Healthy Food Ideas For When You’re Out Camping

Just because you are on vacation, that is absolutely no excuse to put your healthy eating plan on hold, or think it is time to jam a bunch of calories in your mouth without watching your food intake. Actually, this is the real opposite – this is going to test your skills of proper portion control and moderation eating, while you are out having fun.

Like I always say, don’t let dieting get in the way of your life and stop you from doing things you would otherwise do. So don’t put off your camping trip just because you are following a strict diet plan, there are still ways you can keep eating healthy WITHOUT letting it control your life. My healthy camping food ideas will help you tremendously while you are out on your trip.

Healthy Breakfast Ideas

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so instead of just jamming a bunch of sugar-packed calories in your first meal, there’s loads of recipes you can have that will full you up just as much – and without consuming as much calories.

Rolled Oats

Have some rolled oats – leave the sugar out and add some honey or dried fruits instead, add a handful of nuts that will have you rearing to go for the entire morning until lunch time.

Cereal

Cereal may not be the perfect choice if you are on a strict diet plan, however it’s good enough to keep you stomach full, they usually have low calories and it will stop you from binging later on during the day.

Fresh Fruits

You can never go wrong with some fresh fruits to kick start your day, this might be a better idea for you depending on your preferred taste. If you aren’t a big fan of fruit you can put them in your cereal for added taste.

==> See my 5 fast camping meals

Snacks

Snacks are an ideal food, not just for the real world – but also for camping trips. If you are getting hungry before your next big meal, don’t reach for that block of chocolate, have one of these snack ideas instead.

I suggest you carry at least 2 or 3 from the list below if you go out exploring the great outdoors, you NEED to keep your energy levels up..oh and I hope you’re staying hydrated too!

Protein Bars – These are made with lots of protein and fiber which helps keep you fuller for longer, these make a great alternative for those packet of chips you were about to grab.

Rice Cakes – They aren’t usually your go-to source for a snack while at home, but in the wilderness they are perfect to eat in between meals, just eat them in moderation and don’t binge eat.

Popcorn – Low in calories if you eat them without flavor, which is how I recommend you eat them – plain and capable of satisfying your tummy.

Nuts – These are a great source of low-calorie snacks to boost your energy and keep the levels up for hours!

Dried Fruits – If you want something more simple, ready to eat and can fit easily in a Ziploc bag, this might be what you are after.

 

Healthy Lunch Ideas

A healthy lunch that’s able to satisfy those cravings AND keep you full for a long time is what you should be looking for in a healthy meal recipe. Fortunately I have you covered!

Chicken Salad

A chicken salad is a great alternative for a couple of hot dogs or a cheese-filled pizza. If you do decide to have a chicken salad for lunch, I highly recommend you put some butternut squash (which is rated one of the healthiest and nutritious vegetables available) in with it, these are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Good ol’ Sandwiches

There’s a reason why so many people take these on their trips, that’s because they WORK, they are yummy, packed with nutritious food items, and even the kids love them which is an added bonus considering it’s quite difficult to get kids to eat healthy these days.

Some good food items to pack your sandwiches with:

• Tomatoes
• Lettuce
• Meat (ham, red meat, chicken etc)
• Avocado
• Mayo
• Egg
• Celery
• Onions
• And the list goes on

Tomato Soup

You can choose another flavor if you don’t like tomato soup. Ditch the can and prepare it yourself with veggies. Nothing is cozier than sitting down with a bowl of yummy, hot soup. Add some bread in there to help full you up for longer.

Avocado Soup

If you’re a fan of avocados you’ll love this recipe meal idea. This soup is creamy, flavorsome and only giving you 300 calories so there’s room for additional food on the side to help full you up.

Avocado Myth: Avocado is high in fat
Avocado Fact: Yes avocado is high in fat, but it is ‘heart healthy’ fat – the good kind.

Add some citrus shrimp relish to this recipe and you have yourself a scrumptious lunch that’s going to keep you fuller for longer.

Chipotle Pork and Avocado Wraps

This avocado wrap only contains 239 calories, if you want some spice you can add more chipotle chiles (1 teaspoon). The trick to this recipe is to add something as a side dish, baked tortilla chips work great, however portion control is key – so don’t eat straight from the bag.

Instead, serve 1 ounce of chips and keep them in a Ziploc, add an apple or mango and you have a complete, full-filling meal.

 

Healthy Dinner Ideas

Dinner is usually the most heaviest meal of the day, so if you are an early dinner type of person, you might want to cut back on the portion of your meal and have something as a snack later on before bed.

However if you’re more of a late night dinner eater, you can go quite heavy with this meal (in full control though), eat until you are satisfied, not until you are absolutely full.

Pork Tacos

Depending on your size and weight, 2 is the average amount. Usually 1 for smaller people, 2-3 for bigger people. This recipe is really yummy and will have you full for a long time. They aren’t packed with sugar and bad fats, so this makes them a healthy eating meal.

Pork Lettuce Wraps

You’re probably catching on to the trend here, anything wrapped with meat and healthy fats is the key to healthy eating. No gimmicks and no tricks – just keep out the sugar and bad fats and you’re away laughing. Eat until you are satisfied, add a side of plum sauce and let me know how it tastes 🙂

Steak And Cauliflower Potatoes

Want a hearty cooked meal without the calorie-loaded bad stuff? Then this is for you. I recommend super lean top sirloin for faster cooking, and nicer too 😀 Add your cauliflower potatoes with a side of greens and you have it, a healthy recipe, yummy, and giving you a full tummy.

Salmon Kebabs

If you have kids with you, they are more likely to enjoy a meaty, tasteful salmon kebab – and you will too! If you want a quick and healthy dinner that the kids will love as well, then this meal idea might be what you’ve been looking for.

Click here for my 10 easy camping meals

Conclusion

I’m glad you chose to stay healthy while out on a camping trip, you don’t have to follow a strict diet plan to maintain your weight when you are eating healthy – as long as you are eating in moderation, not overeating, staying away from sugary foods, and bad fats then you are going to do fine.

Don’t let a healthy eating plan get in the way of doing what you love, because you only get one life – and like they say, when you’re sitting on your death bed you are more prone to regret the things you didn’t do a lot more than the things you did do.

So get out there and have some fun! 😀

Do you want some quick camping meal ideas? Check them here!

If you found this article helpful please leave a comment and tell me what your favorite recipe is.