One of the things I enjoy most about camping is cooking in the great outdoors with my family. It’s one of the biggest reasons why I go camping in the first place. I’ve had my trusty camping barbecue for over five years, and it’s never failed me. Unfortunately, as I get older, I’ve had to start thinking about my health. Gone are the days when I could eat a weeks-worth of barbecue food without worrying about my cholesterol levels. I can’t help but feel guilty when I gorge myself on burgers and BBQ chicken 5 days in row, and it’s virtually impossible to come back from a camping trip these days without gaining weight. I’ve decided to take a new approach to my camping meal planning, and a big part of it is using my barbecue more responsibly. I’ve incorporated several types of food and ways of cooking that don’t involve my grill at all. These days I’m still able to enjoy a wide array of flavorful food without relying on my barbecue so much.

Frozen Soups and Stews

This is a handy trick that my best friend showed me. Before he goes on a camping trip, he prepares homemade soups and stews and then freezes them in Ziploc bags. He puts them in the cooler alongside other frozen items, and it helps to keep everything else cold in addition to the ice. When you are ready to eat, all you have to do is plop your frozen soup or stew into a pot, and you’re good to go. It doesn’t get any easier than that.

Dehydrated Food

I used to think of dehydrated food as something you used as a last resort in emergency situations. In fact, I’ve had the same emergency kit for years, and it contains packs of dehydrated food (which I would be hesitant to heat in a real-life emergency). But these days, the world of dehydrated food has expanded, and some of the choices are actually quite tasty. While I would never use them solely for an entire trip, they do make great lunch options or quick snacks.

Canned Delights

Fresh produce can only be kept for so long which is why I opt for canned fruits and vegetables. This way I can incorporate a bit of health into my camping recipes as well. If you’re looking for something a bit different, check out Asian canned items. There are some interesting vegetables that you might not include in your regular diet such as oyster mushrooms. But when used properly in the right recipe, they add a bit of flair to traditional dishes.

A Pressure Cooker

Whenever I go camping with my RV, or I have access to a generator, I’ll bring along my electric pressure cooker. This is the perfect way to prepare a hearty stew right on the spot. Sure I could use old-fashioned methods with a cast iron pot and a campfire, but who wants to cook for four hours? Using a handy device like this speeds up the process. and it can be used for more elaborate foods like pot roast, Curry, Chile, or gumbo – try making those dishes with a barbecue! Best of all, there are lots of affordable models like the ones found at tendercookers.com, and you can use them at home when your trip is over too.

Smoked Items

One of my favorite foods of all time is smoked salmon. You can also find prepackaged lox with a mild flavor, and it’s ready to eat right away. This is something you can throw in a cooler and keep indefinitely before opening up the package. This type of salmon is extremely versatile and perfect for sandwiches or on top of a fresh salad. Snacktime is also a big part of my camping routine, and I love smoked foods like beef jerky as well. They are perfect when you need something to munch on, or a quick boost of energy right before a long hike.

As you can see, camping food does not have to be all about barbecue food.  Get a bit of variation into your life!

One of the most relaxing and enjoyable pastimes is camping. It is a great way to unwind and appreciate the beauty of nature at the same time. If you plan to change your scenery for the weekend, camping is a great choice. It does not only allow you a way to have fun, but also it could be a means to have quality time with family and friends. Another reward of camping is you can enjoy cooking and having your meals outdoors. Some of the best comfort foods are the ones you bring during camping trips. 1. Barbecue – Barbecue is perhaps the simplest and most common camping food. The camping staple of grilling meat never gets old. Just put some hot coals, a grill or some skewers, and the meat of your choice, then you are good to go. You can cook your favorite steaks and kebabs back at the campsite after a long afternoon walk. Just be sure to store your meat well to keep them as fresh as possible. A cooler with lots of ice is a good storage. Marinating the meat earlier on also helps preserve it.

2. Salad – You can never have too much green in your diet. Pack leafy vegetables by wrapping them in paper to ensure that they stay crisp and fresh.   Fruits should always come in handy as healthy snacks while in the outdoors. That is all-out healthy living right there.

3. Marshmallows- These are classic camping treats you can have in various ways you like — roasted over a bonfire or straight from the pack. These little soft, sweet pieces of heaven will surely bring out the kid in everyone. After a long day outdoors, marshmallows are perfect to munch on while huddled together around a campfire. Enjoy it even more while someone is playing the guitar or sharing some exciting camping stories.

4. Seafood – If you happen to camp out on the beach, what could be a more perfect meal than fresh seafood? If there are local fishermen in the area, there will sure be fresh barbecued seafood for dinner. Another idea would be having your own fresh catch for dinner if you happen to be on a fishing trip.  Another fresh seafood dish you can easily prepare is seviche, a dish made of fresh raw seafood. With fresh tuna meat, a few citrus fruits, and a few spices for garnish, you can enjoy this scrumptious raw fish dish in a few minutes.

5. Canned Treats- Probably the easiest and the most convenient food to bring on camping are the ones that come in cans. They are often the most familiar to you. Most comfort foods that you love likely come in canned or packed forms. Many of these canned foods like the homey canned beans and chicken noodle soup are the ones that were always there when you stayed at home because you were down with flu. It would not be a bad idea to enjoy these comfort foods in camp as well. Pack up a few of your familiar favorites for a weekend camping trip.  Just heat them up and you will have your delicious meal.

Everyday, we engage in activities we might find stressful. Occasionally, we need to get away from work, which is one major anxiety cause in adults. Camping is one fulfilling way of relaxation that one can easily enjoy with friends or loved ones.