We’re three weeks until Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.  This year I plan on something quite different.  Enter the 100 Mile Diet.  I’ve made a list of those items I know I can get locally and a list of other items either out of season or just not available to me here in the upper Ottawa Valley. I’ve come up with a plan of my must haves and can live with-outs just to get started. I know about how far the 100 mile circle takes me.  So I’ll dive in with that in mind.

The blanket of snow this morning, although beautiful, is not conducive to spring veggies and the like.  This is my current plan:

1. Limit coffee to Madawaska Coffee Co. – expensive but not impossible. Yes, I know, coffee is not 100 Mile.
2. Limit tea to what is in the pantry.  I’ll forage for spruce buds for tea when I run out.
3. Meat – from a great butcher near by. (Milligan Meats)  
4. Grain and hay for the rabbits from a local farm
5. Grow lots of sprouts and micro greens
6. Flour from a 100 mile mill (currently using spelt to make sour dough)
7. Dairy from local sources

In order to make this work for 40 days I will need to eat out of the cupboards but being mindful as I do so.

What’s out of reach?

Lemons, limes, avocados, bananas – you get the picture.

I’ll let you know how I/we make out.  Plans for the garden have these ideas in mind.

Here’s a short article to get started: https://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-you/green-living/6-tips-to-help-you-follow-the-100-mile-diet/

What’s next?  Local clothing made with local materials, recycled fabrics, and good business practices.  Stay tuned for what’s next.