Venturing into the great outdoors doesn’t mean you have to abandon your low-carb lifestyle. Whether you’re planning a camping trip, a day hike or a picnic, you can enjoy nature’s beauty while sticking to your low-carb life. With some preparation and creativity, you can have delicious and satisfying low-carb meals that fuel your adventures.
Preparation is key
The great outdoors offer a unique dining experience, combining fresh air, stunning landscapes and the satisfaction of a well-prepared meal. Planning is crucial for success. Before you set off, think about the meals and snacks you’ll need. Create a menu that includes a balance of proteins, healthy fats and low-carb vegetables. This will help you avoid high-carb temptations and ensure you have everything you need for a delightful nature experience.
Smart packing tips
Packing for a low-carb outdoor adventure requires a bit of strategy. Invest in a good cooler to keep your perishables fresh. Use reusable containers to store pre-portioned meals and snacks. This keeps your food organized and reduces waste. Don’t forget to pack essential cooking tools like a portable stove, grill or camping cookware. These tools will be invaluable when preparing your meals in the wild.
For instance, a well-packed cooler might include pre-cooked chicken, hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks and cut-up vegetables. These foods are easy to grab and can be eaten without much preparation. Additionally, packing small containers of olive oil, spices and condiments can enhance your meals without taking up too much space.
Low-carb breakfasts
Breakfast is an important meal that sets the tone for the day, especially when you’re engaging in outdoor activities. A nutritious, low-carb breakfast will provide you with sustained energy.
Consider starting your day with egg muffins. These portable bites can be made ahead of time and they’re easy to reheat over a campfire or portable stove. Another excellent option is full-fat Greek yogurt topped with nuts and seeds. This combination offers a good mix of protein and healthy fats, keeping you full and energized.
If you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, try avocado halves topped with smoked salmon. This duo is rich in healthy fats and protein and it’s easy to prepare even in the simplest outdoor kitchen.
Low-carb lunches
Lettuce wraps are a fantastic low-carb option for a delicious lunch that will fuel the rest of your day. Use large lettuce leaves to wrap up your favorite deli meats, cheese and veggies. They’re refreshing, satisfying and simple to assemble. Another great lunch idea is chicken salad. Make it ahead of time with diced chicken, mayo, celery and herbs. It’s delicious served in a lettuce cup or scooped onto sliced cucumbers.
For a heartier option, consider bunless burgers. Cook them on a portable grill or over a campfire and serve with all the usual toppings like cheese, pickles, onions and mustard, wrapped in a large lettuce leaf.
Low-carb dinners
After a day of exploring, there’s nothing like settling down to a hearty dinner. Your outdoor kitchen can still produce gourmet-quality meals with the right ingredients and techniques.
Grilled meats and vegetables are a staple of outdoor cooking. Marinate chicken, steak, or fish at home and pack them in your cooler. Grill them over the fire, pairing with skewers of zucchini, bell peppers and mushrooms. Another convenient option is foil packet meals. Combine your choice of protein — like shrimp or fish — with low-carb vegetables, olive oil and seasonings. Seal the packets and cook them over the campfire until the meat is done and the veggies are tender.
Stir-fries are also a great option if you have a portable stove. Sauté sliced beef, chicken, or shrimp with low-carb vegetables in a bit of oil, adding soy sauce, garlic and ginger for flavor.
Easy low-carb snacks
Having a variety of snacks on hand will keep your energy levels up throughout the day. Nuts and seeds are perfect for this. Almonds, walnuts and sunflower seeds are great go-to options. Cheese sticks or pre-cut cheese slices also travel well and provide a satisfying snack.
Jerky is another great option. Look for sugar-free varieties to keep your carb intake in check. Pre-cut vegetable sticks like bell peppers, cucumbers and celery paired with a small container of guacamole or ranch dip offer a refreshing and crunchy snack.
Finally, if you are looking for a sweet and savory snack, low-carb granola is a great option. This snack is easy to make and convenient to package up.
Staying hydrated
Proper hydration is crucial, especially when you’re active outdoors. Water is a great choice for hydrating, and infused water is a refreshing alternative as well. Add slices of cucumber, lemon, or berries to your water for a burst of flavor without added carbs. If you’re engaging in strenuous activities, consider an electrolyte drink to replenish lost minerals. Just be sure to choose sugar-free options.
Tips for success
Staying committed to your low-carb lifestyle in the great outdoors requires preparation and smart choices. Always read labels when buying packaged foods to check for hidden sugars and carbs. Opt for whole foods that are easy to prepare and cook, keeping it simple. Staying organized with your cooking area and supplies will make meal prep easier. Lastly, be flexible and ready to adapt to changing conditions, whether it’s the weather or your schedule.
Final thoughts
Eating low carb in the great outdoors is a wonderful way to maintain your diet while enjoying nature. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can enjoy delicious, nutritious meals that fuel your adventures. Embrace the simplicity and satisfaction of outdoor cooking and make your next trip a low-carb success.
Trina Krug, MS, CDSP, is a holistic nutritionist, recipe creator and advocate for human health. Her passion for low-carb lifestyles, gluten-free eating and real nutrition education has led to the creation of Trina Krug. She spends her time creating recipes, hanging out with her family on her farm and actively working on her Doctor of Science in Integrative Health specializing in Functional Nutrition.