In an uncertain world, staying prepared is more important than ever. Whether you’re new to prepping or a seasoned pro, YouTube offers a wealth of information and inspiration to help you on your journey. Here are some of the best YouTube channels for preppers that I have watched over the years to keep you informed, motivated, and ready for anything.
Channel Overview: Canadian Prepper, run by Nate, provides in-depth reviews of survival gear, prepping strategies, and discussions on global events that could impact preppers. Nate’s pragmatic and unpartisan approach and expertise make his channel a must-watch for anyone serious about preparedness.
Why You Should Watch: Nate’s detailed gear reviews and practical advice on emergency preparedness are invaluable. This channel was actually one of my first preparedness channels and his content assisted in showing me that it doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful to begin to get prepared for an as Nate would call it an “SHTF Scenario.” His content ranges from bug-out bags to the latest in survival technology, and a daily dose of the world’s doom and gloom, keeping you informed about the things the main stream media doesn’t really like to talk about much, ensuring you’re well-equipped for any situation.
Channel Overview: City Prepping, focuses on urban survival and prepping in densely populated areas. His channel covers a wide range of topics, including food storage, self-defense, and urban gardening.
Why You Should Watch: This content is perfect for those living in cities or suburbs. The practical tips on how to prepare for emergencies in an urban setting are both insightful and actionable.
Channel Overview: The Mac’s offer a family-oriented perspective on homesteading and prepping. Their channel features videos on self-sufficiency, homestead projects, and prepping tips particularly for larger families.
Why You Should Watch: If you’re looking to integrate prepping into a family lifestyle, The Mac’s provide a relatable and comprehensive approach. Their emphasis on family preparedness makes their content accessible and engaging for viewers of all ages. They live on a homestead and are always busy canning, making tinctures and keeping up with relevant content in our day-to-day news.
Channel Overview: RoseRed Homestead, run by Dr. Suzanne Sherman, combines academic knowledge with practical prepping advice. Her channel offers tutorials on food preservation like dehydration and canning, emergency preparedness, and homesteading skills.
Why You Should Watch: Dr. Sherman’s expertise in both science and homesteading brings a unique perspective to the prepping community. Her detailed instructional videos make complex topics easy to understand and implement.
Channel Overview: Jake and Nicolle document their off-grid lifestyle in the Canadian rainforest located in Black Fish Hollow, Bristish Columbia. Their channel covers everything from building an off-grid cabin to sustainable living practices and prepping for daily off-grid life.
Why You Should Watch: For those interested in off-grid living and self-reliance, Jake and Nicole’s journey provides inspiration and practical advice. Their videos are usually very long form so you get to see their progress in real time. Their real-life experiences offer valuable lessons in sustainability and independence. If you plan to live completely off-grid in the future, I highly recommend starting from the beginning of their journey.
Honourable Mentions
While the channels above are some of the best Youtube channels for preppers, there are plenty of other great prepping channels worth checking out:
Alaska Prepper: Focuses on food storage, financial preparedness, and self-reliance.
Prepper Princess:Offers budget-friendly prepping tips and strategies.
Survival Lilly: Provides wilderness survival skills and outdoor gear reviews.
These YouTube channels offer a wealth of knowledge and resources for preppers of all levels, whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned prepper you will find value in these great channels. Whether you’re looking for gear reviews, urban survival tips, or homesteading advice, these content creators have you covered. Subscribe to these channels and stay prepared for whatever the future holds.
Do you have a favorite prepping channel that’s not on this list? Share it in the comments below! And don’t forget to subscribe to these channels for the latest in prepping and survival content.
By following these channels, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the uncertainties of our world. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe.
Pressure canning is a fantastic method for preserving food, ensuring you have nutritious and delicious meals ready to go at any time. While it might seem daunting at first, once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it’s a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through the steps of pressure canning both meat and vegetables, highlighting the differences and important safety tips.
Why Pressure Can?
Pressure canning is essential for low-acid foods like meat and vegetables because it reaches temperatures higher than boiling water, which is necessary to kill bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum that can cause botulism. Unlike water bath canning, which is suitable for high-acid foods like fruits and pickles, pressure canning is the only safe method for canning low-acid foods.
Getting Started: Equipment and Preparation
Before you start, make sure you have the necessary equipment:
Pressure Canner: A pressure canner is different from a pressure cooker. It has a gauge to measure pressure and is specifically designed for canning. The Presto 23 Quart Pressure Canner is a great option, you can get it here.
Canning Jars: Use jars designed for canning, typically Mason jars. Many canners use Ball or Bernardin canning jars.
