What Are The Benefits of Growing Your Own Food?
In recent years, many people have started considering the benefits of a more independent, simple life, and a large part of this involves growing your own food and becoming as self-sufficient as possible.
There are a huge number of benefits that come with growing your own food, and you could find it is a positive change to your overall health, life, and budget.
More Nutritious Food
Growing your own food means you know exactly what is on your plate at mealtimes, and offers you the chance to enjoy a healthier, more diverse diet. Experiment with growing new fruits, veggies, and salad items, and increase the number of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in your diet.
Homegrown food is also typically free from any pesticides or additives, helping you enjoy the healthiest possible ingredients.
Stay Active And Healthy
Gardening is hard work – especially if you are trying to grow your own food. It offers a great opportunity to get out in the fresh air, move your body, and enjoy the benefits of exercise as you bend, twist, dig, and plant.
This can also be an amazing activity for the whole family, and a way to encourage your children to stay in shape, while also teaching them about healthier food.
Boost Vitamin D Levels
The majority of the population tends to be deficient in Vitamin D – a vitamin that is essential for growth and strength. This is largely due to a lack of sunlight. The largely sedentary lifestyles that many of us live don’t help either.
By getting outside and gardening, you are absorbing that all-important Vitamin D, while spending time in nature.
Always remember to put on sunscreen when you are working in strong sunlight, or you could end up with painful sunburn!
Save Money
One of the most appealing aspects of growing your own fruits and vegetables is a chance to seriously slash your grocery budget. This is a major draw for many families.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need lots of expensive equipment or acres of land to get started with growing your own food. A small patch and some seeds are a great way to get started.
The internet is also full of valuable, free resources to help you make the most of the space that you have, and increase your chances of success.
Once you grow confident in growing your own produce, you will be able to plan meals and shop around the ingredients you already have – this is a great money saver.
Help The Planet
Growing food in your own backyard eliminates the need for long-distance transportation and excessive packaging, and these are both good news for the planet.
Final Thoughts
While it may seem intimidating, growing your own food is easy and painless, and the more you experiment, the more confident you will grow. What are you waiting for? Time to prepare that soil!
