I wouldn't add any other mods on top of it. It's a well done integrated system as it stands.
As for tips:
Paper - especially early you'll need a lot of it so always grab it off the floor when you see it.
The "first" of everything you find do not use, You'll probably need it to make the schematic of it to make more. Example, find a meat stew do not eat it immediately!
Scrap schematics and books give point to make new schematics so don't read some off the wall book just for the xp, scrap it if you don't actually plan on using it.
Grab the snowberries as you walk around early game, you'll be glad for that extra 20-30 food a day.
Enjoy!