Staying on Track While Camping

What doesn't say summer like camping!!! Getting outdoors to be one with nature can be both relaxing and fun! However, it can also bring along a little stress for anyone really focusing on eating healthy and/or losing weight. The good thing is, you can enjoy some of the indulgences of camping (hello s'mores!) while also staying on track!

Here's a few tips on how to do just that,

Plan, Plan, Plan! Not only is planning a key to success when you are at home, it's a HUGE key to success when you are camping. Even if you're not in charge of all the meals, you should be planning for food for yourself for the majority of your meals. This might take some time and a little more effort but there's no question it's the number one thing that will help you have fun while feeling great.

Prep ahead - pre-washing and cutting up veggies, hard boiling eggs, making salad jars, pre-weighed and/or measured breakfasts and lunches can help you to keep your main meals on track. That way you'll have a little more room for things like cocktails by the lake and marshmallows by the fire :-)

Drink responsibly - speaking of cocktails... often times with camping comes "fun" beverages. Which is just fine! As long as you be sure to set some guidelines in advance. Maybe plan out how many drinks you'll allow yourself each day. Or set boundaries for the time you'll start consuming alcohol. It's a lot easier to fall off track when you start drinking with breakfast ;-) Also be sure to bring along some fun non-alcoholic beverages. Check out my packing list below for a few favorites!

Snack smartly - It can be easy to snack the day away when you're sitting around the campsite or in front of the lake. So make sure to pack smart snacks (see the packing list below). Also be sure to stay hydrated so you don't mistake thirst for hunger.

Enjoy the beauty around you while moving your body!

Be active - Sure one main goal of camping is to relax, however, staying active can not only allow your body to burn more calories, but you'll be more likely to want healthier foods. Go for a hike, bike ride, swim, walk, run, maybe even try a fun outdoor workout. Something to keep your body moving can help you both physically and mentally!

Build healthy main meals - So everyone in camp is having bacon, eggs and giant chocolate muffins for breakfast. Instead of loading up a plate of the above, build a healthier meal of 1 slice of bacon, 1 egg + 3 egg whites cooked with some spinach, 1/2 a muffin and some fruit on the side.

Make sure to include protein, complex carbs (veggies, veggies, veggies) and a SMALL portion of healthy fats. You'll be more likely to eat more carbs and fats so loading up on protein as often as you can will help keep you more in balance with your macros.

Protein, carbs and fats!

Supplement as needed - While it's best to get your nutrients from whole foods, sometimes (like when traveling or camping) it can be helpful to use supplements to help keep you on track. Protein powders, vitamins, greens powders etc. are all great to pack. Check the packing list below for a few good ones to bring along.

Healthy Camping Packing List

Protein Sources

• Pre-cooked chicken breast

• Tuna Packets

• Jerky

• Eggs (Crack ahead into jars for quick scrambles and easy packing)

• Liquid Egg Whites (easy to pack containers)

• Powdered Egg Whites

• Greek yogurt cups

• Skim Milk Cheese Strings

Carbs

• Dried Fruits

• Apple Chips

• Rice Cakes

• Oat Packets

• Oat cups (just add water)

• Instant Rice Cups or packets

• Pre-cut Vegetables for Roasting (Peppers, Onions, Carrots)

• Tortilla or wraps

• Whole grain breads

• Ready to cook sweet potatoes (breakfast potatoes)

Fats

• Single Serving PB or Nut Butter

• Raw nuts

• Trail mix

• Coconut oil packets (great for cooking)

• Whole Eggs

• Avocado

Snack Worthy Foods

• Trail mix

• Plain Popcorn

• Rice Chips

• Snap Peas

• Low Fat Pretzels

• Graham Crackers

• Dark Chocolate

• Smashmallows

• Crackers

• Granola Bars

Supplements

• Protein powders

• Collagen peptides

• Green juice packets Protein bars

• BCAA's

• Nuun hydration tablets

• A good probiotic (helps keep you regular)

Low Calorie Drinks

• Topo Chico

• La Croix

• Sparkling Ice Drinks

• Spindrift

• Sparkling probiotic drinks (also great for keeping you regular)

Try implementing a few of these tips for your next camping trip and enjoy a healthy, stress-free vacation!