When you are exerting yourself, you need a good daily energy intake of 4,000 calories to keep you warm and happy. Since your usual energy needs are 1,500 to 2,000 calories a day, you will need to use a food chart to work out a way to double your normal intake. Variety is the key to enjoyable meals. Never rule out a food idea until you have exhausted the possibilities for making it. For example, if you want chocolate cake in camp, just hollow out an orange, fill the shell half-full of cake mix, wrap in foil, and cook on an open fire for about 10 minutes.
Weight is extremely important when backpacking.
Great chefs use herbs and spices to create culinary delights. You can use them to dress up even boring freeze dried food. Try some celery salt, dried onions, dried peppers, basil, or chili peppers. You don't want to carry unnecessary bulk. Remove the packaging from all your groceries.