You are going camping for 12 weeks . . .
RobinvdM
Posts: 634 Member
You have a small camper, with a propane fridge, a cooler, plenty of storage space, and literally 20 miles from the nearest town.
1- What foods would you plan for mealtimes (not snacks)?
2- What snacks/dry foods would you absolutely have to have?
3- Would you be able to function comfortably without the MFP/internet to assist your efforts at weight loss?
4- Would you take your weigh in scale?
5- What advice would you give someone who hasn't done it before?
I ask because I did a dry run at this over Mem Weekend to prepare for this summer camping vacation, and didn't do so hot. I was way under my calorie goal on one day, and over on a couple others, and felt totally lost without MFP/internet and realised just how reliant I have become on this tool. So, what would you do if you were me, and wanted to succeed over the summer?
1- What foods would you plan for mealtimes (not snacks)?
2- What snacks/dry foods would you absolutely have to have?
3- Would you be able to function comfortably without the MFP/internet to assist your efforts at weight loss?
4- Would you take your weigh in scale?
5- What advice would you give someone who hasn't done it before?
I ask because I did a dry run at this over Mem Weekend to prepare for this summer camping vacation, and didn't do so hot. I was way under my calorie goal on one day, and over on a couple others, and felt totally lost without MFP/internet and realised just how reliant I have become on this tool. So, what would you do if you were me, and wanted to succeed over the summer?
0
Replies
-
So one thing you have to consider while you're camping is that even with going over in your foods, I bet with all the outdoor activities you burned more calories then when you stay at home. There's hiking, swimming, biking and boating all to take into consideration.
A few things you can take mind to:
You have a fridge so things like chicken, lean ground beef, eggs, and cheeses would be good things to stock up on. I like the jennie-o turkey hotdogs but they can be too different for some people. My mom always said you can eat an entire day on eggs, bread and cheese.
I love snacks. It's probably my downfall most of the time. Substitution is a great aspect here. Maybe instead of packing doritos and cheetos, get things like chex mix or the baked style chips. Beef jerky is relatively low in calories but it is high in sodium and saturated fat. Nuts and trail mixes are always a compliment to a camping trip.
I would not like being without MFP, thats why I love my droid phone so I can't help you here. I'm connected always.
I don't have a scale either. Poop on the scale. It lies anyways and if you're going to be sweating then drinking hordes of water then eating a slightly higher level of sodium then usual, your pounds will be all over the place.
I've never done 12 weeks in a camper but take some good deodorant.0 -
I am going camping for 12 weeks?????!?!?!?!
STOP THREATENING ME!!!!0 -
I'd start looking at meals now for breakfast, lunch and dinner that will meet your calorie goal WITHOUT exercise factored in. If you plan ahead, it shouldn't be a huge issue - for breakfasts and lunches at least, rotate between 2-3 options. I do this on vacations - granola and yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast, turkey on whole grain english muffin with an apple for lunch. Every day! But it takes the guesswork out.0
-
I'd start looking at meals now for breakfast, lunch and dinner that will meet your calorie goal WITHOUT exercise factored in. If you plan ahead, it shouldn't be a huge issue - for breakfasts and lunches at least, rotate between 2-3 options. I do this on vacations - granola and yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast, turkey on whole grain english muffin with an apple for lunch. Every day! But it takes the guesswork out.
Ooh I didn't even think about sandwiches! Some sliced sandwich meat with a side of canned fruit or veggies. I buy tons of canned fruit and veggies so I can just see the calories on the label and have no guess work.
You could always use a pen and paper too to try to estimate your total intake.
Oh, and light beer if you're a beer drinker. Try Select 55 or MGD 64 instead. It has slightly less alcohol (thats how they take the calories out) but you'll still have a good time.0 -
If you don't have the room in the fridge use canned tuna salmon and chicken
all good and you can easily measure it out 0 -
I am going camping for 12 weeks?????!?!?!?!
STOP THREATENING ME!!!!
