Camp Keto: A Survival Guide

Finally figuring out how to set up a tent, sleeping in nature, telling stories around a fire, hiking, not showering...what’s not to love? Camping is the ultimate summer pastime, but it’s usually fueled by sugary foods like granola bars, trail mix, and PB&Js. Not at Camp Keto! We’ve got some tips up our sleeves (and sleeping bags) for how to camp-it in ketosis:

#1 Plan Out Your Meals Ahead of Time.

After a long day of hiking and exploring, the last thing you’ll want to do is plan out what you’re going to eat for dinner. You might just resort to snacking mindlessly all night...which is always a recipe for disaster when you’re camping with non-keto people! By having a simple plan to stick to, you’ll be much more likely to stay on track.

#2 Tools are Your Friend.

Camping doesn’t mean you have to forage for meals and cook in a fire pit (although it’s SO cool if you do). Don’t be afraid to bring a mini grill, tongs, saucepans, and if you can’t start the day without a morning joe, maybe even a rubber drip-coffee pot as well! We’re not sure you’d be able to work a blender out in the wild, but we won’t say that we haven’t seen it before...

#3 Stock up on Canned Goods.

Not only are canned goods cheap, fast, and delicious, but they’re also a massive space-saver. Save your valuable cooler-storage space for the essentials! Not to mention, in the summer heat, sometimes the last thing you want to do is fire up the grill.

#4 Use Resealable Packages and Containers.

Keep your snacks safe from pesky critters and bugs by making sure to only bring food in packages and containers that can be completely re-sealed. There’s nothing worse than opening a bag of cheese crisps to find out that ants are also a big fan of them!

#5 Keep your Electrolytes in Check.

If there’s one thing that camping doesn’t lack in the summertime, it’s sweat. When you sweat, you lose a ton of electrolytes, which are essential minerals that help your body avoid things like heat exhaustion. By eating sodium-rich foods like jerky, salami, and cheese, you can help replenish your body’s electrolytes to maintain constant energy levels.

#6 Don’t Forget the Essentials. 

Water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Just a friendly reminder to pack more of those three things than you think you could possibly ever need. Trust us— sunburn, dehydration, and itchy bug bites are not fun (like, at all). Camping can already be pretty uncomfortable, so make sure you’re as well-equipped against the elements as possible to ensure you don’t start craving comfort foods like your friends’ potato chips.

#7 Remember that S’mores are a Necessity.

You may be thinking to yourself “but wait, aren’t s’mores packed with sugar and carbs?” Normally, yes. However, we’ve got the perfect solution for you. Ditch the graham crackers and use cookies instead! Then, all you need to do is layer in some keto-friendly chocolate and marshmallows, close your eyes, and enjoy the sweet, sweet taste of summertime!