Organic Foods

Organic Foods are a hot topic these days! Is purchasing organic foods a healthy diet habit that you need to pursue? Should you make this Lifestyle Solution and spend the extra money to feed your family organic foods? My take would be "Yes", if you can! If you can’t afford organic produce, at least buy organic for the more contaminated produce, called "the dirty dozen". All fruits and veggies are loaded with minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals, and have tremendous health benefits, even if they are non-organic, though. It is a personal decision that you must make, just be educated!

Here is a great video on "Eating Organic" called "Just Eat Organic!", that was done by CE-Yo Gary Hirshberg, and the Stonyfield Moms who are super enthusiastic about organic!

Peppers are high on the dirty dozen list. Purchase organically grown choices, and make fresh salads from them. Local fresh produce is so crisp and delicious. 

Should You Buy Organics?

Here is the info that you can use to make your decision:

• All pesticides possibly cause cancer as stated by the EPA.


• There are low levels of pesticides on fruits and veggies.


• Fruits and veggies greatly decrease cancer, and protect against disease.


• Organic foods taste better (My opinion).


• Foods with the most pesticides are: Spinach, Strawberries, Blackberries, Grapes, Cherries, Apples, and Celery and all imported fruits and veggies (possibly).


• Buying organic produce can protect our environment, and the farmers who do not have to use food pesticides.

My Opinion on Organic Foods...

My opinion would be to at least go organic on the foods with the most food pesticides. I have lived in a third world country and seen farmers rinse the dirt from strawberries in sewage water! I always think of that in my decision making! Better to be safe!

Another issue for my family is Autism, which is increasing at an alarming rate. The current research shows that autism is probably partly genetic, with an environmental trigger or two. Until those environmental triggers are discovered, do all that you can to protect yourself and your families! This extends beyond fruits and veggies, to all added chemicals and nitrates, obesogens, genetically modified foods, pesticides, and food additives. See my Pregnancy and Autism page!

I do believe buying organic is best, but it is still better to eat non-organic, if that is what you can afford. Please do not feel guilty though. I believe that the health benefits of eating any fruits and veggies, far outweigh the risk from pesticides.

Check out local farmers markets in your area. I bought the most amazing plums from a lady last year, who usually sells knitted items. Her plum trees were overloaded and she was selling large bags of fresh plums. They were to die for!

Another option is to plant your own organic garden this summer. Lots of exercise, quality family time, and there is just something about taking a basket out and collecting dinner. My husband had a lettuce garden in our garage, where he grew fresh lettuce varieties in a hydroponic environment. They tasted amazing and were so tender! Quite beautiful too!

For Additional Information, check out:

• Organic Protein - Info about Organic Meat, Dairy, and Eggs


• Pesticides in Food - I list the "Clean 15", and the "Dirty Dozen", for a list of the cleanest and most contaminated produce.