How many of you look for organic food in your grocery, but quickly decide against it due to the high prices? Yes, they are more expensive, but after learning how much better organic is, I do what I can to buy as many as I can afford.
First of all what is organic? Natural does not mean organic. Broadly defined, organic is a method of farming and gardening that relies on natural systems and products, and is free of virtually all synthetic and toxic chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides. The United States Department of Agriculture has strict regulations farmers must follow to be certified organic, (Demandorganic.org).
The Environmental Working Group research has found that people who eat the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables consume an average of 10 pesticides a day, (foodnews.org). With that short lesson, you should realize the importance of buying organic when you can. Here are some foods you may want to consider buying organic because of the high amount of pesticides:
• Peaches
• Apples
• Bell Peppers
• Celery
• Nectarines
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Kale
• Lettuce
• Grapes(imported)
• Carrots
• Pears
There has been a link to wide-spread human health impacts such as birth defects, diabetes, auto-immune disorders, such as allergies and asthma, and some cancers due to pesticides. Not only does going organic decrease the risks, many studies have shown greater nutrient density in organic foods, and higher levels of polyunsaturated fats (the good fats) in grass-based, organic livestock.
Can washing and peeling help eliminate pesticides? Rinsing reduces but it does not eliminate pesticides. Soaking your fruits and veggies in a veggie wash you make or buy, is important to not only remove pesticides but to clean harmful bacteria’s that can exist on them. Peeling can help, but then important nutrients are lost down the drain in the skins.
In conclusion, buying organic can definitely benefit your health. The less we spend on food, the more we spend on health care. Today, Americans spend almost 20 cents of every dollar managing disease such as allergies, diabetes, asthma, cancer and obesity – and only 10 cents of every dollar on food.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
How to Eat Organic On a Budget
Eating healthy is one of the most important things you can do for your health. With grocery prices on the rise, especially organic foods, it’s not always easy on your pocketbook to eat as healthy as you’d like.
I have several different tips that I have found can help you to eat healthier on a tight budget. This may mean that you will need to adjust your lifestyle eating habits so you can do this. It will save you money in the long run on healthcare, not to mention your overall health will improve.
• Make meats, poultry, and fish a side dish, not the main dish. If you are a meat lover there are some many great recipes that have meat such as soups, sauces, crock-pot dishes, etc. Use less meat, but make sure they are lean meats, and low fat sauces and soups which are healthier and go a lot farther.
• Make it from scratch. You can save quite a bit if you make it yourself and it’s so much better for you and your family!
• Cut out process foods and junk foods. A lot of money is spent on boxed this and canned that because it’s convenient. What I teach my clients is to shop around the perimeters of the store and a lot less down the aisles. Get rid of the chips, soda and cookies – you will save money, and trim your waistline too!
• Garden – this will assure you have fresh organic, fruits and veggies that you can also freeze and have in the winter.
• Cook more and eat out less. Fast food can be cheap and convenient but most of it is made out of junk I wouldn’t feed my dog! I recently saw a demonstration with a hamburger and fries from a fast food restaurant that someone had saved for five years to show how the preservatives made them last. They looked like you could have bought them the same day!
• Cut out coupons. Go to www.thriftymama.com for organic coupons or look in your newspaper. Decide what absolutely has to be organic and what doesn’t. Then use coupons matched with sales to save money anywhere possible!
Like many of my clients some of you have fallen in the convenient, microwavable, cheaper trap. Sooner or later you will realize that it’s not worth it! Usually, you have less energy, digestive issues, diseases, etc., that come from such an unhealthy lifestyle. I hope this will help you make the necessary changes in your lifestyle for you and your family. You’re worth it!
I have several different tips that I have found can help you to eat healthier on a tight budget. This may mean that you will need to adjust your lifestyle eating habits so you can do this. It will save you money in the long run on healthcare, not to mention your overall health will improve.
• Make meats, poultry, and fish a side dish, not the main dish. If you are a meat lover there are some many great recipes that have meat such as soups, sauces, crock-pot dishes, etc. Use less meat, but make sure they are lean meats, and low fat sauces and soups which are healthier and go a lot farther.
• Make it from scratch. You can save quite a bit if you make it yourself and it’s so much better for you and your family!
• Cut out process foods and junk foods. A lot of money is spent on boxed this and canned that because it’s convenient. What I teach my clients is to shop around the perimeters of the store and a lot less down the aisles. Get rid of the chips, soda and cookies – you will save money, and trim your waistline too!
• Garden – this will assure you have fresh organic, fruits and veggies that you can also freeze and have in the winter.
• Cook more and eat out less. Fast food can be cheap and convenient but most of it is made out of junk I wouldn’t feed my dog! I recently saw a demonstration with a hamburger and fries from a fast food restaurant that someone had saved for five years to show how the preservatives made them last. They looked like you could have bought them the same day!
• Cut out coupons. Go to www.thriftymama.com for organic coupons or look in your newspaper. Decide what absolutely has to be organic and what doesn’t. Then use coupons matched with sales to save money anywhere possible!
Like many of my clients some of you have fallen in the convenient, microwavable, cheaper trap. Sooner or later you will realize that it’s not worth it! Usually, you have less energy, digestive issues, diseases, etc., that come from such an unhealthy lifestyle. I hope this will help you make the necessary changes in your lifestyle for you and your family. You’re worth it!
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