Time to Eat! . . . My Lifestyle Choices

Vegetarian? Vegan? Flexitarian?

While I was once a vegetarian, low iron, and B12 levels lead me to become a flexitarian. Being a vegetarian is a complete lifestyle overhaul. It is possible that I did not do enough research before making the choice to stop eating meats. 

Currently I eat meat once or twice a week and the rest of the days I live a vegetarian lifestyle. Not only does this lifestyle choice decrease my chances of a heart attack, but it also reflects the choice I have made a choice to reduce the environmental impact equated with eating meat.

I try to source local farms for the meats I do consume. My father is a hunter, therefore I eat meats such as caribou which is considered more sustainable than ruminants who emit methane gases into the atmosphere. 

When I do purchase meats, I buy them from a local farm that I have visited on and off since I was young. This gives me piece of mind knowing that the animals are humanely raised and slaughtered, and allowed free access to the outdoors. Also, the animals are fed grass which is more sustainable as grass is unsuitable for human consumption. 


Methane gases are still emitted, but I feel I am doing my small part by not supporting commercial farms and reducing the amount of meat I consume. If everyone ate a less meat each week, we as a society would not have to produce as much meat to sustain a growing population. As consumers, we can make informed choices on our dining habits. Commercial farms will follow suit to what the consumer will purchase. 

I will admit, I have been caught in a local grocery store buying meats in a rush. However, Since taking a course in food sustainability I will ensure I remain faithful to my local meat sources for the sake of animal welfare, the environment, and my own health benefits.