.
These facts make potatoes a good alternative recovery food after strenuous activities like working out, hiking trekking or even after playing basketball. Potatoes are naturally healthy, prepared without the huge doses of toxic cooking oils or heavy layers of salt, cheeses and creams.
US potatoes are now in the country thru Potatoes USA-Philippines, the organization tasked in making these particular taters known. US frozen, table stock and dehydrated potatoes are available in the local market, ready for different recipes running from main dishes to snacks, soups, salads and desserts.
Dedicated growers in partnership with the US Department of Agriculture help ensure that only the best potatoes in different varieties make it to dining tables worldwide.
With UPM demonstrating the many different possibilities, potatoes are definitely a wise addition and a healthy food companion during your trekking and camping.
High quality US Potatoes can be purchased from major supermarkets and groceries nationwide.
For more information on US Potatoes, and how it can power up physical and mental performance, visit www.potatogoodness.com/performance/ or like and follow Potatoes USA-Philippines on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PotatoesUSAPhilippines/.
Rey Belen
