Organic or no...
When it comes to eating healthy, the emphasis goes beyond just carbs, fat, protein, and calories. It even goes beyond food groups.
When you make the conscious decision to start eating healthier foods, it’s important to pay attention to what’s in your food.
The nutritional value of most of our produce has decreased over the last few decades. The food we eat no longer gives us the depth of nourishment it used to, requiring us to seek other sources of vital nutrients.
This is due to the increased use of pesticides and genetically modified foods (GMOs).
By consuming organic food as often as possible and choosing foods that are locally grown, you can minimize the effect of pesticides and GMOs in your diet.
Choosing to eat organic is more expensive, but it is worth it. Most of us could not argue that even if the nutrient content of organic and conventional produce were equal (and this is to be debated!) we should surely strive to avoid the consumption of chemicals layered onto conventional foods.
Whilst it is always better to choose organic, if budgeting is required then one option is to use the "Dirty Dozen / Clean Fifteen" system.
BEWARE THESE FOODS: THE DIRTY DOZEN
These foods have been named as the most likely to be contaminated by pesticides. If you’re on a budget, these are the foods you want to prioritize buying organic.
Peaches
Apples
Sweet Bell Peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Pears
Grapes (Imported from elsewhere)
Spinach
Lettuce
Potatoes
SAFER BETS: THE CLEAN FIFTEEN
Because of their many layers and rough outer skin, these foods are less likely to be toxic when consumed conventional.
Onions
Avocados
Sweet corn
Pineapples
Mango
Sweet peas
Asparagus
Kiwi fruit
Cabbage
Eggplant
Cantaloupe
Watermelon
Grapefruit
Sweet potatoes (also known as yams)
Sweet onions
GUIDELINES FOR STAYING SAFE WHEN BUYING FOOD
Most foods are much better for your body, on multiple levels, when purchased organic. They’re closer to the earth and more care has been taken to ensure that they’re raised in a natural setting.
If you’re not able to purchase organic at a grocery store, farmer’s markets are a great alternative. Local farmers aren’t subjected to the same large-scale requirements of a corporate or a farm subsidized by the government. They’re usually more likely to use fewer pesticides and more natural methods when growing foods. Often, these small farmers carry organic produce, even if the label itself doesn't say “organic.”
It’s also easier to buy foods that are in season if you have local sources. Farmers want to ensure that their stock doesn’t go bad before the next crop comes to flower. Eating seasonally is also statistically the best way to avoid food that has been genetically altered to remain fresh longer.
Let me know - what choices do you make? Where do you buy food in your neighborhood? Do you typically buy organic food? Tell me why or why not in the comments!