If you’ve ever wanted to embrace a more self-reliant, sustainable lifestyle, I’m here to share some game-changing lessons I learned during my recent hunting trip in Canada. Staying with a family that has lived off the land for over 40 years was truly eye-opening. From hunting and raising animals to gardening and preserving food, their way of life is a masterclass in sustainability, resilience, and independence.
Here are the 5 vital hacks I picked up that you can easily implement to start living a more self-sufficient, nourishing life!
Hack #1: Canning Meat – A Pantry Game-Changer
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was how to can meat. It’s much easier than you’d think, and the benefits are incredible. Not only does it preserve your food for long periods, but canning also tenderizes tougher cuts of meat, making them as tender as a ribeye!
This technique is perfect for those of us looking to extend our harvest, especially during hunting season. Imagine having jars of nutrient-dense, tender meat ready to go in your pantry—ideal for quick meals or emergencies. Whether you're new to canning or a seasoned pro, this is a skill that adds layers of self-reliance to your food prep game.
Pro Tip: Canning gives you control over your pantry’s contents, ensuring you have high-quality, nourishing food stocked year-round.
Hack #2: The Vitality of Outdoor Living
Spending most of my days outdoors on this trip was a stark reminder of how beneficial nature is to our overall health. Whether I was hunting, hiking, or just sitting and enjoying the fresh air, my energy levels, mood, and even skin improved noticeably.
Being outside does more than just boost your physical health—it reconnects you with nature on a primal level. The natural sunlight (sans sunglasses!), exposure to clean air, and just grounding yourself outside do wonders for your body and mind. It’s easy to forget how vital these elements are, especially when modern life keeps us indoors 90% of the time.
So, how can you incorporate more of this outdoor magic into your everyday life? Start by moving some activities outdoors—cook, prep, eat, or even work in your yard or patio. The benefits are endless, and it’s one of the most powerful health hacks I’ve experienced.
Remember: Nature is the original “supplement.” Being outdoors, soaking in the sun, and moving in nature reduces the need for artificial supplements like vitamin D or probiotics.
Hack #3: Embrace Discomfort & Switch Up Your Routine
One of the most transformative lessons I learned was the importance of embracing discomfort. During the trip, I took a break from my regular weightlifting routine and spent all my time focused on hunting, hiking, and simply moving with the land.
This switch not only challenged my body in new ways but also opened my mind to how variety and discomfort can boost creativity and health. It reminded me that you don’t need a gym or special equipment to stay fit—using nature as your “workout space” is both a mental and physical challenge.
If you’re looking to build resilience, switch up your routine! Whether it's trying new foods, moving in different ways, or simply pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, these changes will recharge your body and mind in ways you never imagined.
Life Hack: Regular movement, especially outdoors, is one of the best ways to stay strong, agile, and healthy as you age—no fancy equipment or expensive supplements required!
Hack #4: Redefine Convenience Food – Think Outside the Package!
Forget everything you know about convenience food. On my trip, I learned that convenience doesn’t have to come in a package. One of the best examples? “Pocket bacon” and “pocket maple syrup” that my Canadian hosts packed for the hunt!
The lesson here is that real, nutrient-dense food can be just as convenient as any processed snack if you prepare it yourself. Stainless steel containers filled with jarred meats or whole foods work perfectly for meals on the go—and they’re eco-friendly too.
Breaking away from the modern idea of convenience food not only supports your health but also saves money and reduces waste. With just a little preparation, you can stock your pantry and fridge with nourishing, easy-to-grab meals that keep you self-reliant and free from the grasp of the food industry.
Food Tip: Opt for reusable containers and fill them with your own creations—whether it’s home-canned meats or fresh fruit, you’ll always have something nutritious and sustainable on hand.
Hack #5: The Power of Pow Wows (Group or Solo)
Every evening on the trip, we gathered for pow wows—informal meetings to reflect on the day and plan for the next. Whether we discussed the hunt, food prep, or what to defrost for dinner, these check-ins kept us organized and focused.
Pow wows are more than just planning sessions—they help you stay grounded and accountable. Whether you’re in a group or solo, having a daily check-in or routine helps you set intentions and build discipline. This is key not just in hunting but in everyday life as well.
Incorporating a daily “pow wow” into your life, whether alone or with family, creates a moment of reflection, planning, and mindfulness. It’s a powerful practice for staying on top of your health goals, animal-based diet, and long-term self-reliance.
Pro Tip: Use pow wows as a way to foster accountability. Setting short-term goals helps keep you on track with your health and self-sufficiency plans, whether you're with a group or going solo.
Conclusion: Small Steps Toward Big Changes
These five hacks transformed my mindset and daily habits during the trip and will be staples in my self-reliant journey moving forward. Whether you’re canning your own meat, spending more time outdoors, or redefining convenience food, these small steps add up to big changes in your overall wellness.
Ready to dive deeper into self-reliant living? Drop your questions below or share your experiences. And don’t forget to subscribe for more tips on how to embrace a nourishing, self-sufficient lifestyle. Stay wild, stay rooted, and hit that bell so you never miss a new video!
