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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 by clicking here.

See all our frugal recipes here.

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