I tried to buy some almond milk, but I was looking for almond milk with nothing added and all that I saw was flavored or with sugar. I’d definitely like to try to to make some myself.

I don’t know about the City, but you have to have 1 acre or more in the county…I’ve looked into it! I found a house in Parkton with over 1 acre if we don’t get the one in Stoneleigh. Marty doesn’t want to move to Parkton though .

You should look at Sally Fallon’s book, Nourishing Traditions. It is one of my favorite sources for nutrition and healthy eating.

I also wanted to support what Julie wrote about soy … not only is it over farmed it is also shipped from ALL over, it doesn’t support your local goal. Plus there are different views on how much soy is good for you, especially women. Like anything it is okay sometimes in exchange for milk …

… Almonds. Almond milk is great, maybe not by the glass If you buy raw almonds and soak (water with a little salt) over night they will begin to sprout which actually makes them better for you. You then remove the brown skin and dry them out again … a little tedious although well worth it. Before this process they have enzyme inhibitors which block your body from using there nutritional benefits.

They are wonderful! You can eat them like that or turn them into butter or cheese-like products. I did about 3 gallons worth the other day, making raw almond butter with about 1 gallon … put in small glass jars and froze, allowing me to pull one at a time to use.

Rachel, I truly admire your dedication to living a life that you believe in as well as helping others do the same! You are amazing!! Keep doing amazing things …Marty is also really a wonderful support for you!

A little side note .. have you looked into Baltimore City regulations on having chickens? I know that in most cities out west you are allowed in certain areas, Salt Lake just allowed the entire city after some debate I believe. Anyways, they are really easy and fun to have …

I know when I talk about my eating habits and my sisters as well, it is slowly getting through to my family.

This year I forwarded the farm share information to a bunch of people and was surprised by how many people have decided to sign up, including my step mother and Rose and Timmy!

If you need advice on some good high-iron vegetarian food let me know, I’ve been trying to boost Connor’s iron and I’ve found a lot of great foods!

Honestly I feel that this will constantly be a struggle for those of us who desire to eat seasonally and locally. American food-culture does not cater to us, it actually fights against the lifestyle we want for ourselves and our loved ones. What I’ve found works best is to never stop gently imparting what I learn on my family and friends. Sure, I am made fun of and told that I’m “over-thinking” what I eat, but of anything to “over-think” it should be what we are putting into our bodies. My parents and siblings continue to eat meat on a regular basis and they probably couldn’t tell you which vegetables grow in what season, but slowly and surely I am getting through to them.

My suggestion… offer to cook and/or contribute to a meal on a regular basis. Check out Michael Pollan’s books too! I have read “In Defense of Food” and “Food Rules.” The latter is easy to share with people who are not typically interested in this topic because it’s short and simple.

I need to remember though, that my eating habits did not change overnight, so I need to be patient and share with them what I’ve learned in whatever ways I can.

My family has been fairly accommodating as well and my sister has since become a vegetarian for similar reasons and they know not to cook what we won’t eat.

They have been through all of our crazy eating from the time when we were in highschool and would only eat low-fat food…we kinda went overboard when I look back.

This past Thanksgiving I bought the Turkey that my step mother cooked, it was from the farm where I “shop” and the whole family loved it!

I am also breastfeeding and don’t want to give up meat and dairy, but have a hard time eating it out of our house. There are a few restaurants in town that cook only local and I go to them when I can, but my in-laws own a restaurant that is far from local fresh food and occasionally we are going there for family things…they don’t even have anything vegetarian on the menu.

Thanks for sharing, its nice to know someone is on the same page!

As for only going vegan outside the home…for me there are other options. If you are going out to eat go to restaurants that support your local farmer’s market and use in season veggies. I admit we have only two such places in the area I live but they are excellent and I like being a regular there. My family is incredibly understanding of my eating habits and if I were to bring groceries to them, such a true free range eggs and dairy products, they would use those in substitute for our meals together. Maybe in the process they will be enlightened! I know my dad makes vegetarian meals even when I am not there and never did that before.