How To Eat Healthy While Camping

Camping is an incredible option for vacationing, particularly during the summer months. Not only does it get individuals closer to nature and surround them with fresh air, but it also provides a unique opportunity to unplug, which can be a great stress reliever.

However, electricity and such are a rarity when it comes to camping, which can throw many potential campers for a loop when it comes to what they are going to eat while on their trip. They are, after all, limited to the campfire and perhaps a small propane stove to cook their food. This often results in individuals making unhealthy eating choices simply out of convenience. However, eating healthy while camping is quite a bit easier than most might think.

Meal Plan Before Departure

It is quite easy to choose convenient foods, particularly unhealthy junk food, without too much planning. They are, for most people, the go-to option in many situations when convenience is necessary or even just wanted. However, healthy meals can be as convenient! They simply need a little bit of planning, especially when cooking methods are limited as in camping.

When it comes to meal planning for a camping trip, the first thing you should do is list how long you will be gone, how many individuals are going, and what meals you need to account for. Another excellent piece of advice is to figure out how you can use the same ingredients in multiple meals, especially if it is a healthy choice. For instance, oatmeal with dried or dehydrated fruit is an excellent choice for breakfast, particularly if you choose plain rolled oats rather than the small flavored packages of oatmeal. But why pack just enough for one meal if you need to account for a few breakfasts? Switch up the fruit for some variety and different nutrients.

Pre-Cook Components

You shouldn’t bring raw meats or eggs camping if there is no refrigerator available to keep them cool before cooking. However, cooked meat and eggs are fair game! Pasta while camping does not have to be just sauce and noodles; throw some cooked chicken or ground beef in there too, along with vegetables. Thus, cook the necessary components for the meals you have planned. Try to do this the day before a camping trip, as this will ensure you have more time to use the cooked ingredients before they go bad without refrigeration.