Skip the marshmallows and chocolate this season, instead bring along your own trail mix or fresh fruit. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
Being outdoors is one of the best parts of summer. People are encouraged to be active when the weather is nice. And, the season often calls for a family camping trip or hiking adventure with friends.
Walking, moving and playing games burns calories. So, the last thing you want to do is feed your body empty calories or high-sodium, high-fat processed snacks.
Here are five healthy foods to keep on hand for your next outdoor adventure:
1. Instead of S’mores, roast fruit. If you have a grill, toss on apple slices, pieces of watermelon, peaches or plums. (Seriously, grilled watermelon is often an option on high-end catering menus.) Add brown sugar and raisins if you want an extra sweet taste.
2. Bake homemade beef jerky. Instead of buying dehydrated meat that’s packed with preservatives at the grocery store, make your own. It needs about 8 hours to set, so be sure to do this a day or two before your trip. Find the recipe on Deliciously Organic. Here’s what you need:
For the meat:
1 pound brisket, skirt steak, or bottom round
For the marinade:
1/4 cup fermented tamari or soy sauce
3 tablespoons light honey
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3. Mix your own trail mix. Portion it into small plastic bags and pack them into each person’s backpack.
4. Make veggie soup before you head out. Store it in a cooler and heat it up over the fire. Store it in thermoses to keep it warm during a hike.
5. Pack sunflower seeds. If you don’t like to eat naked seeds, bake granola bars. Check out this recipe from the National Sunflower Association. Here’s what you need:
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup almonds, sliced
1/2 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 ounce unsalted butter, plus extra for pan
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
6 1/2 ounces chopped dried fruit, any combination of apricots, cherries or other favorites
