18 Gluten-Free Camping Essentials by Selena De Vries, RD
- Selena is a Registered Dietitian living with celiac disease who helps individuals that struggle with digestion find food freedom. At Healthbean Nutrition, Selena understands that celiac disease not only effects our physical health but also effects our emotional health. As such, Selena uses an integrative approach in the management of digestive health conditions. She offers free group support for those with celiac disease/gluten sensitivity as well as offering nutrition coaching for digestive health conditions. Services are offered both online and in the beautiful Okanagan valley.
I’ve highlighted both food and equipment items to cover all of the basis.
Gluten Free Equipment:
I really like the Stanley prep and eat campware. Or, of course, you can just bring the top 3 separate items – cutting board, wooden spoon/flipper, and pan.
2. GF stickers:
Extremely helpful when you are with families that have little ones or if you are in a group setting. Don’t let accidental cross contamination happen with foods items or condiments. Set stickers on them that display loud and clear that they are strictly for gluten free individuals only.
3. Tinfoil or the Cooking BBQ Mat:
You know there will be lots of BBQ’s happening when camping. Ensure your food stays safe by having alumnium foil to cook your food on or by using the Cookina BBQ Mat.
Gluten-Free Food
Ok, you cannot go camping without smores. Am I right? These crackers paired with your favourite gluten free chocolate and marshmellows are a match made in heaven when camping. If I am going to have treat when camping, it is definitely smores.
2. Little Northern Bakehouse Buns and Hotdog Buns:
These buns have the best texture hands down. In addition, they are a favorite because they also pass the test nutrition wise. Many GF bread products are low in fiber and high in refined starches and grains. However, this brand uses whole grains and have a hefty 5 grams of fiber per bun, which is most definitely, dietitian approved.
3. Big Mountain Veggie Burgers:
This is a great veggie burger that’s packed with protein and fiber. Many veggie burgers lack protein leaving your appetite longing for something more well after dinner is over. Packed with 14 grams of fiber and 12 grams of protein, you will be fully satisfied with these burgers!
4. PC Blue Menu Wild Sockeye Salmon burgers:
A minimal ingredient list along with wild salmon make these burgers a great camping companion. In addition, you are getting a hefty dose of omega 3, an anti-inflammatory fat, a nutrient that celiacs should pay particular attention to in their diet.
5. Our little Rebellion Bean Crisps:
Chips and dip are going to come out sometime during the camping trip for sure. Along with the chips you may have, consider buying these crisps that are made strictly out of beans and legumes. Again, the fiber content in these crips are great and it’s a tasty way to eat more of this nutrient as many of us do not eat enough fiber, particularly those with celiac disease. If I can get raving reviews from my husband and family, then I’m sure it will be a favourite among yours too!
7. Squeeze top condiments:
To prevent double dipping from jar and lid condiments, consider bringing along squeeze top ketchup, mustard, and mayonaisse, to again, make it a whole lot easier to reduce risk of cross contamination.
8. Easy prep fresh fruit and vegetables:
Now being a dietitian, I couldn’t leave out my beloved fruits and vegetables! I find the easier to grab and eat, the more likely people will actually consume them. Easy prep fruit and vegetables that require almost no prep other than washing include baby carrots, snap peas, cherry tomatoes, mini cucumbers, pre washed salad greens, berries, stone fruits, and watermelon. And, many of these are in season during the summer months. Serve alongside all meals and pair them with a dip like hummus so people are even more likely to eat them!
Hot water is the only thing you need to add to these individually packed hot cereals. They are perfect for snacks and breakfasts. Again, these packs are very high in fiber, helping to start your day with a stick to the ribs breakfast that will fuel you for hours. Often, I combine these with a scoop of certified GF oats and a handful of berries.
10. KIND Pressed and KIND bars
A great convenient bar choice that is available at many locations, including gas stations. Pack these along for hikes, or join together with some fruit for an easy, healthy snack choice for kids.
11. Prana Kilminjaro Trail Mix
Another healthy convenience choice loaded with healthy fats and fiber. Bonus, it comes with little dark chocolate squares. Yum!
12. The Goodbean Crispy Chickpeas
Craving something salty and crunchy? Instead of reaching for chips, try these. Super high in fiber, these guys are great served alongside traditional chips, to up the nutritional value of your snack!
