Camping Nutrition 101: Thriving on Your Outdoor Getaway

There’s something magical about stepping away from the daily grind and immersing yourself in nature. Whether you're tenting under the stars, parked at a scenic site, or backpacking through the wilderness, camping offers the perfect opportunity to unplug, recharge, and nourish your body in a whole new way.

However, it's important to acknowledge that convenience foods, such as hot dogs and granola bars, can often lead to poor camping nutrition. While quick fixes might keep you going for a day or two, they won’t leave you feeling energized, balanced, or in sync with your body’s needs—especially if you're already working on gut health, hormone balance, or reducing inflammation.

Here’s your Camping Nutrition 101 guide—a functional, whole-food approach to help you thrive outdoors, not just survive.

Why Camping Nutrition Matters

Spending time in nature is a great way to lower stress hormones like cortisol and support your circadian rhythm. But hiking, paddling, or chasing kids around the campsite demands balanced energy and digestive support—especially if you’re perimenopausal, working on weight loss, or managing inflammation.

Fueling your body well in the great outdoors helps with:

• Sustained energy and mental clarity

• Reduced inflammation and muscle soreness

• Stable blood sugar and fewer cravings

• A happy, regular gut—even when nature calls are at a rustic outhouse!

What to Pack: Gut-Friendly & Hormone-Supportive Staples

Let’s build a packing list that supports your health goals without sacrificing flavour or simplicity.

Protein Powerhouses

• Hard-boiled eggs

• Pre-grilled chicken thighs or steak strips

• Tuna or salmon packets (no fridge needed!)

• Jerky (low-sugar, nitrate-free)

• Collagen or protein powder packets

Coach’s Tip: Aim for 25–30g of protein per meal, even when camping, to support blood sugar, muscle repair, and hormone balance.

Fibre & Ferments

• Chia or flax seeds—easy to add to oatmeal or yogurt

• Raw sauerkraut or pickled veggies—in a small cooler jar

• Kombucha or electrolyte water—for hydration and microbiome love

• Roasted chickpeas or nuts—fibre + crunch without the junk

Smart Carbs & Healthy Fats

• Cooked-and-cooled rice or potatoes (hello resistant starch!)

• Oats or quinoa flakes

• Avocados or guacamole cups

• Olives, coconut chips, or trail mix (unsweetened)

Fresh & Crunchy

• Pre-cut veggies like carrots, cukes, snap peas, and bell peppers

• Apples or berries for antioxidant power

• Lettuce leaves as wraps for sandwiches or taco-style bowls

Easy Meal Ideas for the Campsite

Breakfast Bowl:
Protein powder + chia + water + berries = instant breakfast pudding

Lunch Wraps:
Lettuce leaf + grilled chicken + guac + kraut + shredded carrots

Dinner Packets:
Foil-wrapped veggies + protein + olive oil + herbs cooked over fire

Snacks:
Boiled eggs, sauerkraut and hummus, nut butter squeeze packs

Pro Tip: Always bring a cooler with frozen water bottles to keep things cold without extra bulk. And don't forget your reusable cutlery and a gut-friendly treat like 90% dark chocolate!

Don’t Forget Hydration!

Outdoor activity = higher fluid needs. Dehydration can trigger fatigue, headaches, cravings, and constipation.

Bring:

• Filtered water in large jugs

• Electrolyte packets (without sugar or artificial colours)

• Herbal teas like peppermint or ginger for digestion

Simplify, Satisfy, Support

You don’t need to bring the entire pantry to eat well at the campsite. Even when you're far from your fridge, a little preparation can significantly contribute to feeling light, energized, and in alignment with your health goals.

Nature is the perfect backdrop for listening to your body, honouring your hunger cues, and building new habits.

Ready to Take Your Gut & Hormones to the Next Level?

If you’re feeling inspired to continue this journey beyond the campsite, we’ve got something exciting coming up...

Our 8-week Gut-Hormone Group Program kicks off this fall!
This program is ideal for women in perimenopause or menopause who wish to rebalance their hormones, restore gut health, and ultimately feel good about their bodies again.

Prefer a more personal approach? Individual coaching plans are available now and tailored to your unique needs.

Join the interest list or book a free discovery call today at No Shoes Nutrition—and start building a foundation of health that lasts long after the firewood runs out.