Lids and Bands: Ensure they are new to ensure a proper seal. You can get replacement lids almost anywhere
Jar Lifter and Funnel: These will make handling hot jars safer and easier.
It might also be helpful to grab yourself a recipe book with approved safe canning recipes, one of my personal favourites for learning the basics is Bernardin’s Complete Book of Home Preserving.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pressure Canning
Prepare Your Equipment:
Wash jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water. Rinse well.
Inspect jars for nicks or cracks.
Keep jars warm until ready to use, either in a dishwasher or a warm oven.
Prepare Your Food:
For Meat: Trim excess fat and cut into chunks or strips. You can either raw-pack (place raw meat into jars) or hot-pack (cook meat first).
For Vegetables: Clean and cut vegetables into appropriate sizes. Blanching (briefly boiling then cooling in ice water) is often recommended for better texture and color.
Fill the Jars:
Using a funnel, pack the food into jars, leaving the appropriate headspace (typically 1 inch for meat, 1/2 inch for vegetables).
Add boiling water, broth, or tomato juice to the jars, again leaving the recommended headspace.
Remove air bubbles by running a non-metallic spatula around the inside edge of the jar.
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth.
Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until fingertip-tight.
Load the Canner:
Add 2-3 inches of water to the pressure canner (follow manufacturer’s instructions).
Place the filled jars into the canner using a jar lifter.
Secure the canner lid, leaving the vent open.
Vent and Build Pressure:
Heat the canner until steam flows steadily from the vent. Let it vent for 10 minutes.
Close the vent or place the weight on the vent pipe. Allow the pressure to build to the required level (usually 10-15 PSI, depending on your altitude and recipe).
Process the Jars:
Once the canner reaches the required pressure, start timing. Processing times vary: meat generally requires 75-90 minutes, and vegetables 20-90 minutes, depending on the type and size of the jars.
Maintain a steady pressure throughout the process.
Cool the Canner:
Turn off the heat and let the canner cool down naturally until it reaches 0 PSI.
Wait an additional 10 minutes before opening the vent or removing the weight.
Remove and Cool the Jars:
Carefully remove the canner lid, facing away from you to avoid steam burns.
Use a jar lifter to remove the jars and place them on a towel or cooling rack.
Leave jars undisturbed for 12-24 hours.
Check the Seals:
After the jars have cooled, check the seals by pressing the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed.
Remove the bands and wipe the jars clean. Label and store in a cool, dark place.
Disclaimer: Please be sure to follow all recipe guidelines along with guidelines put in place by safe canning regulations, in Canada this information can be found on Canada.ca and in the United States the safety regulations are put in place by the USDA. Be sure to check your local regulations and get familiar before you begin canning.
Top 12 Most Toxic Ingredients to Avoid
When canning, especially if you’re using store-bought ingredients, watch out for these toxic additives:
BHA and BHT: Preservatives linked to cancer.
Sodium Nitrate/Nitrite: Common in processed meats; linked to cancer.
MSG: Linked to headaches and other health issues.
Artificial Colors (e.g., Red #40): Linked to behavioral issues in children.
High-Fructose Corn Syrup: Linked to obesity and diabetes.
Trans Fats: Linked to heart disease.
Aspartame: An artificial sweetener linked to cancer.
Artificial Flavorings: Linked to various health issues.
Sodium Benzoate: A preservative that can form benzene, a carcinogen.
Potassium Bromate: Linked to cancer.
Propyl Paraben: A preservative with hormone-disrupting effects.
Propylene Glycol: Linked to kidney and liver damage.
Check out our 12 Most Toxic Ingredients to avoid E-book here!
Having the ability to pressure can your food is an invaluable skill for anyone interested in self-sufficiency and healthy eating. By understanding the process and following safety guidelines, you can preserve meats and vegetables with confidence to ensure you have well-preserved food for many years. This method not only ensures that you have nutritious food available year-round but also allows you to avoid toxic ingredients often found in commercially processed foods available in a can.
Embrace the tradition of home canning and enjoy the benefits of a well-stocked pantry, filled with wholesome, homemade goodness. Happy canning!
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There’s a lot of buzz lately about natural health products like supplements and vitamins, especially with new regulations on the horizon. In Canada, the introduction of Bill C-47 has sparked a heated debate about how these products are regulated. This blog post dives into the key issues, why it’s a big deal, and why we should all pay attention.
Understanding Bill C-47
Bill C-47 is a piece of legislation in Canada that aims to regulate natural health products the same way pharmaceutical drugs are regulated. This bill is part of an effort to ensure the safety and efficacy of these products. While safety is crucial, many people are concerned about the potential negative impacts of these regulations.
