I'm just starting the Schwarzbein WOE, and I'm wondering about the whole nitrate-free sausage, bacon, and lunchmeat thing. Does anyone know of any brands of any of the above that are "approved"?

Also, she doesn't really give a guideline on how much protein and/or fat to consume daily - what is everyone else doing? I got a protein guideline from the Protein Power book, and it's light years more than what I've been doing (which, btw, is probably why I'm in the mess I'm in...and according to Schwarzbein, malnourished to boot!).

Thanks

I've not had much luck finding nitrate-free processed meats. I think Italian sausage is usually nitrate-free (it is at Cosco). As far as bacon, breakfast sausage and lunch meats, I use soy versions. I have seen turkey versions that are nitrate-free. Recently I found a local farm which raises range fed livestock without hormones or drugs, and I ordered 1/2 pig from them, which will be ready this fall. I'll order it processed without preservatives. You could check around and see if you could find something similar in your area.

I base my protein intake on the Zone calculations, which are probably similar to Protein Power. I just use that as a guideline; I have stopped weighing everything. Also try to listen to your body. It will tell you when you've eaten enough protein at a meal, just takes a little practice

Jen

The Whole Food Market (national health food chain) sells nitrate free bacon and hot dogs. Haven't tried them yet but they're there. I believe Amy's sells a nitrate free chicken dog that's very good.

If you don't have a Whole Foods store, maybe you have something similar in your area.

Good luck.

We have several family farms in this area, and one meat processing place that deals only with pork. A friend of ours works there, and he's informed me that they will sell the ground pork plain and you can do whatever you want with it.
We are getting ten pounds of it, and I will season it a couple of different ways, then vacuum seal and freeze it. I can't wait.