I don't have a notebook like some people, *looks at Loth * but I remember he got a lamb sandwich in Slow Death.

Is that "a typical" or "atypical"? Because I don't remember the typical man in the eighties being like that.

Exactly that's all it is. And it's not just this site. It's rampant on and off the net. Vegitarianism seems to be a "noble" attribute. (along with the abstaining from alcohol) There seems to be an overwelming urge to take MacGyver from the good guy we know him to be into some kind of saint. And that goes nauseatingly double for RDA himself.

I doubt you guys want a list of everything Mac eats in the course of 7 seasons!

In addition to those already listed, I remember Mac eating fish with Harry in 'Target MacGyver'. He also ate a piece of mystery meat out of that Partisan stew in the gambit before 'Trumbo's World'... anyway, I hope it was beef!
Oh, yeah... he and Luther caught trout with spears to feed the rest of the kids in 'Final Approach'. Rattlesnake was on the lunch menu, too!

When I'm talking to folks and they insist that Mac became a vegan, I tell them to watch 'Eagles', and listen to Mac's philosophy about survival:
'One animal must die so that another can live... it's Nature's balancing act'

I imagine that Mac would happily survive on tofu and bean curd when he's at home, but when he goes abroad, whether in a foreign city or the wilderness, he forages.

That's why I think 'Grazer' is the perfect name for his 'homeless' character!

Is it? I gotta check that out. I only remember him looking up when the one-armed man comes back to apologise.

Actually we do. It's something we haven't really discussed yet in the forums.
The MacGyver Restaurant Menu!!! Cooking with MacGyver, it would be a great kids show.

Absolutely. MacGyver is a man that blends in foreign societies.

Bud, let's just go grazing.

yeah but thats because nuts and berries are standard practice when camping in the woods. They are easier and more certain than setting up a trap and hoping that some small animal comes along to get caught in it.

And then once it is caught you have the whole deal with gutting it.. Skinning it.. Cooking it.

And of course nuts and Berries can be carried with you as energy snacks.

In the dark. I'm still trying to figure out what sort of idiot survival course teaches you to look for food in the dark.

I get the impression that Mac started to eat less red meat as the show went on and that he favours tofu at home, but isn't adverse to eating meat (like fish) when he's away.

That's the first page... trying to recover the next two.

Maybe the guy gave up coffee?

He has a sip of what looks like cola in 'The Prodigal.'

Why not? Why do you think they had flashlights, huh?

Let's just say he's not. He's just a healthy guy, avoids alcohol and fastfood.

And who says meat is not healthy? MacGyver seems like a vegetables with meat and potatoes kind of guy.
MacGyver will eat anything to survive, even if it's bugs.

He did say in The Negotiator that he doesn't drink coffee. But why would he ask then for getting together and discuss the acid rain issue over a cup of coffee?

He did say in The Negotiator that he doesn't drink coffee. But why would he ask then for getting together and discuss the acid rain issue over a cup of coffee?

Heh! I'm not arguing that Mac didn't eventually stop drinking coffee (many folks do as they grow older), but in 'The Negotiator' I think that Mac's comment about not drinking coffee is a joke.

"Let's get together and have a cup of coffee" is a rather popular euphemism for a date. He was making a point to the lady that he wanted to spend time with her... with or without coffee.

It's just so cute how nervous he was about asking her out! *chuckle*

Why not? Why do you think they had flashlights, huh?

I've taken I don't now how many survival courses and recertifications for work purposes in all seasons and weather conditions. The one thing that's drilled into you is that you hunker down at night. You don't risk your life traipsing around in the dark in unknown terrain looking for food. Night manoeuvres are another thing all together, of course, but getting food is part of making camp and you do those things when it's still light out.

He didn't look nervous to me. He just asked it carefully.

You can be a vegetarian and wear leather. It's vegans who tend to not wear leather, although more and more 'dietary vegans' do not make the 'no-animal product' switch into the rest of their lives.

Veganism is a whole way of life, almost a philosophy. Vegetarianism is a much looser concept.

Personally, I don't eat meat because I can't stand the taste of it or how it feels in my mouth, for the most part (I eat fish and seafood (but not at home)). If I'm in a situation where I have to eat what is offered and there's meat I go hungry, unless we're talking about a really long period of time (more than 2 weeks), in which case I'll eat around the meat.

I get the impression that MacGyver doesn't mind certain types of meat (like chicken and fish), but that he wouldn't make them at home.

I know what you mean! I live in beef country, venison country, pig county...you get the picture...LOL...we're nothing but farms! I love my veggies, but meat is like a way of life here.