Reduced Accessibility: If the regulations become too stringent, many natural health products might disappear from the market. This is a big worry for those who rely on supplements for their health. Smaller companies may not have the resources to meet these new standards, which could lead to fewer options and higher prices for consumers.
Economic Impact: The natural health product industry is a significant part of the economy. Stricter regulations could financially devastate many companies, leading to job losses and stifling innovation in the industry. This isn’t just bad news for businesses but for everyone who benefits from their products.
Consumer Choice and Freedom: People should have the freedom to choose how they manage their health. Many prefer natural health products over pharmaceuticals. Over-regulation could limit these choices and push people towards pharmaceutical alternatives they may not want.
Health Implications: Supplements and vitamins play a crucial role in many people’s health routines. Limiting access to these products could have serious health consequences, especially for those who use them to prevent or manage health conditions.
Why We Need to Take a Stand Against Bill C-47
Regulating natural health products is important, but it needs to be done in a way that balances safety with accessibility and innovation. Here’s what you can do to help:
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest news about natural health product regulations.
Engage with Policymakers: Reach out to your local representatives and let them know your concerns. Explain how these regulations could affect your health and lifestyle.
Support Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) are working hard to represent consumers and the industry. Get involved with their campaigns and help spread the word (Canadian Health Food Association).
If Bill C-47 or similar regulations were to come into play, a wide range of supplements and natural health products could be affected. Here are some categories of supplements that would likely be impacted:
Vitamins and Minerals:
Common supplements like vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium.
Multivitamins that provide a broad spectrum of essential nutrients.
Herbal Supplements:
Popular herbs like echinacea, ginseng, St. John’s wort, and turmeric.
Traditional herbal medicines used for various health benefits.
Probiotics and Digestive Aids:
Supplements containing live bacteria and yeasts that are good for digestive health.
Enzymes and other products designed to aid digestion.
Amino Acids and Protein Supplements:
Essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own.
Protein powders and shakes used for muscle building and recovery.
Omega-3 and Essential Fatty Acids:
Fish oil supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Flaxseed oil and other plant-based sources of essential fatty acids.
Antioxidants:
Supplements like coenzyme Q10, resveratrol, and alpha-lipoic acid.
Products that claim to combat oxidative stress and support cellular health.
Specialty Supplements:
Products targeting specific health concerns such as joint health (e.g., glucosamine, chondroitin).
Cognitive enhancers and nootropics aimed at improving mental performance.
Weight Management Supplements:
Natural products marketed for weight loss and appetite control.
Supplements containing ingredients like green tea extract, Garcinia Cambogia, and CLA.
Hormonal Support Supplements:
Natural supplements aimed at supporting hormonal balance, such as DHEA and phytoestrogens.
Products for supporting thyroid function and adrenal health.
Sports Nutrition:
Pre-workout and post-workout supplements.
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and other performance enhancers.
Energy and Stress Management Supplements:
Adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and ginseng.
Products designed to improve energy levels and manage stress.
Children’s Supplements:
Vitamins and minerals specifically formulated for children’s needs.
Probiotics and other health products aimed at young users.
These categories cover a wide range of products that consumers use to support their health and wellness. The introduction of stringent regulations could lead to reduced availability of these products, potentially higher costs, and limited consumer choice. This would affect individuals who rely on these supplements for maintaining their health and managing specific health conditions.
The potential banning of supplements and vitamins through regulations like Bill C-47 is a serious issue that affects us all. While ensuring the safety of these products is important, it shouldn’t come at the cost of accessibility, economic stability, and consumer freedom. By staying informed and proactive, we can help shape a regulatory environment that protects public health without sacrificing the benefits of natural health products.
For more information and to get involved, check out the Canadian Health Food Association’s Save Our Supplements campaign page. Together, we can make a difference and protect our right to choose natural health products.
Cleaning cast iron might seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think! With a few simple steps, you can keep your cast iron skillet in top shape for years to come. Let’s dive into the basics of cast iron care.
Step 1: Clean While It’s Warm
The best time to clean your cast iron skillet is right after you’ve finished cooking while it’s still warm. This makes it easier to remove food residues without much scrubbing.
Step 2: Use Hot Water
Avoid using soap, which can strip the seasoning from your skillet. Instead, rinse your skillet under hot water. If there are stubborn bits of food stuck on, use a brush or a scraper designed for cast iron.
Step 3: Scrub Gently
For more persistent residues, sprinkle a little coarse salt into the skillet and scrub gently with a paper towel or a soft cloth. The salt acts as a mild abrasive to help lift off stuck-on food without damaging the seasoning.
