5 Adventurer-Approved Healthy Camping Meals That Are Also Super Easy to Make

Spending time outdoors has a multitude of benefits, like you get vitamin D, a nutrient that many of us don’t get enough of, and it can help improve your sleep. If your preferred method of logging your al fresco time is having a sleepover with Mother Nature, it’s important to pack more than just a snack. While camping classics like s’mores and hot dogs are delicious, they aren’t always the best fuel for your outdoor adventures. So it’s a good idea to bring along some healthy camping meals.

Merrell ambassador and weekend adventurer Tiffany Moreno is all about that #doitoutdoors lifestyle, so we asked her to share some tips on how to make healthy camping meals. First off, she says the main challenges of cooking outdoors are not having fresh ingredients, proper cooking equipment, or the storage to pack a camp stove. In fact, “perishable foods such as raw meat, dairy products, and fruits and vegetables that are likely to spoil and go bad” are on her list of things not to bring.

That doesn’t mean, however, that you’re limited to canned foods. Here are five ideas for healthy camping meals that require minimal time and effort.

Lundberg Family Farms Organic Whole Grain Rice Cakes (Pack of 6) — $26.00

Moreno recommends pairing these brown rice cakes with nut butter or avocado for a snack that is “no cook, light, and filling.” These organic bad boys are 100-percent whole grain, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free, and they’re made with only two ingredients: organic brown rice and sea salt.

Krave Jerky Gourmet Beef Cuts — $7.00

Another Moreno pick, this beef jerky has eight grams of protein per serving, and is made with lean cuts of meat. Add it to a vegetable stew for a hearty dinner option. Or, combine it with a little barbecue sauce and pickles on bread to make a quick, satisfying sandwich.

Backpacker’s Pantry Three Sisters Stew (2 servings) — $9.00

This vegan stew is incredibly easy to prepare—as in, just add hot water and the included olive oil packet. Fifteen minutes later, you have a filling meal that’s got 14 grams of both protein and dietary fiber.

Pro Bar Meal On-the-Go Banana Nut Bread (Pack of 12) — $40.00

These bars are “made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients,” Moreno says, which is why she recommends them. They’re vegan, and have a low glycemic index, meaning they won’t spike your blood sugar. In addition, the brand pays special attention to the balance of sodium and protein, which helps you hydrate better.

Mountain House Freeze Dried Chicken Fajita Bowl — $8.00

There’s so much more to freeze-dried food than just ice cream. This fajita bowl is ready in 10 minutes—just add boiling water—and you can make it right in the package. It boasts 18 grams of protein, and is made with chicken, bell peppers, rice, beans, corn, and onions. Even if you’re not heading into the wilderness, it’s a good idea to have these on hand in case of emergency.

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