LOL0 -
I went camping for a week back in March, in a TENT. It's not camping if you're in a camper. That's just temporarily moving your home to a less familiar location (just cuz I said so! :explode:
). I had no electricity, no calculator, no phone, no internet, no modern conveniences whatsoever (except the regular trips to the ladies room and shower - which I will never go without, even if it kills me.)
With that said... My solution was to make a journal of the portion sizes and caloric content of all of the foods I took with me. That made it simple to journal what I put in and figure up how many calories I consumed. It gets a bit more complicated if you're watching macros, too... but its all about what you're willing to do to keep up with it.0 -
That's really funny, because I just got back from 4 days at my parents camp. If you consider camping a 31' travel trailer with all the comforts of home...LOL We are stupid far away from a grocery store too - my mom plans all week for the following weekend...
I did amazingly well - I guess I've just been doing this long enough to know what I can do...I thought ahead and took things I knew I'd be able to eat when everyone else was chowing down on crap...
Some of those things: 0% Greek Yogurt, lean lunch meat, reduced fat cheese, veggies (pre-cut), fruit (apples are easy), and lean meats. My mom is also watching what she eats and takes packets of tuna for tuna salad sandwiches but I HATE tuna...
I know it was hard on me to not have MFP access, but look at it this way, you won't always have internet connection so you just have to adjust and trust you have learned enough to know what you should eat. Balance is the key.
Unless you are going to be at camp for 12 weeks straight I wouldn't worry about taking a scale. Just weigh in on a day that you are @ home. My parents are only there from Fri-Sun, so she keeps her scale at home...0 -
I find it adorable that you think 20 miles to the nearest town is a lot. The nearest store to my house is 35 miles.
As far as camping, it depends on how anal you are. I am incredibly anal. I would write down the calorie content of each item I brought (per 100 grams) and bring my battery powered digital scale. I measure my food down to the .02 gram despite it not being needed.
If you are not as weird as I am, you could just bring things that already have labels. They are accurate enough and will keep things simple.
Another option is to write down the weight of everything and calculate it later. It doesn't help you in the now, but it could be an interesting test to see how well you are doing with normal self-control.0 -
Haha - I would love to spend 12 weeks in a tent, but hubby is particular
In the meantime, the ideas are great! I, too, am reluctant to be without MFP and making a journal logging the calories, and sodium (that is my peeve apparently lately) is a great idea.
The place is pretty remote, as in you have to lug a jug to get fresh water (unless you want to drink river water? Me not so much.) And I don't intend to live every day in the camper, plenty of outdoors living- the camper is just a place to sleep.
I am pretty positive that the exercise will balance out any incidental overeating, I am just trying to figure out what 'easy' meals there are for through the day A LA campfire cooking. I had planned on making a mini camp cookbook for myself, but I almost feel like that might be too OCD? When does preparing become overboard? I am a fan of the Jenni O Turkey Hot dogs, and (genuine) whole wheat anything - I don't suppose they've invented whole wheat marshmallows? :ohwell:
Thanks a lot for the feedback - and I am sorry for dragging unsuspecting people camping, but I promise you will love it. Once you get over being mauled by blackflies, mooseflies, horseflies, and mosquitoes it's quite a lot of fun! :bigsmile:0 -
You could always make up a weekly meal plan ahead of time
and that way you know that you will be okay for calories everyday
and it will making shopping for the trip easier as well.0 -
I find it adorable that you think 20 miles to the nearest town is a lot. The nearest store to my house is 35 miles.
As far as camping, it depends on how anal you are. I am incredibly anal. I would write down the calorie content of each item I brought (per 100 grams) and bring my battery powered digital scale. I measure my food down to the .02 gram despite it not being needed.
If you are not as weird as I am, you could just bring things that already have labels. They are accurate enough and will keep things simple.
Another option is to write down the weight of everything and calculate it later. It doesn't help you in the now, but it could be an interesting test to see how well you are doing with normal self-control.
