When camping, it is important to keep an ample supply of healthy and nutritious snacks readily on hand. Portable, lightweight and nutrient dense snack can help to ensure that you have a great time, and more importantly, will provide you with peace of mind in the event that you are cut off from an available food source.
Trail mix is a popular option for campers because they are nutritious, delicious and easy to transport. Simply mixing a combination of almonds, cashews, peanuts and dried cranberries in a zipper seal sandwich bag can provide healthy sustenance. For those of you that may be looking for something with a bit more variety, try mixing peanuts, plain M&Ms, banana chips, raisins, and Cheerios together.
Energy bars are a great snack that pack loads of nutrients and are easy to carry around. There is no shortage of varieties in your favorite grocery, mega-mart or health food store. Bars made with soy and real fruit are converted into energy very slowly and help to keep your blood sugar steady.
Beef jerky takes up very little space, is extremely light and is delicious. Dried meats contain high levels of protein and provide the necessary energy to get your through your camping trip. To add a bit of variety to your diet, try mixing in different types of meats, such as beef, turkey and fish, or different flavors like teriyaki or sweet and sour.
Peanut butter and crackers also make a great camping snack. Peanut butter is high in protein and the crackers provide energy packed carbohydrates. Preparing these as small sandwiches will alleviate the need to tote along a heavy jar and spreading tool. Prepackaged sandwiches are available in abundance and are relatively inexpensive.
Tuna fish, while thought primarily of for sandwiches, can be a great camping snack in and of itself. Lightweight pouches are available which provide fresh tasting tuna that is portable and does not require draining. Small packets of mayonnaise or slices of lemon can be brought along to add flavor without adding much bulk or weight. This tasty snack can provide as much as 13 grams of protein per two-ounce serving.
Snacks that are high in carbohydrates are nutritious and provide a tasty means for staying energized. Firm, fresh fruits make for great treats and generally travel well. Apples, oranges, firm peaches and plums can be brought along easily as can firm grapes or cherries when placed in a small plastic bag.
If portability isn’t a major concern, veggie kabobs, either cooked or raw, can provide a delicious snack or meal replacement without adding many calories to your diet. A nice mix of mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, carrots, celery and bell peppers can make for a tasty dish. For something a little different, try marinating the veggies in some zesty low-fat Italian dressing before eating.
Having a large salad and pre-made sandwiches readily available can help to steer campers away from the more typical chips and hot dog menu that rule so many websites. Food that is easy to grab and take on the go is generally well accepted by all. By having nutritious options available, you are providing campers with the opportunity to make a healthier decision than they normally might.
If you are going to have little ones along on the camping trip, it is wise to have a variety of snack type foods around. Some kids can be rather finicky about what they eat, so you will want a number of different options available. A variety of sliced cheeses, fruits and raw veggies with low fat dipping sauces will appeal to many youngsters. Whole grain crackers and flavored rice cakes can give kids a crunchy and salty snack without the fat and calories of chips and cookies. Granola bars and cereal bars are also great alternatives and are relatively mess free.
On any camping trip, the main objective is to have fun and be safe. Ensuring that you have an ample array of healthy and nutritious snacks on hand will keep everyone satisfied and provide the necessary energy to sustain the wear and tear of true camping. Make sure that you have taken everyone’s likes and dislikes into consideration and you will be sure to have a successful camping trip.