Camping is a fun way to bring the whole family together. Whether you go with just your spouse, or you bring the children along, you are sure to learn new things about each other and share some laughs in the wilderness. You can camp in the desert, a state park, the canyon or even in your own backyard. Traditionally, camping means you are away from the home, without access to a refrigerator or any major cooking appliances. This doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice healthy, tasty foods. Wherever you go camping, you can bring healthy, nonperishable or at least long-lasting foods with you.
Oatmeal Packets
Taking individual oatmeal packets with your on your camping trip makes it easy to prepare a warm, hearty breakfast. Dry oatmeal lasts months without spoiling and contains carbohydrates, which provide you with long-lasting energy. All you have to do in the morning is boil a kettle of water over a fire. You can then pour the hot water over the dry oatmeal in a bowl and mix it with a spoon. Plain, unflavored oatmeal packets are best for adults who are trying to watch their sugar intake, while children often prefer the flavored variety such as strawberries n' cream or vanilla oatmeal.
Bread, Peanut Butter and Jelly
When you're camping outdoors, you don't have a lot of resources to cook hot lunches. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a favorite of adults and children alike and they do not require any cooking. Just pack a jar of shelf-stable peanut butter, some individual-sized packets of jelly and a loaf of bread. The loaf of bread does not need to be refrigerated, but it will only last a good week or so outdoors. This will do fine since most people camp for less than a week at a time. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are nutritious, as they provide all of the essential macronutrients, protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats. Be sure to pack plastic knives, plates and napkins so that you can make the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Beef Jerky
The Minnesota Rovers Outdoor Club recommends bringing beef jerky on camping trips since it is portable and high in protein. Beef jerky has all of the moisture removed during processing, so it can last for months without being refrigerated. It makes for a tasty snack when eaten around the fire while camping. You can make your own beef jerky at home before you leave for the camping trip, using a dehydrator, or your stove, or you can purchase beef jerky from your local grocery store or health food store.
Dried Fruits
The camping website PackYourGear.com states that dried fruits are the perfect camping snack. Fruits are essential because they provide the body with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, yet fresh fruits simply won't last long while camping. Dried fruits are just as nutritious, and they are more calorie-dense, which can be good since you may go a while without eating when camping. They also make a good snack during a long hike, to keep your energy up. Try drying your own fruits with a dehydrator before leaving on your trip, or purchasing dried apples, raisins, prunes and dried berries to go on your trip.
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