Going Back to Vegetarianism (?)

Over 3 years ago, I decided to become a vegetarian.  It wasn't because I didn't like the taste of meat (growing up-- Steak medium rare to medium was always my FAVORITE)-- but it was the treatment of the animals that slowly got to me.

A majority of animals are raised for slaughter, fed an unnatural diet, and are pumped with antibiotics.  They live in their own waste.  If you are what you eat-- think about what eating an animal like that means for your body!

Food, Inc. is one of the best food documentaries that I've ever watched:


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I beg you to take the time and watch this documentary.  It isn't shock factor, gore-- but it's very honest and well made.

I started eating meat again before I realized I was pregnant with Abram.  My body was craving it.  And-- your body tells you what it needs, so I gave in.

But, now the pregnancy is over and I'm sorry-- but getting good meat- local, humanely raised, antibiotic free, non-corn fed- is incredibly expensive.

I plan on going back to vegetarianism in the near future.  I've stopped buying meat, minus fish.  (And the occasional German Sausage-- I live in the most German town in Minnesota... Brats and Kraut are a staple and going to be very hard to give up!)  I sometimes feel guilty, because I cook for the household-- so if Momma isn't eating meat, the rest of the family isn't eating meat.  Eva is used to a few non-animal products already (Almond Milk, Daiya, Earth Balance, Boca and Morning Star products)-- but she loves chicken and bacon.  I've tried to explain to her what being a vegetarian is/means and she seems interested.  But, I'm her Mom and she's almost 5.  She wants my approval and ... well, I just don't want to force this on her!

I just wish I didn't have to make this decision!  Why is it so hard to feed animals their natural food?  To raise them in a humane environment?  To not pump them with chemicals?  I don't want my children eating ammonia soaked beef!  Or, eating eggs from a chicken who has never stood up in her entire life-- who lays her eggs in a nest filled with her own feces.

Are any of you vegetarians?  Do any of you live with meat eaters?  How do you find a good balance?