Focus on Nutrition > Fun in Foil Packets

Focus on Nutrition

Fun in Foil Packets - Eating Outdoors Isn’t Just About S’mores

There’s just something about working up an appetite in the great outdoors that makes food taste a little more delicious. But when it comes to menu planning for an upcoming camping or RV trip, finding meal ideas that are portable and healthy can be a challenge.

Here you’ll find three fun recipes that can be prepared in foil packets. You don’t have to have plans to sleep under the stars anytime soon—you can simply bake in a 400-degree oven instead. Easy to make, even easier to clean up. Plus, each recipe can be customized to suit your tastes and health goals.

It's a Wrap!

Use double layers of heavy-duty foil to prevent the food from burning. For entrees, use 12 x 20-inch sheets. For snacks and desserts, use 12 x 16-inch (or larger) sheets. Bring the long sides together in the center and make tight folds until the foil is close to the food. Fold the short sides to seal the packet.

Hearty Hominy Packet

Place 2 cups of chopped, raw, non-starchy vegetables in the center of the foil. Top with ½ cup of cooked or low-sodium canned black beans, ¾ cup of canned hominy (drained and rinsed) and a heavy sprinkling of chili powder*. Seal packet and cook over medium heat for about 20–25 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Top with 2 tablespoons of ripe avocado and 1 tablespoon of reduced-fat sour cream.

Exchanges:

Substitutions:

  • ½ cup of cooked or low-sodium canned corn instead of hominy
  • ½ cup of refried beans instead of black beans (If using refried beans, omit additional salt from recipe.)
  • Onions, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms and okra all work well in this recipe. Mix and match to your taste—up to 2 cups total.

Meat Lovers Campfire Fiesta

Place 2 cups of chopped, raw, non-starchy vegetables in the center of the foil. Top with 2 ounces of Southwest-seasoned cooked ground beef and 8 chopped black olives. Cut 1 6-inch corn tortilla into ½-inch-wide strips. Arrange strips around beef and vegetable mixture to resemble a campfire. Place ¼ cup of salsa in the center of the strips to make the "fire." Seal packet and cook over medium heat for about 20–25 minutes, until vegetables are tender.

Exchanges:

Substitution:

  • 2 ounces of diced grilled chicken instead of ground beef or turkey

Jammin' Peaches

Slice 1 ripe medium peach in half and remove pit. Place halves in the center of the foil with the flesh side up. Spread each half with 1 teaspoon of no-sugar-added blackberry jam. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granola on each half (a total of ¼ cup granola). Seal packet and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes.

Exchanges:

Substitutions:

  • 4 small apricots cut in half or 2 small plums cut in half instead of the peach
  • Crush 8 animal crackers or 3 2½-inch squares of graham crackers instead of granola

All exchange values are approximate.

To stay on track, limit yourself to three free exchanges per day. Free exchanges listed with a * can be enjoyed over and above that limit.

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