I must admit when we go camping, lollies, chips and other processed foods sneak their way into our trolley. I take the easy option and provide far too many treats for our family.
Just because we are going away doesn’t mean our eating habits should change. Don’t get me wrong we will still have a few red wines and roast marshmallows around the campfire. We all need a few little indulgences after all!
Being a seasoned camper I have a few tips on staying healthy while you are camping.
Stay hydrated
It is important to stay hydrated especially when you are camping and out in the elements. That Aussie sun is a killer and can dehydrate you in no time! I have been adding lemon to my water which not only keeps me hydrated but it assists in weight loss, boosts the immune system, supports the digestive system and promotes clear skin.
Be Prepared and Meal Plan
Storage space is usually limited and you don’t have all the cooking appliances from home. Meals need to be planned according to your fridge space and what cooking equipment you have available.
Work out some healthy meals that are easy to cook and prepare while you are camping. Keep it simple. After a day exploring you want a quick and easy meal that is also delicious and nutritious. Barbeques, salads and one-pot dishes are always a good option.
Shop at Farmer Markets
There is nothing better than eating fresh produce. It is even better when you know you are helping out a local farmer. I love finding a great Farmer Market. Don’t forget you can usually pick up a great bargain at the end of the day.
When you are on the road keep your eye out for roadside stalls. Pick up some fresh fruit, vegetables, honey and eggs. Many of these stalls operate on an honour system so be sure to have some cash on you!
Exercise
Just because you are travelling don’t let it be an excuse not to exercise. There are plenty of things you can do to keep up your exercise routine while you are away.
Smash out a workout at your campsite before you start the day’s activities. Ditch the car and explore your new surrounds on foot or on a bike. Swim in the ocean or lake, take a local exercise class or do some yoga in the forest. The options are endless!
To be honest I think I move my body more while I am camping.
Cooking and Storage Tips
- Cryovac meat so it takes up less space.
- Add eggs to a plastic bottle. It saves storage space and also stops you from having cracked eggs. The eggs can be used as a scramble or in an omelette.
- Salad dressings can be made at home and stored in a jar so you don’t need to bring all the ingredients.
- Chop vegetables at home and store in a container or zip lock bag to save space.
- Pre-measure dry baking ingredients such as damper or pancakes and store them in an airtight container or zip lock bag. Simply add the wet ingredients when you are at camp and cook.
- Use long-life milk as it saves space and can be stored out of the fridge until you need to use it.
- Bring containers to store leftovers or open packets of food.
If you have any tips on staying healthy while travelling please let me know as I would love to hear them.
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Good tips, I agree meal planning is a necessity especially with limited storage space. Farmers markets ✔️ exercise ✔️ And clever idea to chop veggies before you go, any time saver is a good idea.
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I often find that we are out exploring and late to get dinner on so it is good to have some stuff prepped.
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That’s true, no one wants to be missing out!
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Great tips, and thank you! I camp as often as possible! And I like to try to eat as healthy as possible every day of the week. Either while camping or not!
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That is great that you keep up your healthy eating habits while you are away. I seem to fall into a bit of a hole but not anymore, I am changing my ways!
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Anne, I love food so I can understand not following healthy eating all the time. I give myself little treats now and again as a reward for always moving forward with healthier choices!
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That is full of great ideas and most practical too. Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek. Next week the optional prompt is the first of the regular photography ones: Share Your Snaps. 4/2/2019. Denyse
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Oh I have lots of snaps to share from the summer holidays!
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Some great tips here – especially the one about the eggs in a bottle. Prep also re dressings or pastes that become the base of curry in the camp oven. Space is, indeed, a premium #teamlovinlife
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We really need to do some more cooking in the camp over and curry sounds fab!
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It’s a while since I’ve been camping but these tips brought it all back to me. Great ideas! #lifethisweek
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Sounds like you need to organise a camping trip!!
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Wow, what great advice for anyone who camps. I’m not a camper, but I’m pinning this because I know many of my followers will love it.
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Thank you for pinning it!
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Look at that vege tray! Very healthy
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Thanks for the great tips. #lifelovinlinky
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Some great tips – thanks Anne. I’m a bit of a meal plan junkie I think. I meal plan at home and I meal plan for some holidays. I do for beach holidays (allowing for fish ‘n’ chips by the beach nights and eating out nights and BBQ’s by the pool etc) and I would for a camping holiday (if that ever happens!). I don’t when we’re on the go – like our recent Great Ocean Road trip. Healthy is a no brainer for me cos I feel so yuk if I eat unhealthy. I do have the odd unhealthy snack though! #TeamLovinLife
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I am trying to get better at meal planning, it is one of my new year’s resolutions.
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Thanks for sharing your precious tips. Totally agree with you, healthy meal, doing exercise helps to build your stamina and increasing strength. I do a lot of camping and hiking. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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All great tips here, Anne. Preparation makes it easier to eat healthy. I always aim for easy, simple and if possible one pot dishes even when we’re at home. Thanks for linking up with Wellness Wednesday. Our next link up is on March 13. The optional prompt is Indoor or Outdoor Fitness.
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Good post. The exercise is the easy part of a camping trip, right? But eating healthy is a chore. I’ve started just packing healthy things and leaving the junk at home. We eat lots of apples, bananas, and protein drinks during the day in between hikes, and then a good meal in the evening. Your post reminds me–it’s time to go camping!
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I hope you do go camping soon!
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Love this post! Any idea how to translate some of these to backpacking when you have to carry all your food?
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You might need to use your tin cans as weights!!! I am sure walking around with a full backpack will give you a workout!
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Great advice here, thank you.
Isn’t it amazing how much healthier you feel when living in the great outdoors. After each trip, we feel so alive and promise that we will keep up the same lifestyle when we get back home… but nope, slip into couch potato mode every time. I have told hubby that the only cure that I can think of for this syndrome, is to be on the road permanently. 😀
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Hitting the road permanently sounds like a good plan to me!
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Nice Post Great Blog!!
haha healty??
i choose greek Souvlaki ,….
i love camping here is my first camp for a year in my Homeland skopelos island greece!
https://www.kdexplorer.com/2017/08/camping-skopelos.html
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Nice post
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[…] Keeping Healthy While Camping […]
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