a tent with a table and food on it

Healthy No Kitchen Camping Meals

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How to Make Healthy No Kitchen Camping Meals

Taking a camping trip with a group of friends or family can be a very enjoyable activity during a hot summer. Knowing what food to bring, on the other hand, can sometimes be difficult. Because camping often goes hand in hand with strenuous activities like hiking, try to stick to food that will fuel your body well and keep you going. As long as you have a few tools at your disposition, there are plenty of meals that you can make without access to a kitchen.

Consider the following tips on how to make healthy, no kitchen camping meals before you set off on your next camping trip.

Use milk powder and water

Ideally, you’ll have access to clean water on your trip, but if you don’t, bringing it along will ensure that you can make a few easy meals. For example, granola combined with milk powder and water makes for a quick, easy breakfast. You might like to make your own granola beforehand with dried fruit, oats and nuts – all food that are great for energy. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of that water, too – it’s all too easy to forget when you’re busy, but you’ll be much more prepared for camping activities if you’re hydrated.

Bring food that doesn’t need refrigerating

Depending on how long you’ll be outside, salads might still be an option –  use beans and corn as a base for quick salads that’ll fill you up and give you an energy boost. Dried meats and hard cheeses make for great snacks when eaten with crackers, and bagels are one of the better bread options to bring camping – pair them with peanut butter for a light meal.

Opt for freeze-dried meals

Campfire cooking for healthy no kitchen camping meals

Cooking on the grill.

You might need to do a little research if you’re looking for the healthiest options, but freeze-dried meals are simple and usually require just a small amount of hot water to prepare, making them ideal for a kitchen-free trip (as long as you have access to a small portable stove). Ranging from simple soups to full dishes, freeze-dried meals are usually light and compact, so if you’re planning on carrying a backpack with limited space, they’ll suit you well.

Plan your snacks

You’re already looking out for yourself by choosing healthy, no kitchen camping meals, but it’s all too easy to ruin all that effort with unhealthy snacks. Thankfully, there are plenty of snacks that’ll both fill you up and keep you going while you’re camping! Try fruit, pumpkin seeds, and nuts. These snacks will also help to nourish your skin, which is important when you’re partaking in summertime activities like camping. Using plenty of sunscreen and choosing snacks that will nourish both your body and your skin will ensure that you’ll return home feeling healthy and refreshed after your trip, rather than tired and sunburned!

Prepare your meals beforehand

Of course, you always have the option of preparing meals beforehand and bringing them with you. Wraps and sandwiches are a particularly good option, as they’re versatile and can be filled with the ingredients of your choice – choose hummus for a healthy spread. Another alternative that’ll last you on the road, pasta salad is an easy, people-pleasing meal.

Planning healthy meals while camping needn’t be a headache. As long as you don’t mind keeping things on the simple side, you’ll be able to eat well and focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about your next meal. Carry a can opener and a portable grill or stove, as well as collapsible utensils and dinnerware, and you’ll have eliminated the need for a kitchen on your next camping trip!

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