Vegans eat no meat products whatsoever (including things like honey, jello, even wine).

Ovo-lacto vegetarians eat nothing that was alive, but do eat eggs and dairy (but nothing that contains gelatine, like jello).

Then there's the sort-of vegetarians, which are combinations of ovo, lacto, pollo (eat chicken), and pesco (eat fish).

Mac
semi-lacto/pesco-vegetarian (hey, that's catchy!)

Wine? I had no idea wine wasn't vegan. Any ideas why?

Wine? I had no idea wine wasn't vegan. Any ideas why?

Wine, mead, and beer are all made by adding bacteria to the mix, which are basically little animals that eat sugar and excrete alcohol. Therefore, such beverages are byproducts of living animals.

Mmmm... appetizing, eh??

Ovo-lacto vegetarians eat nothing that was alive, but do eat eggs and dairy (but nothing that contains gelatine, like jello).

Then there's the sort-of vegetarians, which are combinations of ovo, lacto, pollo (eat chicken), and pesco (eat fish).

They do know that plants are alive too, right?

Wine, mead, and beer are all made by adding bacteria to the mix, which are basically little animals that eat sugar and excrete alcohol. Therefore, such beverages are byproducts of living animals.

Mmmm... appetizing, eh??

Actually, that's not the reason. It has to do with the way wine is processed.

You can read more here:

http://vegans.frommars.org/wine/faq.php#1.2

Bread would be off limits (because of yeast) if the reason you evoked was the reason wine is taboo.

I agree with you about the plants being alive thing. I think that the line is drawn at living things that can actually feel pain.

I agree, otherwise you would be worried about taking antibiotics.

Is it just me or does it seem like all these variations of vegetariansim (btw a true vegetarian eats NO meat of any kind) could otherwise be called a dislike of certain types of food/meat?

I didn't eat eggs for about 15 years after my uncle (antagonistic wooly mamoth of a man) told me eggs were liquid chicken But I would have never called myself an ovo-vegetarian.

Or the 25 years I didn't eat lamb because my Dad told me mutton was a cute little fuzzy lamb? Baa-vegetarian?

Hence why I called the ones that do 'sort-of' vegetarians.

I totally agree about the dislike thing. A lot of vegetarians and vegans I know really do believe that eating an animal is wrong, but there are as many who, like me, simply can't stand the taste and texture. Then there are those for whom it's a combination of factors--not only do I think beef and chicken are disgusting, I also think that the cattle and chicken industries are disgusting.

A lot many people would take offense to that because it's like calling a religious belief 'stupid.' But it's your opinion, so... *shrugs*

See above comment.

I think that what I'm understanding from your post is that you think people need to be honest with themselves about why they believe what they believe/eat what they eat. For example: it's more 'noble' to say 'I don't believe in causing animals pain' when the simple truth is 'I don't like the taste.' Anywhere near close?

Sounds like a great 'what if?' kind of story that makes you really think. Perhaps we should now all become level 5 vegans - it's where you don't eat anything that casts a shadow. (For those of you that remember the relevant Simpsons episode).

Yes of course, I should have worded that better, I just used fungi as an example of another thing that doesn't feel pain.

Ya know that mean that also cant eat bread because it has not only eggs but Yeast to make the bread rise?

Yea I know I'm being a brat but I thinks some of the Veagen stuff is just silly. Than again I think some of the thinks in different tradition of Wicca are silly too like need to go skyclad to preform magick.

Yep, I agree with that. Everything is going to die or killed and be eaten anyway, so what's the difference if it's US doing the killing and eating or another animal?? I prefer organically raised meat, because it tastes better and the animals are treated better while they're alive.

I personally can't be a vegetarian, even if I wanted to be. I have a tendency towards iron-deficiency, and also towards depression, which can be made worse by not getting enough vitamin B-12. Yes, you can take B-12 supplements (which I do) but the best way to get it is in animal products.

Yes, there is such a thing as egg bread but, otherwise, no eggs go into the making of bread.

You don't need to go skyclad. It's a personal choice. Some people feel it puts them in touch with the universe. Personally, I like to wear a robe.

Religious beliefs tend to look silly to outsiders. I know that if someone had told me years ago that I would believe in what I believe in I would have fallen to the floor laughing. But religion is about revelation, so it's something that can't be explained, much less understood by an 'outsider.'

And that relates to this discussion... how?

