Montana’s Steven Rinella on Healthy Eating

Amid ongoing discussions in America about diets and nutrition, Steven Rinella from Montana has a more straightforward take on what it means to eat healthily. For him, it revolves around the process of sourcing your food.

“The journey to get it involves spending time outdoors,” Rinella, the host of the hunting show “MeatEater,” explained in an interview. He noted that exploring ingredients is not just rewarding but also a great way to stay active.

This philosophy is captured in a new box set featuring his popular cookbooks: “The MeatEater Fish and Game Cookbook” and “The MeatEater Outdoor Cookbook.” Rinella argues that food, fitness, and outdoor experiences are deeply linked, whether one is cooking in a kitchen, grilling in the backyard, or preparing meals at a campsite.

Though wild game might not be commonly viewed as a health food, Rinella believes it could be one of the cleanest forms of eating. “I think it’s the healthiest food,” he stated, adding that wild game has been a source of strength for humanity for millennia.

To ensure safety while consuming game meat, it’s crucial to cook it to the right temperature to avoid foodborne illnesses. According to CDC guidelines, meats like bison and lamb should reach at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit, while bear meat requires 160 degrees, and poultry should be cooked to 165 degrees.

Unlike conventional meat from stores, Rinella emphasized that wild game is often lower in fat and comes with a transparency about its origins. “In our house, we know exactly where our food is from,” he noted.

“We eat what we see, whether it was grown or sourced from an animal,” Rinella added, underlining that hunting and fishing encourage both physical activity and outdoor time, which he sees as vital for health.

“Getting food involves serious exercise and spending time outside,” he remarked. “You can’t separate the two.”

Rinella expanded on his thoughts about cooking, suggesting that while wild game may seem less familiar, it presents an opportunity to cook thoughtfully. “If your game dish doesn’t turn out well, it’s likely due to cooking it too long or not long enough,” he explained.

His recipes encourage preparing meals from scratch and being adaptable, especially when dealing with lean proteins. “You can’t approach cooking chicken and beef the same way,” he cautioned.

Much of his cooking is conducted outdoors. Rinella described this as a way of life that involves connecting with nature and sharing experiences with loved ones while preparing meals. “Once you try it, you’ll realize it’s a wholesome way to live,” he concluded.