How To Elevate Your Camping Menu 101

When you think about camping, we think about canned foods, hot dogs and hamburgers. While camping typically involves a lot of quick and easy snacks, it doesn't always have to include unhealthy options. It is possible to eat fresh and healthy foods while spending a weekend away in the great outdoors, whether you are camping in an RV or a tent. Many foods are great options for camping that don't require refrigeration. However, with proper storage methods, you can enjoy meat, eggs and cheese while you are camping. Going on vacation doesn’t have to derail your lifestyle, and you can still enjoy your meals.

Here's a few trips you use to stay on track:

Tip 1: Plan your menu, and make a list of what you plan to cook. You can shop for the ingredients ahead of time so you can assure you’re eating healthy options over the trip. Make sure it includes a variety of foods to keep you satisfied, and include plenty of nutrients to keep you satisfied. 

Tip 2: Pack plenty of fruits and vegetables for your trip. Many options don't need to be kept cold, and can be sliced and served raw as part of a meal or for a snack. Apples, oranges, carrots, sweet potatoes, avocados, peaches, tomatoes, onions and plums are all good examples of fruits and vegetables that can be taken camping without refrigeration. Produce is an important part of a healthy diet and should be incorporated into your meal plan at the campsite.

Tip 3: Make sure to pack a cooler with ice, and store any foods that require refrigeration. Lean meats will keep over the weekend, as long as you refresh the ice as needed. Don’t leave the meat out for more than a few minutes at a time unless you are planning on cooking. This includes cold cuts, eggs and cheese too. Keep in mind that the more you open and close the cooler, the quicker the meat inside will begin to spoil. Choosing lean meats reduces your intake of saturated fat and provides a recommended part of a healthy diet even while camping.

Tip 4: Bring some whole grain foods too! Bread does not need to be refrigerated, and is a staple over a weekend camping trip for sandwiches and toast! Whole grain pasta or brown rice can be boiled in a pot over the fire or cooked before you leave, and stored until it's ready to reheat at the campsite. Muffins and pancakes made from whole grains are other options of healthy camping foods you can prepare and bring with you.

Tip 5: Make yourself some trail mix and bring it along! This is a great healthy snack that will give you energy for any planned activities over the trip! Combine nuts, dried fruit and a cereal low in sugar, and portion it out into bags or containers for a quick and easy pick-me-up at the campsite.

Drinks Tips: Bring some Simply For Life Water, Kombucha, Rumble, Powerful Yogurts, Coffee, Black/Herbal/ or Green Tea to spice up the drink menu!

With the summer season in full swing, make sure to stay on track and take advantage of all summer has to offer. Come shop for all the groceries you’ll need for your trip at your local Simply For Life natural market! 

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