Step 4: Dry Thoroughly
Dry your cast iron skillet thoroughly with a clean towel. Cast iron can rust if left damp, so make sure it’s completely dry. You can also place it on a stovetop burner over low heat for a few minutes to evaporate any remaining moisture.
Step 5: Oil It Up
Once your skillet is dry, apply a thin layer of oil to the surface. Use a paper towel to spread the oil evenly, coating the entire skillet, inside and out. This helps maintain the seasoning and prevents rust.
Step 6: Store Properly
Store your cast iron skillet in a dry place. If you stack your cookware, place a paper towel between your cast iron and other pots and pans to protect the seasoning.
Tips for Long-Term Care
Re-season When Needed: If food starts sticking or the skillet looks dull, it might be time to re-season. Simply coat it with oil and bake it upside down in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about an hour.
Avoid Soaking: Never soak your cast iron skillet in water. Extended exposure to water can lead to rust.
Be Mindful of Acidic Foods: Cooking acidic foods like tomatoes can wear down the seasoning. If you do cook something acidic, be sure to re-oil your skillet afterward.
With these easy steps, cleaning and maintaining your cast iron skillet can be a breeze. Happy cooking!
Check out some of the benefits of using cast iron here.
You already know that keeping your pantry organized is essential for a functional kitchen. One of the best ways to achieve this is by labeling your pantry items. Not only does labeling your items make finding ingredients easier, but it also adds a touch of style to your kitchen. When you have your pantry items stored in cute air-tight containers with a fancy label on them, it makes it allowable to decorate your space with storage. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of labeling your pantry items, tips for creating your own labels, and how you can access our free printable labels to get started.
Why Label Your Pantry Items?
Easy Identification: Labels make it easy to identify ingredients at a glance, saving you time when cooking or baking.
Enhanced Organization: A labeled pantry is a more organized pantry. You can quickly see what you have and what you need to restock.
Aesthetic Appeal: Matching labels give your pantry a cohesive and polished look, making your kitchen feel more put together.
Avoid Food Waste: Clear labels help you use ingredients before they expire, reducing food waste.
Tips for Labeling Your Pantry
Use Clear Containers: Transfer dry goods into clear, airtight containers. This not only keeps food fresh but also allows you to see the contents easily.
Choose a Consistent Label Design: Pick a label design that fits your kitchen’s aesthetic. Consistency in size, font, and color creates a uniform look. (Cricut fans, time to break out that Cricut, it’s label making time!)
Include Important Information: Besides the ingredient name, consider adding the expiration date and any special instructions (e.g., “store in a cool, dry place”).
Durable Materials: Use waterproof labels or laminate them to ensure they withstand the wear and tear of a busy kitchen.
Positioning: Place labels where they are easy to read, typically on the front of the container at eye level.
How to Create Your Own Labels
Decide on the Style: Choose a style that matches your kitchen decor. You can go for minimalistic, vintage, or colourful designs. I personally love a great clear jar with a wooden lid. It makes my space look amazing!
Use Labeling Tools: There are various tools available for creating labels, such as label makers, printable sticker sheets, or pre-made labels that you can customize.
Handwritten Labels: For a personal touch, you can handwrite your labels using a fine-tip marker on blank sticker labels or chalk labels.
Digital Design: If you prefer a polished look, use design software or online platforms like Canva to create your labels. You can find plenty of free templates and design elements to use, or you can download my template!
Free Downloadable Printable Labels
To make your pantry organization journey even easier, I’ve created a set of free downloadable printable labels for you! These labels are designed to fit various container sizes and styles, ensuring a perfect fit for your pantry.
What’s Included in the Downloadable Printable?
Basic Spice Rack Staples: Labels for all your favorite spices and herbs to keep your spice rack neat and tidy.
Specialty Items: Labels for less common ingredients.
Customizable Template: Editable on Canva, you can customize this as little or as much as you would like.
Easy Download and Print: Download your template from Canva and print it in a format of your choice.
How to Use the Printable Labels
Download and Print: Click the link to download the PDF file. Print the labels on sticker paper or regular paper and use double-sided tape to attach them to your containers.
Cut Out Labels: Use scissors or a paper cutter to carefully cut out each label.
Apply to Containers: Peel off the backing (if using sticker paper) and apply the label to the front of your container. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles.
Enjoy Your Organized Pantry: Step back and admire your beautifully organized pantry!
Labeling your pantry items can transform your kitchen into an organized and efficient space. With clear labels, you’ll spend less time searching for ingredients and more time enjoying the cooking process. Download our free printable labels today and start your journey to a more organized and stylish pantry!
