After watching a show on TV about how much preservatives and pesticides we ingest into our bodies I began to wonder if going organic really was better for us. So, about two years ago, I asked that question of dozens of people and was surprised at the variety of opinions that surround the subject. Most made good points but I was looking for solid facts and it literally came down to one:
Buying organic is as close to the way God created it as it gets. There are some things that just aren’t meant to be ingested.
But why? Isn’t the regular produce okay to eat?
The answer is, “not always.”
Most foods are grown with the use of harmful pesticides and dairy and meat products are infused with hormones that were given to the animals to speed up and bulk up their growth. These added chemicals are harmful to us. No one would dare ingest cyanide yet, it is found in some pesticides. It makes me thankful that I wasn’t a big vegetable and fruit eater until recently.
When I began to switch over to an organic lifestyle I also began to notice how bad the price can hurt the checkbook… if you know what I mean. Still I wasn’t willing to give up the healthy aspect of going organic and besides, there is an obvious taste difference when it comes to fresh, natural food. I was looking to stay healthy and not go broke so I researched further and here is what I found out:
- Not all foods need to be purchased “organic.” A good rule to follow is that if it has to be peeled then you don’t have to buy organic. Some foods also aren’t at high risk for insect infestation so they don’t use pesticides on them. Here is a list of such foods that don’t have to be purchased organic:
- pineapple
- bananas
- coconut
- asparagus
- avocado
- broccoli
- cabbage
- mango
- onions
- papaya
- lemons
- The following foods should always be purchased organic:
- milk
- coffee
- eggs
- cheese
- meat (not seafood)
- peaches
- apples
- bellpeppers
- celery
- strawberries
- lettuce
- grapes
- potatoes
- tomatoes
By following the lists above and only buying organic the products that I needed to saved a good bit of money. I also found that using coupons and reward cards helped as well.
Do you have any tips on buying organic that you would like to share?
Great post. I will return to read it again (and to print a copy of the lists to post next to the shopping list pad on the fridge).
Your points are excellent — exactly why I started raising my own backyard flock of hens (amazing eggs!!!) and try to grow as much produce as possible.
Thanks for the precise list of what to buy or not buy. This will be helpful for my daughters…who live together in town.
I have a gardening column I’m writing for TakeRootandWrite.com that starts next week (I think…still waiting for the final schedule). I would love to include your lists and a link to your post when I address the issues of organic foods.
Thanks for sharing your voice on this. It’s one of my soapbox topics.
That is news I can really use, since I went to the doc yesterday and weigh more than I ever have, not pregnant.
Thanks so much for the list of foods you do not need to buy organic. I have been trying to eat healthier…cutting out sugar, high fructose corn syrup, saturated & trans fats, eating more whole grains,fresh fruits and veggies. This will help me on my journey to a healthier life.
Very interesting stuff. Thanks for sharing!
~Luke
I think that more and more of us are starting to think this way. I know that I have been.
I fully and firmly believe that all of this chemicals that we have been ingesting along with the hormone injected animals is the reason for all of the cancer on the rise. There is so much of it in our town and church.
We are starting our own garden in the spring to help cut the cost of produce. I only wish I could have a pig, cow and chickens in my backyard but I don’t think the neighbors would approve, much less the city.
Thanks for all the useful information. Keep it coming.
Jenn
I confess that I flip flop back and forth between this issue. On the one hand – if I am praying over the food and believing God to bless me and my family then it’s okay (Paul). On the other hand – if I can get closer to the way it is in nature then shouldn’t I?
I have finally settled on a little of both. I choose foods without enriched flours because they are more filling and provide better energy. I choose milk that is organic because it just tastes sooooo good
. I use frozen vegetables and fruits (or fresh) instead of canned. And when I can keep my fil from planting watermelons everywhere, we eat fresh from our own garden!
Great list.
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Ruth
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