Sports Nutrition While Camping

This weekend, I am headed on a camping trip with friends for a final hurrah before donning my boots, coat and scarves. I have loaded my little car down with camping supplies and of course, running gear. I am looking forward to a weekend of music, friends and of course, the ever present training.

Now, recently I wrote on training while on vacation, but I wanted to focus on the importance of nutrition while away from your kitchen at home. This particular weekend is the perfect time as I am presented with the challenge of not only being without a fire to cook, but also without any type of refrigeration. (Don’t ever say I am high maintenance…)

As I am sneaking my training in amongst the camping fun, here are a few things I am taking on the trip to make sure I continue to perform my best!

COCONUT WATER

Other than being on sale this week, this is a fabulous way to stay hydrated and a nice change from water. I normally have a hard time with coconut water, but I try really hard because I know it is good for me! The pineapple flavour really helps and it is high in potassium and a source of magnesium. Happy hydrating indeed!

FRUIT AND VEGGIES

I have my camping kale packed (which basically means a giant head of kale in a bag), a bunch of bananas and some green peppers. Basically super woman. I eat this stuff first to make sure that it stays fresh. I have nibbled mistakenly on browned kale a number of days into a trip before and it just wasn’t worth it…

PRE-MADE, HEALTHY SNACKS

Now, I understand this is a meal for most people, but bear with me here. If my food is pre-made, I like to make sure that it contains wholesome ingredients. I find most of mine in the health food section of the grocery store. (This was also on sale this week!)

SMOOTHIES AND PROTEIN POWDERS

I like to take a shaker bottle with some almond milk and favourite smoothie ingredients for the times that I am not hungry (which is almost never, but occasionally after a long run). It is a great way to stay hydrated as well.

MAIN MEAL OPTION

I made a beans and rice meal to take with me that I can eat as a main dish. I literally threw things in a pot and started writing this post. So this happened:

FOOD BAR

I have been on a search for a bar that is amazing, filled with delicious whole foods but also contains the necessary qualities to not only fuel me through a long run, but basically kick me into turbo charge. After doing a lot of research, I think I have it! May I present to you..

Basically, I wanted something that would fuel me through the weekend, kick start me for a long run, recharge me in a race and taste like a treat, all the while, being super healthy and nutritious. Is that so much to ask!?

Not according to these people:

So what is this amazing recipe?

It is a perfect kick for athletes and if you are needing a bar to take with you on a hiking or back packing adventure, these bars store well and taste every bit as good the day after!

Why are they so nutritionally awesome? 

–Daily Cleanse is a fabulous source of fibre that is enriched with probiotics and prebiotics for a healthy digestive system.

–Chocolate Iso Protein is an all natural powder that is low in carbohydrates and fat, but absolutely rich in essential amino acids, the very building blocks of protein’s many benefits.

– Chia is a seed that contains omega-3 fatty acids are good sources of fibre, protein and antioxidants.

– Honey contains invert sugar that has the quality of providing instant energy when consumed and is a heart stimulant. 

-Almond butter is rich in antioxidants and a great source of healthy protein. 

Products were supplied by North Coast Naturals, but thoughts and opinions are my own. I only work with companies that I can fully support and have or would purchase outside of sponsorship. 

Check back on the last week of September for a giant North Coast Naturals giveaway to Laces and Lattes readers!

What are your favourite recipes when you go camping or hiking?