We all run for different reasons. And while that reason may change over time, I’d guess that for many of us—either currently or at some point—it had something to do with improving our overall health and well-being.
For me, running filled a major gap after college. I had stopped playing competitive sports and was slipping into a more sedentary lifestyle—one I didn’t want to maintain. Running became my way back to fitness. I remember thinking it alone would magically just completely transform my body.
While running certainly played a big role, I came to understand that diet is just as important. You can do a thousand crunches a day, but if you’re fueling your body with empty calories and beer, it’s not going to make much of a difference. That’s why having a healthier, more intentional approach to what I eat has become a bigger focus for me in recent years.
That’s why I’ve been genuinely excited to try out some items from Force of Nature Meats over the past month as part of our Run Oregon Test Kitchen Series. This isn’t your typical store-bought meat. Their entire ethos feels aligned with the mindset of many runners: a commitment to healthier living and better environmental practices.
Read all our Test Kitchen Features here!
Now, I’ll be upfront—I know many people choose a plant-based lifestyle, and I respect that. Honestly, I’ve said many times that I could pretty easily go pescatarian. But I also really enjoy meat from time to time. Give me some tacos, a grilled steak, or a juicy mid-summer hamburger, and I’m happy.
However, I feel that a lot of conventional meat options just don’t really cut it for me. I don’t like to eat meat just because I can buy meat – I want it to fill something for me. I find many store-available meats are lacking in taste, nutritional value, and overall sustainability of the practice. They all play at least some role in my resistance to purchasing. Force of Nature flips that narrative, focusing on regenerative agriculture, self-sustaining environmental practices, and nutrient-dense, grass-fed meat that’s better for the body—and the planet.
And honestly? The taste is different—in a good way. It’s hard to describe exactly, but there’s a richness and depth that feels more substantial. It’s not just meat for meat’s sake—it’s meat with purpose, and I think that matters. The have a variety of meats available:
- Beef
- Bison
- Venison
- Chicken
- Elk
- Wild Boar
Of course, with higher quality and better practices comes a slightly higher price. A 14–16 ounce package from Force of Nature typically runs about $12–16, depending on the type of meat. That can definitely add up, especially if you’re eating meat regularly or in large quantities. But for someone like me—who enjoys meat but doesn’t have to include it in every meal—it feels like a worthwhile splurge. Investing in a few select cuts here and there fits my lifestyle.
You can also get a variety of Curated Bundles that you can have on hand in your freezer for when you are ready. You don’t even have to purchase online, as Force of Nature Meats can be found in a variety of stores in the PNW, including Natural Grocers, New Seasons, and Whole Foods.
