Camping food

Even if you are the kind of person that doesn't think to much about what you eat, you will still find food for your first camping trip a little confusing. There is a ton of advice out there. The best thing to keep in mind is that what you take will depend entirely on the camping that you do. 

If your tent is pitched next to your car or you have a stove in your cabin, the sky's the limit with an ice filled cooler. Even if you are headed out to the back of beyond for an overnight hike, you will be surprised the types of food you can take (eggs and cheeses). Just, be careful that you follow your food safety guide lines. The only thing you are limited by is the weight you are willing to carry. 

Pick the foods and methods that work for you and your fellow campers. Even people on dietary restrictions can cook out. We used to have a yearly camp out with our friend who is a type 2 diabetic and whose son was a type 1 diabetic. I have high blood pressure and found great advice from a pro at this website: http://www.sodiumgirl.com/low-sodium-backpacking-food/ .

K.L.'s day hike foods must have:

• Raw unsalted almonds (*I have high blood pressure, so I aim for the lower sodium option)
• Dried fruit
• Granola bar
• M&Ms (if I feel a sweet tooth coming on)
• Packet of Justin's of PB&Co peanut butter (my high protein, low weight favorite)
• *Squeeze pouches of fruit, like applesauce, are also great to choice

K.L.'s overnight must haves:

• Peanut Butter packet, jelly packet, and bagel (makes a good lunch and a great breakfast)
• Oatmeal (this can get sticky and hard to clean up a bowl so opt for the brands that allow you to pour the hot water in the pouch)
• Cheese ( my favorites are mini Baby Bells)
• Salami or pepperoni slices (this is higher in sodium, but so worth it! Watch out though, pepperoni is surprisingly spicy in large amounts)
• Low sodium tuna (in the packet, not the can), some Mrs. Dash seasoning (in a plastic no-leak baggie), sun dried tomatoes (can be put in the baggie), a little olive oil (can be put in the baggie as well): mix together for a low-sodium tuna salad.
• My day hike foods as snacks
• No-salt seasoning for group meals that are cooked.
• powder or liquid flavoring for water

There are great recipes out there so don't be afraid to try cooking in the outdoors! See my post next post on camping pancakes.