Haha I concede that 18 miles isn't far but the town has a whole 1 store in it, which unfortunately (I discovered this past weekend) doesn't stock half of my 'usuals' for food- so the actual shopping is closer to 30 miles away if I want to stick with things like turkey based meats, or nuts. This is, I suppose, the finer point of my thread/query, if you don't want to travel 30 miles just to get what you need- what should you bring with you to minimize traveling.
I weigh all my foods, and have a digital food scale, which I will be bringing - it's my security blanket. Thanks for making me chuckle, and for the tips! :flowerforyou:0 -
google hobo meals they look healthy0
-
*snip*
I am pretty positive that the exercise will balance out any incidental overeating, I am just trying to figure out what 'easy' meals there are for through the day A LA campfire cooking. I had planned on making a mini camp cookbook for myself, but I almost feel like that might be too OCD? When does preparing become overboard? I am a fan of the Jenni O Turkey Hot dogs, and (genuine) whole wheat anything - I don't suppose they've invented whole wheat marshmallows? :ohwell:
I don't think so on the wheat marshmallows but I think two whole smores are about 450 calories. Hiking up hills for 30 minutes burns about 450 calories (depending on weight and all that good stuff) So if you go hiking, treat yourself to dessert!0 -
I don't think it's OCD at all. We recently purchased a cabin and have been going three days or so at a time. I am having the hardest time planning for my husband who burns calories at a million miles an hour and me who has the metabolism of an OLD slug. Add the three mostly adult kids once in a while and I just cross my fingers and try to walk harder when we hike! I hope you get a lot of answers as I will be watching to see what they say. We went this last weekend and I did not do well eating at all. I realised that I have to plan every snack and every meal. If I don't I will fall off the wagon. As far as MFP goes, I MISS it when we are there, we have no internet or cell reception at all - not even roaming.0
-
I would get a BUNCH of MRE's. Then supplement with nuts, dry cereal, dried fruit.0
-
Pre-portion your food and plan meals and ingredients as much as possible. Bring an ounce/gram scale for portioning on the run.
Ziploc snack bags are great for pre-portioning ingredients and snacks.
Go to your local camping goods store and buy a quality water filtration device instead of hauling in water to the site.
Bring a small hatchet for collecting firewood and bring plenty of lighters and/or matches. Lint from the dryer makes great fire-starter along with twigs for kindling. Pack it in one of your Ziploc bags.
Remember the bug spray.0 -
If I have to go camping 12 weeks the only thing I want is a gun....to blow my brains out!
With that being said I'd bring eggs, ground turkey or chicken, lean steak, chicken breast, canned tuna, plain fat free greek yogurt, cottage cheese, a variety of fruit and veggies, oatmeal, plain nuts, peanut butter and popcorn kernals. Probably some bread and a little cheese too0 -
You guys DO know that back before the internet was all that useful (aol days!) that they published entire books on food counts, right?! Here is a good one:
http://books.google.com/books/about/The_Complete_Book_of_Food_Counts.html?id=sLZplWuHqrUC
I'd take that and a mechanical scale as well as a bunch of clif builder bars and fresh fruit and veggies. Fruit is like the perfect convenient food and the builder bars will give you easy protein. Personally I'd try to stay away from all the canned stuff if possible. Of course, I've never gone camping for 12 weeks. That is a looong time!0 -
You have a small camper, with a propane fridge, a cooler, plenty of storage space, and literally 20 miles from the nearest town.
1- What foods would you plan for mealtimes (not snacks)?
2- What snacks/dry foods would you absolutely have to have?
3- Would you be able to function comfortably without the MFP/internet to assist your efforts at weight loss?
4- Would you take your weigh in scale?
5- What advice would you give someone who hasn't done it before?
I ask because I did a dry run at this over Mem Weekend to prepare for this summer camping vacation, and didn't do so hot. I was way under my calorie goal on one day, and over on a couple others, and felt totally lost without MFP/internet and realised just how reliant I have become on this tool. So, what would you do if you were me, and wanted to succeed over the summer?
