Saturday, January 16, 2010

Day 16 - of 30 Days to a Simplier Life

Simple Steps to Healthier Eating Part 2

I do not buy "only" organic but I do buy a few things organic. Many items it doesn't even make a difference if it is organic or not and it is way to expensive to do everything but I have researched quite about of information and found that there are a few items that really are worth paying a little extra for and many times you can now find them on sale. Walmart probably has the best prices on most of these items. So just a few more "Simple" ways to eat healthy.

The “Dirty Dozen”: Must-buy organic foods
Fruit

  • Apples
  • Cherries
  • Grapes, imported (Chili)
  • Nectarines
  • Peaches
  • Pears
  • Raspberries
  • Strawberries

Vegetables

  • Bell peppers
  • Celery
  • Potatoes
  • Spinach

The U.S. Department of Agriculture found that even after washing, some fruits and vegetables consistently carry much higher levels of pesticide residue than others. Based on an analysis of more than 100,000 U.S. government pesticide test results, researchers have developed the “dirty dozen” fruits and vegetables, above, that they say you should always buy organic, if possible, because their conventionally grown counterparts tend to be laden with pesticides.

No need to go organic with these foods:
Fruit

  • Bananas
  • Kiwi
  • Mangos
  • Papaya
  • Pineapples

Vegetables

  • Asparagus
  • Avocado
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Corn
  • Onions
  • Peas

These products generally do not contain pesticide residue.

Seafood
Wild or farmed fish can be labeled organic, despite the presence of contaminants such as mercury. No USDA organic certification standards for seafood — producers are allowed to make their own organic claims.

Cosmetics
Having “organic” or “natural” in its name doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safer. Only 11 percent of ingredients found in personal-care products, organic or not, have ever been screened for safety.

How to save money buying organic food:

  • Comparison shop in local grocery stores.
  • Take advantage of local farmers' markets: Many farmers do not charge a premium.

4 comments:

Beverly Walters Whaley said...

Great Post today Kath.......I DO take advantage of the local farmers market for Tomatoes, Lettuces....not only for health reasons....but it is soooooooo much cheaper too! YEAH! Keep it coming girl! See you tomorrow!

Pocahontas hiker said...

I would add tomatoes should be organic too. I am re-planting my garden now that the freeze has taken place. Tomatoes is on the top!

CoachK said...

Pocahontas, I can't believe they didn't put tomatoes on that list. Of course organic tomatoes are the best!

CoachK said...

Good for you Bev. It is cheaper and the taste is soooo much better.