Tag: outdoors

  • Cacao Superfood Trail Bars

    Cacao Superfood Trail Bars

    Cacao Superfood Trail Bars

    Whether you’re hitting the trails or embarking on a summer road trip, having a convenient and nutritious snack on hand is a must!

    That’s where these Cacao Superfood Trail Bars come in.

    Packed with all the goodness of trail mix, including nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, these bars are the perfect fuel for any adventure. Plus, they’re super easy to make and can be customized to your liking. One of the best things about these bars is their portability. Simply pack them in a reusable container or wrap them in wax paper for a grab-and-go snack that’s perfect for hiking, camping, or any outdoor activity. And because they’re made with whole ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruit, you’ll feel satisfied and energized for hours.

    Not only are these bars convenient and nutritious, but they’re also affordable. Making your own snacks at home is a great way to save money, and these bars can be made in large batches to last you through multiple adventures. You can also get most of the ingredients from the bulk section, so you can avoid the single-use packaging that normally comes with granola bars.

    Next time you’re gearing up for an outdoor adventure, don’t forget to make a batch of Cacao Superfood Trail Bars!

    Cacao Superfood Trail Bars

    If you're looking for a delicious and portable snack that's perfect for your summer adventures, look no further than these Cacao Superfood Trail Bars!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 8
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 Cup gluten-free rolled oats
    • 1/2 Cup dry roasted almonds roughly chopped
    • 1/3 Cup cacao nibs
    • 1/4 Cup dry roasted pecans roughly chopped
    • 1/2 Cup roasted sunflower seeds
    • 1/4 Cup hemp seeds
    • 1/4 Cup sesame seeds
    • 1/4 Cup currants
    • 1/2 Cup raw honey or syrup sweetener of choice
    • 1/3 Cup creamy peanut or almond butter
    • 2 Ounces dark chocolate chopped
    • 1/4 Teaspoon olive oil

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 350° F. In a medium-size mixing bowl, combine oats, nuts, cacao nibs, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, and currants.
    2. Heat peanut or almond butter and honey or syrup sweetener in a small saucepan and stir until very warm. Pour over oat mixture and stir until well blended and everything is coated.
    3. Line a 9'x9" baking pan with parchment paper. Add mixture to the pan and with wet hands, press mixture flat.
    4. Bake for 15 minutes. Allow bars to cool before removing from the pan. Cut into eight bars and place on a cooling rack.
    5. Fill a medium-sized pot with two inches of water and place a heatproof metal or glass mixing bowl on top. You want it to fit snugly without touching the water. Bring the water to a simmer over medium-low heat. Add the chocolate and olive oil to the bowl and stir until melted and combined.
    6. Drizzle the chocolate over the cooled bars.
    7. Enjoy!

    Recipe Courtesy of INFRA

  • Exercise Outside

    Exercise Outside

    Exercise Outside

    Sea-to-sky adventures for men’s physical and mental health

    Do you enjoy exercising outdoors? Compared to indoor exercise, numerous studies have shown that guys who turn the great outdoors into their workout studio are more motivated to exercise, push themselves harder, and feel more grounded and restored. Get started with al fresco adventures.

    Embark on a unique exercise adventure

    “Nothing improves my mood and perspective more quickly than a scramble up a peak on the Great Divide Trail,” says personal trainer Chad Alexander. “When I’m stuck in my head or worrying about something, I remember how alive I felt on that mountaintop cliff.”

    Here are some thrilling activity ideas to inspire your next adventure.

    • Travel from sea to sea to sea on foot by hiking or bikepacking (which is mountain biking fused with backpacking and camping).
    • Go rock climbing.

    Consider scuba diving (or shipwreck diving!).

    • Soar to new heights with kitesurfing (where a strong gust of wind launches you sky-high off a cresting ocean wave or propels you quickly across a smooth lake).
    • Try out hang-gliding or paragliding.

    Forge some friendly competition

    For something a little closer to home, unique team sports can get you moving in the fresh air.

    Ultimate frisbee and disc golf have recently exploded in popularity. The number of local disc golf courses, for example, has jumped by 300 percent in the last few years. Other off-the-beaten-path outdoor sports include archery, handball, and even Harry Potter-inspired quidditch.

    Team sports are some of the best ways for men to build long-term, positive mental health outcomes. “Outdoor activities have changed my life in terms of mental health,” says Robert Puharich, a high school teacher. “Having teammates gives me a sense of community.”

    Rise to the challenge: 3 benefits to pushing your limits

    Testosterone

    Friendly competition in team sports has been shown to raise your testosterone levels. This hormone is key for strength, endurance, and your sex life.

    Motivation

    Once you’ve beaten your competition, or even beaten your own self-doubt, you’ll feel more motivated and driven to tackle life’s challenges.

    Self-confidence

    Pushing yourself on a grueling adventure forces you to tap into your own confidence, self-trust, and skills. Over time, psychologists say, this builds self-efficacy and resilience.

    The best time to exercise outdoors

    With longer daylight hours, your window of opportunity is wide open. The best time to head out and get your sweat on depends on your goals.

    Mornings

    If you’re trying to lose weight, morning exercise on an empty stomach may reduce your food cravings later, and it also leads to burning more fat.

    Midday

    Exercise reduces stress and boosts your energy, making it the perfect escape in the middle of your workday.

    Afternoons

    Your muscles contract more effectively when you’re warmed up. For peak physical strength and endurance, your body’s natural temperature peaks in the afternoon.

    Article courtesy of Alive Magazine by Joshua Duvauchelle

  • Going Camping? Grab These Necessities!

    Going Camping? Grab These Necessities!

    Tomorrow (8/3/19) is National Campfire Day! To celebrate all things camping- we’ve decided to share some of our favorites when we’re living outdooooorsssss- *cue singing voice.*

    S’mores!

    Have you ever tried a coffee s’more!? Next time you’re sitting by the campfire, switch out your milk chocolate for some espresso chocolate from Endangered Species or a little cafe mocha hemp chocolate from Rise Relief! Trust us, you’ll thank us later.

    Bug & Sun

    Make sure you’re covered! During the day, use All Good’s Sunscreen Spray to protect you from the sun’s rays. At night, keep away the ticks and mosquitos with Nantucket Spider’s deet-free repellents!

    Be Sustainable Everywhere

    Keep your campsites clean by using drink containers from HydroFlask and stainless steel cutlery from Conscious Cutlery!

    Less Waste = Happy Earth

    No matter which product you use while you’re camping, let us know! Leave us a note, email us, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares