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Believe it or not - camping is good for your health. There seems to be a renewed interest in camping by Americans. This is evident by the fact that camper and RV sales are brisk and just try to get a campsite at the last moment at any major campsite without a reservation. The added bonus here if you have chosen to join this trend it will be good for your health and weight loss efforts.

For us city dwellers especially, first there is the fresh air. Something about being outdoors and sleeping in the cool crisp air that reinvigorates the soul. Where I live there is a daily ozone report that is part of the weather report and during the summer months it is rarely in the green, which usually only happens after a good hard rain and cool temperatures. So the clean air of the country helps to cleanse the toxins from your body and let it get back to doing what it needs to do in regards to processing calories and burning fat.

Now for some exercise. Getting ready to leave and packing the car or truck usually involves a little sweat equity. On most Friday nights I get home, eat dinner and fall on the couch for some TV, maybe this sounds familiar to you. This is in direct contrast with the hustle and bustle of a Friday night when we are headed out of town to go camping. Running around to find lost items, loading heavy coolers of ice and soda, etc. all are equal to at least a normal 30 minute work out. If that wasn't enough you get to do it all again once you arrive at your campsite, when you pack to leave, and finally when you return home. So multiple 30 minute work outs during the trip, now the should have your fat burner stoked.

When some one mentions camping, most of us think of a relaxing time sitting in lawn chairs by the camp fire. In reality the act of camping is a physical event lasting multiple days. There is the walking to and from the bathrooms and showers. Possible hiking adventures to explore the surrounding area. We typically play games like horse shoes, washers, or monkey bar golf None of these games are especially physically challenging, but you are up and moving around and therefore burning calories. Add to all this some gathering of firewood, fishing, and/or canoeing and you are on your way to a great weekend of fat burning activity.

So you are getting more exercise and fat burning activity than you might have gotten on a normal weekend at home. The calories are going out, what about the calories coming in? Camp food - just the term brings shivers down most people's spine. Thoughts of horribly prepared mass meals from summer camp cloud our minds. For my family the food usually is pretty good and typically includes fresh meat and vegetables cooked over the fire. Most campers will typically eat less and usually more healthy food when they are camping. Part of this is due to the fact you can't just run to the cupboard and get a snack at any time. If the trip includes a stop at Wal-Mart and loading up on junk food before the trip, this won't be true. Plan your camp menu to be healthy and filling to avoid getting too many calories. Bring along healthy snacks, if it is all you have it will be all you eat. Plus when cooking outdoors there will be more work involved to get the fire going and cleanup since there is no dishwasher. Always, always, always bring enough clean, fresh water to avoid sickness and heat related health problems.

A camping trip can be a great time to get back to nature and renew the relationships with friends and family. It can also be a great way to loss weight through increased activity and reduced calorie intake. Find a good excuse to go on a weekend camp out and enjoy the time away. A final reminder, before starting any new activity, diet or exercise program consult with your physician to determine what is right for you. Good luck and good health.