Whenever family or friends visit, they can’t help but rave about our food. From fresh fish to home-grown vegetables, eggs from our chickens, venison hunted by a neighbor, or freshly picked wild berries, the flavors of our table never cease to impress. But inevitably, the question arises: “Why would you go through all that trouble when you can easily get everything at the store?”
True, we do buy certain things, like flour and other items we can’t grow ourselves, and of course, we indulge in the occasional sushi or a meal out, especially when we have family from afar. But eating out is rare for us, and the reasons are multifaceted.
This way of life isn’t for everyone, and it’s undeniably a labor of love. However, the health benefits are undeniable. We never thought we’d feel so much better by avoiding preservatives, artificial colorings, and sugars. Once we became accustomed to homemade food, commercially produced alternatives just didn’t taste as good.
We’re also uncomfortable with certain industry practices, such as the addition of vegetable oils to almost everything, merely to soften muffins, for instance. We once bought a store-bought muffin with an expiry date lying four weeks in the future, and that just didn’t sit right with us.
So, yes, we make our own bread, and while it takes time, it’s a rewarding process. Once you get the hang of it, the taste is unbeatable!
Our connection to our food goes beyond the kitchen. It manifests in our fun activities, whether wandering in the woods searching for edibles, walking the coast to find a good fishing spot, or toiling in our garden. These tasks connect us to nature and ground us in a way that’s incredibly fulfilling.
This year, we bought a house with the hope of becoming even more self-sufficient. The adventure of creating a sustainable lifestyle from scratch is a constant learning experience and one that fills us with pride and joy.
Our journey towards self-sufficiency is more than a dietary choice; it’s a way of life that binds our family and connects us to the land. We’re aware that this path may not be appealing to everyone, but for us, the taste of fresh, wholesome food and the joy of working with our hands make all the effort worthwhile.
In the end, it’s about more than just food; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes health, sustainability, and the pure joy of creating something with love. It’s a philosophy we hope to carry forward as we continue to grow and evolve on this remarkable journey.