Why eat junk on a camping trip? Tips and recipes for nutritious food on the trail

The article argues that eating “junk” while camping or hiking can undermine health benefits gained from outdoor activity, and it offers practical guidance for trail-friendly nutrition. It cites dietitian Aaron Owens Mayhew, who says she wants healthier campsite meals that better match what people do at home, rather than relying on highly processed foods high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar. The piece explains that simple carbohydrates like candy and sugary baked goods can trigger rapid blood-glucose spikes followed by a sharper decline, potentially leaving hikers more fatigued. Owens Mayhew, founder of Backcountry Foodie, recommends planning meals in advance and adapting home routines for the trail, including lighter staples like instant brown rice, quinoa, and couscous prepared with boiled water. It also quotes Rashad Frazier, founder of Camp Yoshi, who emphasizes meal prep at home because cooking on-site is more difficult.