What Should a Vegetarian Eat When Backpacking?

By Robert Palmer

Backpacking as a vegetarian can be difficult, especially if you’re not used to preparing your own meals. With the right knowledge, however, you can easily pack healthy and delicious food that will keep you full and energized on your journey. Here are some tips on what a vegetarian should eat while backpacking.

Vegetables and Fruits

Vegetables and fruits offer a great source of nutrition for vegetarians when backpacking. They are lightweight and easy to prepare, making them perfect for camping trips.

Pack some pre-cut vegetables, like carrots, celery, peppers or broccoli for snacking or adding to salads. Dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries are also good to have on hand for a quick snack. Be sure to choose fruits that don’t require refrigeration so they stay fresh during your trip.

Protein Options

Protein is an important part of any vegetarian diet, especially when backpacking. Beans are a great source of protein that can be cooked quickly over a campfire or stove.

Lentils can also be cooked easily and used in salads or soups. Nuts such as almonds, cashews, peanuts or walnuts are an excellent snack that is full of healthy fats and protein. Don’t forget to include nut butter in your backpacking menu; it’s easy to spread onto bread or crackers for an extra boost of energy.

Grains

Grains such as quinoa, bulgur wheat and couscous are excellent sources of carbohydrates and fiber. They can be cooked quickly over a campfire or stove and used in salads or soups for extra nutrition. Bread is also an ideal option when backpacking; store-bought breads will stay fresh longer than homemade breads but can both work well on camping trips.

Conclusion

Backpacking as a vegetarian doesn’t have to mean missing out on nutritious meals – with the right ingredients, you can easily bring tasty and filling food with you on the trail! Vegetables and fruits provide vitamins and minerals while nuts, beans and grains give you the protein, carbohydrates and fiber needed for energy throughout your trip.