There are lots of Indians (I believe you mean food from the country India here, not something native-American), about 1.1 billion I believe. Hindus are often vegetarian. Not all of them: my Indian pen pal used to eat chicken as a kid. Then there also is a large muslim population. And at least in the Netherlands, they seem to be running most of the restaurants: you can't get pork there, or a proper vegetarian.

Becoming a vegetarian is something you can decide on later in life. My brother used to say: "I'm a vegetarian, but not during dinner". A few years ago he became a vegetarian during dinner too. Though, what he eats most of the time, I can't imagine that is either healthy or tasty.

Maybe it's that way for MacGyver too, deciding later on to becoming a vegetarian, or gradually becoming one (though: beans beaten beyond recognision (favourite Pete quote there) don't sound either healthy or tasteful).

beans are very healthy for you.

beans are very healthy for you.

In this case, we're talking specifically about soy beans beaten beyond recognition to make tofu. Tofu is absolutely tasteless (thank goodness for sauces!) and its healthiness when eaten in great quantities is currently in dispute*. When MacGyver was airing, however, tofu was definitely considered a healthy food and wasn't too common yet.

When I'm thinking of something beaten beyond recognision, food wise that is, I'm also thinking it has been cooked beyond recognision. Cooked into a mushy pulp (no tastes, no vitamines). Beans you can eat through a straw. *shudder*

I tend to agree with that!!!! I once had a bad experience with tofu....just typing the word makes me cringe....

DONE

Well done Nymphy! That looks like it was a mammoth tasks!

It seemed like a good idea when I started... by the end... not so much. Especially when it got to people quoting other peoples quotes of other people. Yeah.

And I did skip over some offtopic fluffy stuff... like cooking bacon naked or something.

Tell me about it! Sheesh...I think this is the longest one recovered yet!

Um thanks...entertaining as it might have been...

Thanks for all your hard work recovering those posts. I found them very entertaining. Tofu was a huge fad during the 1980s. You couldn't turn around without it showing up and masquarading as food. I actually tried stir fried bean curd with chinese vegetables--once. It was like eating pieces of a kitchen sponge chopped up and sauteed in brown sauce. Needless to say, tofu dropped off my shopping list, in a hurry.

Indian food is often vegetarian or chicken, lamb or seafood depending on the region where it is prepared. Indian food is characterized by intense flavors built up in layers and some of it can be painfully hot.

Native American food is very regional and depending on the region will have a heavy emphasis on meat. Southwestern Native American food tends to emphasize vegetables since this region is more agricultural in nature.

Some vegans are against using any form of animal products in food, drinks, medicine or clothing to anme just a few. My brother in law is like that. I drew his name in our family Christmas gift exchange and have been reading clothing labels like crazy looking for something made with 100% organic cotton. He will not wear anything made with wool in it. I pointed out to my sister that hsearing doesn't actually hurt the sheep and she just rolled her eyes and shrugged her shoulders. Oh well, each of us is entitled to his or her beliefs.

Some people are lean more heavily to fruits and veggies simply because they like them as many people have already testified to here. Others choose them because of the health benefits. I am currently on a healthy eating kick and have been putting the focus on the plant world. I am definitely getting results, 15 lbs shed in 3 months and down almost 2 sizes in jeans (yeah!). I am doing this because of the health challenges my husband had this past summer and because I need to set a good example for my son.

I personally think that MacGyver is the typical batchelor--its easier to open a bag of leaves than to actually cook a complete balanced meal. Grrl has fond flashbacks to husband's culinary attempts, Cool Whip Chicken anyone?

This shot is from "Jack in a box" season 3... and thats a chicken leg he's chewing on.

I have seen him eat a lizard or something that he caught when he was with a lady, in the first season. Almost like Crocodile Dundee.

That was from "The Gauntlet"

Mac and Kate Conolly shared an intimate dinner of barbequed lizard whilst on the run from illegal arms dealer Dave Ryerson and General Vasquez.

Kate: "...MacGyver... you don't eat things like that... you call pest control..."

Yum O...

Jungle chicken (BBQ iguana) is a delicacy in Belize. Pass.......

Hey All - I just wrote a book with my brother called "MacGyver By the Numbers: A statistical analysis of seasons 1-7" It's on e-bay now, and in it we have a list of everything Mac ever eats on the show and then a seperate category for everything Mac cooks,because they're sometimes different lists. I think MacG is just a health nut until season 7 when Mama Lorraine makes some reference to Mac being a vegitarian.

yeah but both her and MacGyver kinda laughed after she said it.. which indicates she was joking about it... Also the context of the whole comment was in reference to sacrificing a goat to the gods....

How seriously can you take it?

So I don't believe that instance actually proves anything.

