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Back to Basic Nutrition
One Homesteader's Story
Back to basic nutrition is the route we should all aim for when pursuing the self reliant life.
I met Tammy Maroon recently when she purchased some goats from me.
This is her story of pursuing the best nutrition for her and her family by going back to basics. Sue
Back to Basic Nutrition
The Beginning
By Tammy Maroon
I am beginning the homesteading journey also!
A few years ago I began reducing the processed crap I bought - prepared food in cans, jars, bags, etc. and mainly cook from scratch.
I still have a few things I use like spaghetti sauces, condiments, etc., but with the production of my first organic garden this summer, I want to begin making my own EVERYTHING and canning, freezing and dehydrating them.
Back to Basic Nutrition
Learning the Truth About Processed Foods
I recently watched the documentary "Food, Inc." and literally became gut-sick over the crap that is in our industrialized food.
I had no idea about genetically modified seeds and even thought that the "fresh" produce I bought from the grocery store was for the most part, okay.
My husband thinks I've gone radical, and honestly - I have.
I threw away all the "crap" in my pantry and fridge - I don't even consider it fit for human consumption now.
I bought some organic chicken meat to cook and still haven't recovered from sticker shock so that turned into the whole discussion on getting our own chickens for fresh eggs and meat.
Back to Basic Nutrition
Learning from Past Generations
I had told my children about my "Granny" a true Oklahoman and old-fashioned homesteader with a 2-acre garden she hoed and tilled by hand herself.
As a kid I'd go with her out to the chicken coop.
She'd search for a plump hen and wring its neck, then tie some twine around its feet and let it hang upside down from a hook behind her garage where she'd slit the neck and let it bleed into a bucket for a few hours.
It was out of sight if company came to visit, but it wasn't really that gross.
Also behind the garage there were some cinder blocks and on top of them she had a hot plate she'd plug into an extension cord with a big pot of water on it - she'd bring that to a simmer, not a boil, and after the chicken was done bloodletting, she'd dunk it a few times in the scalding water, shaking off the excess water as she carried the chicken to the back porch where we kids would sit on the steps and help pluck it.
Helping her with the chickens and picking vegetables and canning foods are some of my fondest memories of her.
One thing is for sure, that lady was always working doing something.
Back to Basic Nutrition
Training the Next Generation
Most of our children are grown, but I want my youngest to learn some of the old ways - the best ways, actually.
How to truly live off the land and not just be a consumer.
Mainly, I want us to eat healthy.
Back to Basic Nutrition
Pursuing Frugality
Well, there are so many reasons and I'm sure mine are familiar to you as well.
We've always been frugal and live debt free as well.
Our motto is we buy used, we take good care of things and get as many miles out of them as possible.
If we can't pay cash for it, we don't get it - period.
I know I began rambling back there with memories of my "Granny" but just wanted you to know that I share your focus in life, although I'm starting this journey with very little experience and just plan on winging it.
I've canned salsa, but will have to learn everything else.
In a few weeks when we get the chicken coop in good repair we'll be getting double duty chickens for egg and meat usage, but that's all new to me also.
I'm glad I met you and hope you don't mind if I stay in touch with you.
I'm sure I'll have obstacles along the way and will think "how would Sue handle this?" LOL
Learn More About Frugal Cooking
Invest in good health and some of the best bread available with a good quality grain mill.
You can beat frugal cooking both for the excellent nutrition and savings.
Learn why cooking from scratch is so important by clicking here.
Want to see all of our frugal recipes? Click here.
Want organic food at a great price?
Form a food club, and you'll also foster the growth of locally produced, excellent organic food.
Learn more.
Do you love Chinese food? Save a bundle and invest in your health by learning to cook healthy vegan Chinese food at home!
Avoid that expensive trip to the bakery and make fabulous desserts at home.
Learn more.
Listen to the general media, and they'll tell you that coconut oil is something akin to the devil's spawn, unleashing an epidemic of heart disease into our country and killing thousands of people.
But do a little research, and you learn otherwise.
For reasons why you should be cooking with coconut oil, click here.
A good quality cast iron cookware set like this one is an excellent investment for healthy, even cooking. It can also be used outside as a Dutch oven.
Cook mouth-watering meals that increase your energy and make your feel terrific. Learn more.
The next time you are suffering from a cold, sore throat or other infection, instead of calling the doctor, reach for this healthful oil instead.
Learn more.
Make authentic sausages right in your own home. Learn more.
Thinking about investing in a grain mill, but not sure which one is right for you?
Read a review about grain mills by clicking here.
Dehydrating foods are a great way to preserve foods in a healthy, low-cost way.
Learn more.
Use the healing power of vegetables in your cooking.
Learn more.
A good quality vacuum sealer makes your food last for months and even years and can save you a bundle of money.
Click here to learn more.
Using a vacuum food sealer is the best way to make sure your foods lasts and to save money, but there are some tricks to using a vacuum food sealer.
Read more.
Do you have a weakness for fine-quality, Mexican food? Learn to cook fabulous Mexican dishes and save a bundle.
Click here to learn more.
Having and using a cast iron camp Dutch oven is a good idea should the power go out and you're unable to use your electric range.
It's also a great way to keep the heat out of your kitchen in the summertime and outside where it belongs.
Learn more.
When you stock up on bulk grains, don't forget to stock up on yeast as well.
Learn more about this crucial ingredient by clicking here.
If you have some extra goat milk on hand, try this recipe and get ready for the richest, creamiest, best ice cream you've ever tasted!
Wouldn't it be nice to be able to make ice cream even when the power is out? Fortunately you can!
Learn more.
Have an extra supply of peaches on hand?
Learn to dehydrate peaches and you'll have a great source of nutrition for years to come.
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