Expert Q&A

Any of you low carb, low to no fruits people go camping? Even if not, what are you eating during the weight loss plateau phase

Why Plateaus Happen and How My Method Helps

I've guided thousands through the exact frustration you're feeling. After multiple failed diets, hormonal shifts in your 40s and 50s slow metabolism, making weight loss plateau almost inevitable around the 8-12 week mark. Insulin resistance, cortisol from stress, and hidden carbs stall progress. My approach in The CFP Reset focuses on cycling protein and healthy fats while keeping total carbs under 30g daily—no fruit needed after the first two weeks.

Low to No Fruit Camping Meals That Actually Work

Camping doesn't have to derail your plan. I pack shelf-stable options that fit a low carb lifestyle. Breakfast: scrambled eggs with pre-cooked bacon and avocado slices—zero prep, 5g carbs. Lunch: tuna packets mixed with olive oil mayonnaise and celery sticks. Dinner: grilled chicken thighs or precooked sausage with zucchini foil packs. Snacks include pork rinds, cheese sticks, and macadamia nuts. These meals require no refrigeration for 2-3 days and keep energy steady without blood sugar spikes. For longer trips, dehydrate ground beef and add to bone broth packets.

Breaking Through the Plateau Phase

During a weight loss plateau, I recommend a 5-day protein-sparing modified fast within my CFP framework: 1.2g protein per pound of ideal body weight, under 20g carbs, and minimal fat. This shocks the system without muscle loss. Add 20-minute walks—even with joint pain, start slow on flat trails. Track hidden inflammation from dairy or artificial sweeteners. Many in their mid-40s to mid-50s see 3-5 pounds drop in the first week after this reset. Manage diabetes and blood pressure by testing ketones twice daily; aim for 0.5-1.5 mmol/L.

Practical Tips for Beginners Facing Real Barriers

Insurance rarely covers these programs, so I keep it simple: one grocery list, no gym required. If you're embarrassed about obesity, remember small consistent choices build confidence. Swap conflicting advice for this—focus on real food, sleep 7-8 hours, and hydrate with electrolytes. My clients report fewer joint issues once inflammation drops. Try a weekend test campout before your big trip to build momentum.

💬 What the Community Says

Campers following low carb or carnivore styles share mixed experiences on forums. Many praise packing eggs, cheese, and cured meats for trips, noting stable energy without fruit. A common theme is initial worry about spoilage, but users report success with coolers and vacuum-sealed options. During plateau phases, practitioners often debate protein-sparing fasts versus adding more fat; most find a 3-7 day reset helpful but warn against extremes with diabetes or blood pressure meds. Joint pain sufferers appreciate the low-impact camping movement like short hikes. Beginners feel overwhelmed by meal ideas yet value simple lists. A vocal minority struggles with social pressure at campsites, while others celebrate 4-8 pound losses after adjusting electrolytes. Overall, lived experiences highlight practicality over perfection, with frequent mentions of tracking apps to navigate stalls.
Cite this answer
Clark, R. (2026). Any of you low carb, low to no fruits people go camping? Even if not, what are y. *CFP Weight Loss*. https://ask.cfpweightloss.com/ask/any-of-you-low-carb-low-to-no-fruits-people-go-camping-even-if-not-what-are-you-eating-during-the-weight-loss-plateau-phase
Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, FNP-C, APRN
About the Author

Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, is the founder of CFP Weight Loss in Nashville and CFP Fit Now telehealth. Over 35 years in healthcare — Army Nurse Reserves, Level 1 trauma ER, hospitalist — he developed a 30-week protocol integrating real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 30–90 pounds. He and his wife Anne-Marie lost a combined 275 pounds using the same protocol.

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