Much truth is said in jest...
Also, the fact that they are laughing isn't neccessarily indicative that they are laughing because she is JOKING about Mac being a vegetarian, they could also be laughing at the absurdity of her telling a god like PaPa Leggba ANYTHING pedestrian, such as that someone is a vegeterian. (BTW these aren't yelling caps, they're emphasis caps) I'm just teasing, I don't REALLY think Mac ever became fully veg either. But we'll never know for sure...

I got the feeling he was a vegetarian . I have still to look at the episodes that he is eating meat . But remember the meal that Murdoc has set for him in " Strictly Business " ? It was very elaborate . And Murdoc TOLD MacGyver that it was vegetarian. It was like MacGyver is a vegetarian and Murdoc knowing it, went to get him all the vegetarian platters he could eat to his content . Then when MacGyver would be filled up from the food, they could get down to the business at hand . That is when Murdoc was going to try to kill MacGyver in order to make it even between them , since MacGyver helped Murdoc with his ( supposed ) sister . ( I say " supposed " since in another area of this forum that question came up as to was Ashton Murdoc's sister. But we won't go into that , here and now .)
Anyway, my point being , I would say that I have that feeling MacGyver is a vegetarian . He has a very healthy way of eating . And I have as yet to see an episode that he ate meat .

Sincerely,
Katey Mackay

He eats meat so many times...but i can see how you would be under the impression that he's a vegeterian He's just a health concious person that sometimes eats meat. But by the end of season 7, it's a bit ambiguous (see above). Poor Mac...he lived in the days before Boca Burgers were sold at every Costco.

OK... Mac's Carnivorous Ingestions...

-Some unidentifiable meat out of a pot (somewhere season 1 i think?)
-an egg roll (most, though not all, have meat)
-roasted lamb sanwich
-stew fixed by Pete (perhaps contained meat)
-trout
-some meat on a skewer in Thailand
-LIZARD
-prison chicken (I got it Rock )

That is so right Pete would just love some hearty beef stew! I just love Pete! Didn't Mac make some comment one time about Pete sticking on a diet? See I love Pete, he has real human struggles just like the rest of us!

God I would hate to see that Pete's cholesterol level is

This post has been edited by Rockatteer on 28 March 2007 - 02:26 PM

God I would hate to see that Pete's colesstral leve is

Ha like thru the roof! Remember the time when Pete broke his leg and Mac made some like tofu casserole, and Pete wanted to send him out for chinese and ice cream instead? Pete, you are my HERO!

That’s kina funny, today on a Boston Station’s News there was a report that MickyD’s is better for you than Chinese food.

how did they come to that conclusion?

MacD isn't even real food.. it's so processed that it never goes moldy.

Ah, they're beating around about high sodium and saturated fats... which anyone with half a brain knows is something to be considered with any foods that are fried and prepared... here's one link at yahoo: http://health.yahoo.com/news/173241

I get weary of the food scare games. These folks would have us eating bark, bugs, lizards, and leaves if they had their way... and they'd still be griping about the high fat-content of bugs with wings vs. bugs without wings, or whatever.

I'm sure that someone must have been paid a nifty bundle to say that MickyD's is healther... tell me--do I LOOK like I'm stupid??

*calmly climbs down from her soapbox and melts into the crowd*

Its a 20 year old Report and they were talking about how much SALT goes in to Chinese.... here in the US..... YEA I KNOW it also CHINES RESTAURANT home made would be that best

This post has been edited by Rockatteer on 28 March 2007 - 02:23 PM

Ya me too. Though I'm not a huge fan of McD's, what with their marketing junk to children, etc. BUT to their credit, they do have things on the menu that even health-aware people can eat too.

You can get a diet coke, black coffee, and a plain green salad w/ no dressing. You can eat on it for a whole hour as you visit with friends or whatever, and at the end of the time you feel like you have been just eating forever. Also, just the smell of cheeseburgers actually tricks your brain into thinking you have eaten them. ALSO the caffiene overload dulls your appetite- scientifically proven. For anyone trying not to go off their diet I swear this works. And you can still join your friends at McD's!

I don't know what the healthy chinese equivalent of this would be...prob. coffee, diet coke and hot and sour soup. Eating out it's hard to be good...MacGyver knows this! Remember that time when he ordered a salad at that wild game restaurant in "The Endangered"?

How and the heck did this thread get on to McDonalds?


Mmmmmmm.... Strawberry Shake. oops

(strawberry shake... 93 ingredients, not one of which is strawberries)

And lets not forget the Gauntlet, where he eats lizard.