Not vegetarian but...

[PotterWatch]

I just found out that a local cheese shop has started to sell locally produced goat-milk cheese! They don't have much right now, but they might start offering more variety in the future. They do have some other fairly local cheeses, but the milk the other cheese makers use isn't from their own animals. I still bought some of their mozzarella and ricotta though. It makes me feel good to support local businesses.

 

[PineappleMama]

Quote:
We rent so that's not an option... but don't think I haven't thought it.

 

[mame1616]

As a 13-yr vegetarian who eats fish, I can sympathize what you are all going through, pondering the vast hole before you into which all of your meat options have vanished. Growing up on McDonald's and meatloaf, fried chicken and pork chops, going veg was a difficult choice to make, and not one to be taken on a whim. Take a deep breath and realize that many millions of people eat meatless meals everyday - you just have to look in some different spots for them. You'll be amazed at what's been right in front of you all this time. I will say that, if you continue to eat fish, your task will be immensely easier. I cannot count the number of showers and birthdays where I had only a roll with butter (or several) for a meal because there was only meat served. With events like these, bring your own dish, or eat beforehand. Restaurants are much easier - diners especially have many non-meat items to offer. Check out restaurants on the web, if you can, and look at their menus. Actually write down the offerings - you will be really surprised at how many choices you have. And remember, most of you probably don't live on the road, so each meal is simply a small stop - you won't starve. You will not be forced into eating tofu or seitan or edemame unless you choose it. A grilled cheese sandwich is veg, right? So is ravioli with marinara sauce. How about Quiche Florentine? Peanut Butter and Jelly? There are a lot of choices out there! Make a game of it, and have fun. In a few years, when I get my land, I hope to provide to others the kind of natural meats you are looking for. Until then, healthy meals to you!

 

[PotterWatch]

I am not planning to go fully vegetarian. Luckily our steer is being cut and wrapped right now and should be ready for pickup any day. I will be helping to process the turkeys at the farm on Monday and will have that. I am still trying to find someone who will raise some meat chickens with me so that I can have some help in the processing. All said, I will have an easy time of it at home with all of the local meat we are able to get. When we are out, I can easily find vegetarian meals or fish to eat. It does take a little thought and I am giving up some restaurant dishes I really love, but I think it's worth it!

 

[Moabite]

I have decided not to eat meat out at restaurants or purchase meat unless I know exactly where and how it was raised.

I totally respect that and am glad for you! My family is headed that direction, one step at a time. I try to buy "organic" when "Local, Organic" isn't available. Right now, I'm just trying to survive the off-season so I wont be too picky til spring. I bought a used compound bow and learning to use it for next fall. A local farmer sells organic grass fed beef for $1.50 lb half or whole, but I got to get a decent freezer first.​

 

[Ema]

Good for you!!!!

I purchase a 300# pig each late summer, as well as 160# of Angus beef, both come from organic free range farms I often visit and both are quite close to where I live. it fills up my freezer and they do such a great job wrapping it up and flash freezing it that I have no waste at all, and meat for the rest of fall, winter and spring for my family of 5. I can also purchase goat or sheep. We hunt our own partridge and grouse, moose or bear, though I am not a fan of bear to be honest.

I barely ever purchase meat form the grocery store, but when I do its usually cause I ran out and I am waiting for the farms to fill my orders. Every summer I grow my own fruits and veggies, what ever I cannot grow we got a nice farmers market here in town during summer fall where there is plenty of variety or I can visit my neighbours farms and swap products. the only thing I do not like about winter, apart from the cold is not being able to have fresh vegetables from my own or a neighbours farm.