Yes, it is True!

You can drop 6 to 8 pounds or more in just one month by camping

Here is How:

Camping is the perfect venue for hiking, biking, and sightseeing.  All are activities that provide calorie-burning exercise. These activities also build muscle, which is essential for good health.  When camping the outdoors is all yours.  Statistically, you are safer from predators in a camping area than on city streets.  You will also encounter much less traffic on hiking trails than you will on busy streets.

Many campgrounds offer swimming pools, an excellent way to firm up some muscle and drop a few pounds while having fun.

Camping is a Perfect Opportunity to Change Your Diet!

Getting away from fast food restaurants and french fries is always healthy.  Rather than stocking your camping cooler or RV refrigerator with hot dogs, hamburgers and sausage links consider switching to lean proteins such as fish, pork or chicken.  When prepared over a campfire or grill the taste is exquisite.  People always tell me food taste better when camping than at home, so make the best of it!

During the Summer Months Stop at Roadside Fruit and Vegetable Stands as You Travel to Your Destination

These places usually offer freshly picked beans, corn, and tomatoes.  New potatoes, squash, onions, and even salad greens can be found at extremely reasonable prices.  Don’t forget the fresh melons; cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon.  Raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and cherries should also be available.  Later in the growing season, look for peaches and apples.  Prepare your meals by steaming, grilling or roasting over hot coals in your fire pit or on the grill.  Forget the oil filled deep fryers and grease filled frying pans.

Leave the Potato Chips and Cheese Puffs Behind

If you get hungry, munch on fresh fruits like apples or pears.  Try a sun-ripened tomato sliced on a plate with a little salt and Oregano on top.  To me, there is nothing better than a ripe tomato fresh from the garden!

Camping Does Not Have to Mean Six Packs of Beer

The change in environment gives the opportunity to establish new habits. Try freshly brewed sun tea with lemon and a sprig of mint.  The brewed tea has a great taste without sugar.  Take plenty of bottled water and stay well hydrated.  Do not forget to recycle the plastic bottles – most campgrounds and parks do provide recycling containers.

When Camping, Become Less of a “Couch Potato”

Rather than watch TV get out and meet other campers, play a game of horseshoes, volleyball or toss-across.

Walk on the Beach

Collect seashells.  Carry a camera to photograph interesting wildlife and plants.

Harvest Some Firewood

Most parks allow gathering of downed and dead wood.  Carry a bow saw, hatchet, or ax.  Cut the wood with muscle power, burning off extra calories and fat.  Carry the wood to your campsite and then perhaps split it into fire size pieces.  The neat thing is that this does not seem like work!

Since the activity immediately rewards you with a nice, cozy campfire, your wood harvesting becomes a fun activity with an immediate reward.  Try it and you will see.  You will also see it in your waistline.

On Cool Evenings, Consider Waxing a Section of the Camper or Even the Tow Vehicle

Hand waxing is a great arm, shoulder, and chest exercise.  Waxing your camper this way is sort of like eating an elephant – you do it one bite at a time.

Camping activities during the day can make your sleeping time at night more restful and rewarding.

Losing weight can be exciting and fun when it is intermixed with new activities and environments. Getting out of the everyday routine of work or home-based retirement can do wonders for your health.

Just remember: wear your sunscreen and insect repellant, check for ticks after being in the woods, drive safely and stop to smell the flowers.

Safe and Happy Camping Trails to All!