For mealtimes I'd be doing a lot of brown rice and beans, oats, eggs.
For snacks I'd have some cheese, peanut butter, vegetables, milk, and whole grain bread.
And yes, I think that being in an environment that distracts you from food is way more helpful for weight loss than MFP ever has been (sometimes I feel like it diverts too much of my energy toward food and thus indirectly hinders me...), and I would not take my scale. When you go out there, the more fun you have, the more you do, the less you'll think about food and the more calories you'll burn.0 -
Maybe you could set up a meal plan now and count out all the calories ahead of time and portion it out? Sounds like a lot of work though haha0
-
Why not check out the boyscouts of america web site, they live on outdoor cooking, I wouldnt suggest MRE's unless you dont mind being constipated (lived on them for 6 months) anyway, back to the boyscouts...lots of cheap meals there, and beans are always a good option.0
-
Sounds freaking awesome!!! Here's my thoughts:
Twenty miles to town means I can go in to town every four or five days, assuring plenty of fresh and tasty food.
Things I would always have on hand:
Smoked meats. That's because we have a smoker and make some BAD *kitten* smoked stuff. Smoked meats also last longer than other meat. Definitely a brisket and salmon.
Granola or dry cereal. It's a great dry/nonperishable that fills in for snacks.
Potatoes, onions, carrots, lemons - all hearty long-lasting veggies. Plus, the lemons are tasty in water, and they are amazing for seasoning food.
SPICES. The best way to make camping food delicious is to add spices. S&P, Cumin, Cayenne, Rosemary, Thyme, and garlic powder (just because prepping raw garlic while camping would suck. However, a jar of minced garlic would be FAB.)
Foods I would cook:
Chili - canned beans and tomatoes, ground beef (obvs. I'd cook this one like, the night after going to town), and some onion and garlic.
Hobo meals (stabbing-free!) - packet of chopped veggies with spices, and a squirt of lemon. Serve this with smoked meats. Or, throw a hunk of fish on top of the veggies with slices of lemon!
Sandwiches - Whenever you have deli meat and cheese from grocery day. Smoked meats with BBQ sauce.
Beef stew with dumplings
HOT DOGS - because. Hot dogs.
... No, I would not take my scale and I wouldn't freak about not having MFP or the internet. Nature is amazing as hell. And, I assume you'll be out doing active things through the day, so you're likely to burn plenty while you're out there.
Advice - Enjoy yourself. Don't sweat the small stuff. Not a lot of people can do this sort of thing, so you are pretty awesome.0 -
ABC Distributing has a really cool calorie counting book that you can write in. Also pre plan your meals the best you can and take a digital scale with you. We go camping a ton, and have already 2x this year. Lots of veggies and fruits, stay away from typical "camping food" such as chips, soda, hot dogs and burgers. Since you have a trailer (we do also) make your meals just as you would at home. A typical dinner for us would be artichokes, potatoes and a green salad. Or we will soak a pot of beans overnight, then put them on the campfire all the next day, lots of fiber and you can add potatoes and carrots and onion to them and really good. Happy trails!0
-
I wish I was going camping for 12 weeks! Lots of canned goods and a fishing pole. Tuna, chicken and in the back of my camping box there is always SPAM! Lite. Peanut butter is a must and is perfect for breakfast and lunch. Shelf milk that does not require refrigeration until opened and powered milk and flour for gravy. Canned biscuits, cast iron skillet (this was before I found out I am a celiac.) Hot dogs and frozen burger patties. Beef jerky and nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and I can go on and on and on.0
-
I'd print out a week's worth of my food journal since I pretty much eat the same things pretty regularly. This would give me the nutritional values of the things I eat the most. Then I'd have a paper journal to keep track of what I'm eating every day. I'd have to have my Greek yogurt along, as well as oatmeal. Lastly, I'd take a hike every morning and then enjoy the rest of my time with my family.0
-
I'm not just going camping..I'm going backpacking!!!
