Nick and I have pondered, planned, and yes, even perspired some as we looked at just how Lent would play out for us and how the spiritual nature of Lent would blend with our 100 Mile plan.

Some out of region items will need to be included such as a few supplements, medications, etc.  However, as I looked at how we would make this work I also realized that we are doing this as a Lenten practice so there will be an element of thinking this is hard (and it will be) and giving up (salty and sweet quick trips to the store), and impulse purchases.

Tomorrow we will be heading up valley and west to Forest Cove Farm and Country Market to purchase some micro greens and other wonderful local veggies. Then as we journey home we’ll stop in at Brums Dairy.

How does this become a Lenten Practice?  Good question.  We’ve looked at how we support our local communities and consume better products.  As we track how many times we choose not to purchase those items that are not really good for us,we will share the savings with the local food bank here in Denbigh.

Also, 100 Mile Living moves beyond food to not purchasing more stuff. So for my fiber friends that means I won’t be shopping on your websites or taking a walk through Michaels just because I can. (impulse purchases can be tough to control).

Throughout Lent I will be focusing on what is important in my life: family and friends, good food, and wasting less. (time and resources)

Do you have a focus for Lent this year?

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.