Simple carbohydrates like sugary baked goods and candy bars can cause rapid blood glucose spikes followed by a sharp drop, leaving hikers more fatigued than before. Meanwhile, heavily processed foods tend to be dense in calories but lacking the vitamins, minerals and protein the body needs to perform well.<\/p>\n
A healthy diet can provide consistent energy throughout the day and improved recovery.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like to think of food as one variable that can be controlled, unlike a sprained ankle or bad weather,\u201d Owens Mayhew said.<\/p>\n
She said the best way to eat in the wilderness is to find ways to continue eating the food you normally do at home. Instead of frying bacon and eggs on the fire because that\u2019s what you did at camp as a kid, have that bran cereal you eat every morning, this time with powdered milk (find it in the baking aisle).<\/p>\n
Many of the recipes on Owens Mayhew\u2019s website are healthier versions of her family\u2019s classic recipes, including tuna casserole, garlic-Parmesan noodles and sweet potato casserole. As a supplement to grilled meat or fish, she suggested packing instant brown rice, quinoa and couscous, which are lightweight, healthy and require only boiled water.<\/p>\n
To boost flavor, add fresh ginger, herbs, or garlic or onion powder. Adding nuts, dried mushrooms, grated Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes or dried fruit turns the starch into a meal of its own.<\/p>\n
![\"Frazier's](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Be_Well_-_Healthy_Camping_98354.jpg\")
Frazier\u2019s cookbook, \u201cCook Out,\u201d includes recipes for outdoor meals and recommended ingredients that can be prepared ahead of time at home. Alex Forestier via AP
\nPrep meals at home and assemble at camp<\/p>\n
Cooking at camp is much harder than when you\u2019re comfortably home in your kitchen, so winging it is usually a bad idea, said Rashad Frazier, founder of gourmet adventure outfitter Camp Yoshi, at campyoshi.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Well before a trip, take time to plan meals and prep as many ingredients as will stay fresh in zip-top bags or containers. Chopping onions or grating fresh ginger at home frees time to enjoy the sunset and spend time with family when you\u2019re outdoors.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s no extra bonus points for cutting onions and making mango chutney at camp,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n