For a store bought granola, this is a pretty healthy version. For a breakfast the whole family will love (even for the pickest of eaters!), try doing a cereal bar laying out cooked hot cereal (like qi’a or oats), yogurt, granola, trail mix, and fresh berries and let everyone top their bowls with the desired toppings. Talk about an easy, healthy breakfast!
14. Hornby Organic Energy Bars
These are energy dense bars that would be perfect to take along on hikes. Bonus, they come in some pretty amazing flavours like like chocolate chip tahini!
15. Taste Adventure Black Bean Soup Cups
Just add hot water for a meal in a jiffy! Coming in at 9g of fiber and 12g of protein, this a very simple and convenient way to boost your nutrition while camping.
Living in the Okanagan or anywhere in British Columbia? View Selena’s services or book an appointment!
- Contact Selena for in-person or on-line support
- HealthBean.ca • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Pinterest • Videos • Blog
- selenadevries@gmail.com • 1-778-990-6047
Testimonial
- “I contacted Selena when I still wasn’t feeling well a year after my celiac diagnosis. I’d read so much on the Internet I thought I knew everything I needed to know. I was wrong.
- Selena has important advice on how to do GF properly (it’s not as straightforward as I thought) and for regaining your health. She is organized, punctual, and professional. And she has celiac disease herself , so she gets it.
- I think a lot of us, by the time we’re diagnosed, have had more than our share of health care practitioners and may not want to bother with a dietitian.
- Selena played a crucial role in my recovery, and I would highly recommend her, whether you’re newly diagnosed or just trying to feel better.”
- ~ Charlene (long-distance celiac disease client)
- HEALTHBEAN NUTRITION specializes in digestive health. We deliver easy to digest, bite-size pieces of information so our clients can, finally, achieve the healthy & happy digestive system they’ve been striving for. Learn more ...
- HEALTHBEAN PHILOSOPHY– Selena employs elimination diets and/or a specific diets in accordance with her clients’ conditions, and only when deemed necessary. She reserves advice about the gluten-free diet for those who require it – not those choosing to follow the diet as a lifestyle choice. Expect clear, concise instructions on the appropriate diet for you and, maybe even some myth busting! Learn more …
Selena knows first-hand how her undiagnosed celiac disease affected her physical and emotional health. After telling her that, “Well, you have celiac disease,” her MD suggested she, “google the diet,” and out the door she went. Sound familiar?
That’s why Selena established Healthbean Nutrition. She is dedicating her education, personal insights and her own recovery to helping her fellow celiacs make this enormous lifestyle transition – and find joy in eating again! Learn more …
Selena’s Road to Diagnosis
Selena De Vries RD, Celiac Disease Specialist
- “When I was going through university, I was exhausted, ALL the time. I had to drag myself out to hang out with friends, and if I had it my way I would have spent most days in bed sleeping. It was not unknown for me to sleep 12-16 hours a day. Call me crazy, but I related it all to the busy-ness of school. I was even checked for anemia at one point (common with celiacs) and I was ‘fine.’
- The symptoms continued through school and the brain fog was undeniable. I distinctly remember during my dietetic internship (like a medical residency except everything is nutrition based) at Kelowna General Hospital sitting in the office, charting on a patient and, literally, feeling like my brain was so fuzzy that I could barely keep my eyes from nodding off. It was awful.
- Another thing I didn’t pay much attention to, was bowels. I was always constipated. Never the other way around. Never. And, I also remember mentioning this to my gastroenterologist just before the endoscopy and he said ‘oh, well with your very low antibody levels and constipation, there is a very low chance that you are actually celiac but we will proceed with the endoscopy since you’re prepped and ready to go.’
- The piece of paper I received after the endoscopy said to follow up with my GP. I did follow up with my GP and the report came back positive for celiac disease. My GP said “well, you’re celiac. But, you’re a dietitian, right, so this should be easy for you!”
- Perhaps I had a leg up in the nutrition part of it, but I think we all know that the gluten free diet is not a walk in the park. And, although, I am so appreciative of the medical care I received, it did open my eyes to the lack of knowledge within the medical community when it came to celiac disease and the lack of support offered to individuals with celiac disease.
That’s how Healthbean Nutrition was born!
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- *Information and perspectives posted on The Celiac Scene are intended to provide general information, without independent verification on the part of The Celiac Scene for the accuracy of the information provided to it. The information is specifically not intended to be a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by your physician or other health care professional. Always consult your own physician or other health care professionals about any medical questions, diagnosis, or treatment, especially before trying any diet. Healthbean Nutrition does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on any content contained herein.
