Maybe you are heading out for your last camping trip of the season, or planning a snowy cabin retreat. Or, perhaps you are in denial that summer and fall camping trips are nearing an end. I know I am sad, not only because of my love for the outdoors but also for the yummy treats I will leave behind. However, you can still enjoy campfire classics at home! And, we’ll show you how to doctor them up so they are healthier! It’s time to get cozy and enjoy the comforts of camping inside your home :)
• Smores – who doesn’t love ooey gooey Smores! However, 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. 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!
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• Jiffy Pop – the sound of popping corn in that little foil pan! Unfortunately, that little foil pan is filled with unhealthy trans fat! Sub low-fat microwave popcorn at home or air-popped popcorn sprayed with cooking spray and seasoned to your liking. 100-calorie bags can help keep portions in check too! To replicate the popping over a campfire, you can use a metal air popper over a gas flame on your stovetop!
• 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 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.
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