Maybe yo u are about to kick of your first camping trip of the season, or planning a cabin retreat.  I know I am excited to kick off camping season, not only because of my love for the outdoors but also for the yummy treats about to be had.  Classic campfire trips might not always be the healthiest, however, you can lighten them up while keeping their charm.  And, don't worry, even if you are stayin indoors, you can still enjoy them at home.  Below are healthy twists on your favorite campfire classics.

  • Smores – who doesn’t love ooey gooey Smores!  The good news?  You can still enjoy this classic but with fewer calories and fat.  Give Smores a makeover by using 2 sheets low-fat graham crackers, 2 marshmallows and 2 tablespoons fat-free chocolate syrup.  At home, try heating Smores in the microwave or oven for that melted effect.  2 regular Smores have ~385 calories while the healthier version only has ~250 calories!
  • Hot dogs – kids and adults love roasting hot dogs over the fire!  This is swap is a no-brainer – simply sub a veggie dog in place of a hot dog.  Dog for dog, the veggie version only has 80 calories and 1 gram fat while the regular dog has 140 calories and 13 grams fat.  I’d be willing to bet that your family will hardly notice!
  • Hashbrowns – frozen, pre-shredded hashbrowns can sure be a delight but often they are filled with fat and unhealthy trans fat.  Make your own potatoes by slicing, red potatoes, yellow potatoes and sweet potatoes and placing them in a foil pouch with onions, seasonings and little water and/or olive oil.  Cook on the grill or over the fire until soft! 
  • Cinnamon Rolls – skip the can of rolls or store-bought rolls, they are often high fat and include trans fat.  You make your own using whole wheat dough (they sell pre-made wheat dough at Trader Joe’s!), a thin smear of low-fat vegetable spread, sprinkle of sugar, cinnamon and raisins.  Bake at home and heat over the fire or cook on your campstove.   

Campfire Apples

Enjoy this healthy dessert around the campfire or at home!

  • 4 Red or green apples
  • 4-8 tbsp spoons of water
  • 2-3 tbsp spoon of brown sugar
  • 4 tsp light trans-free vegetable spread
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 4 tbsp golden raisins
  1. Core apples and pare the top portion. 
  2. Prepare a piece of foil, about 2 feet long, then fold in half. 
  3. Place one apple in the center of the foil. 
  4. Bring the foil up around the apple leaving the top open. 
  5. Add 1-2 tbsp water into the core of each apple, followed by 1-2 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp light margarine, 1 tbsp raisins and a sprinkle of cinnamon . 
  6. Gather the foil over the top of the apple and fold twice to seal. 
  7. Place the foil packs on the fire for 20 min or bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes or until soft. 
  8. Remove and enjoy!

 

 

Servings: 4
Nutrition Info (per apple): 120 calories, 1 g protein, 29 g carbs, 2 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 2 mg sodium, 2 g fiber

 

 

Please note: The information in this article is not to be followed as
medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician
or primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personal
health and necessary treatments.