Here are things I would take - ground turkey and chicken for burgers - less calories than beef and I think yummier. Turkey bacon, Instant oatmeal is a great breakfast for camping...easy packing and cooking and filling. Instant potatoes - you can even get the cups that are 1 serving cups. Sara lee 45&delightful bread for burgers or sandwiches. Oscar meyer has a thin cut turkey where you can get 6 slices for 45 or 50 calories...Turkey Jerky, fiber 1 bars (the 90 cal ones).
I also found a few recipes for 70 cal granola bars.
Also, I agree with the others. If you are outdoors every day hiking, walking, biking, etc...you will probably burn way more calories than you think you are so you may be under every day. Last time I went for a hike that was bout an hour or so and it was like 600ish calories!
Then..if you are worried but you've been doing this a while, you can probably eyeball serving sizes. Like, I make ground turkey so much that i can eyeball 4oz and when I weigh it it's like 3.9 or 4.1 If you haven't been doing this long and you're used to weighing out serving sizes, maybe you can find a ball park like "1 serving of turkey is about the same as the size of an egg" (just made that up, don't take literally) or something to help you be close.
If that doesn't work, maybe a notebook like someone else said to keep track for yourself.
I wouldn't take your weigh in scale. That takes part of the fun out of camping. But, I guess my motto for camping or vacation is that i try to stay within my goal, even guessing but if I go over and gain a few lbs back, i can lose it again.0 -
You have a small camper, with a propane fridge, a cooler, plenty of storage space, and literally 20 miles from the nearest town.
1- What foods would you plan for mealtimes (not snacks)?
2- What snacks/dry foods would you absolutely have to have?
3- Would you be able to function comfortably without the MFP/internet to assist your efforts at weight loss?
4- Would you take your weigh in scale?
5- What advice would you give someone who hasn't done it before?
I ask because I did a dry run at this over Mem Weekend to prepare for this summer camping vacation, and didn't do so hot. I was way under my calorie goal on one day, and over on a couple others, and felt totally lost without MFP/internet and realised just how reliant I have become on this tool. So, what would you do if you were me, and wanted to succeed over the summer?
We have a travel trailer & are leaving for a 14 day vacation next weekend. So I know exactly how you feel.
1. I have packed Cheerios, English muffins& blueberry muffins & bought eggs for breakfast, will be eating lunch out & cooking something on the BBQ every night.
2. Two big boxes of Wheat Thins, Nilla Wafers & Nature Valley Sweet & Salty Peanut Granola Bars from Costco are packed.
3. I am taking my Samsung tablet along so I can still record my calorie intake on MFP.
4. No scales allowed. You'll be doing a lot of walking to burn calories. Can you buy a HRM or order a FitBit? I love my FitBit & clip it to the middle of my bra - then forget about it.
5. Check, re-check & check again what you feel you MUST have with you. Keep a tablet & pen with you in case you think of anything you decide to add to your MUST have list & stop at the "nearest town" before you get to where you are going.
Ask someone at your local grocery store for suggestions on what you can take that will last in either the small fridge or your cooler. They can be quite helpful. Maybe bananas?0 -
Thanks a lot for all the feedback.
It is definitely good to know I am not the only one who would feel a bit lost, and I appreciate so much all the tips.
I am looking forward to embracing this next challenge. I will dig around, see if I can find a food logging journal I like (I did NOT know they existed, sorry if that makes me look naive!) Thanks so much! I can't say that enough!
PS I just enrolled for my first ever 5k run/walk (as a walker.. yeef!)
I am not sure I even know who I am anymore! The old me is in shock and may never speak to me again.0 -
I would get a BUNCH of MRE's. Then supplement with nuts, dry cereal, dried fruit.
MRE = Meals, Ready to Eat
3 Lies for the price of 10
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.7K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 176K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.6K Fitness and Exercise
- 431 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8.1K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.4K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 23 News and Announcements
- 1.2K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions