My goal is to make health and self-care totally possible by providing you with clear information, simple strategies, and honest insights.
One place I see folks struggle is in the produce section of the grocery store, when trying to decide if they should buy organic produce or not. It can feel very overwhelming.
I’m here to tell you that organic really isn’t everything.
And there are ways to make food choices that are good for your health and the planet without feeling overwhelmed or breaking the bank.
The USDA organic label was put into circulation in late 2002 and has since been put on everything from bananas and tomatoes to cereal and frozen dinners.
So what’s this organic label really all about?
This is how the USDA describes the organic label: In order to make an organic claim or use the USDA organic seal, the final product must follow strict production, handling, and labeling standards and go through the organic certification process. The standards address a variety of factors such as soil quality, animal-raising practices, and pest & weed control. Synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering may not be used.
There are also four distinct labeling categories for organic products:
100% organic
Organic
Made with organic ingredients
Specific organic ingredients
Suffice it to say that this can be kind of confusing and really a lot to keep in mind when all you’re trying to do is get to the grocery store, get home, and make dinner. Plus, some of us might be interpreting that label all wrong. A small 2011 study done by a grad student at Cornell University showed that the organic label greatly influenced people’s perception of the health of foods. The organic label led participants to “perceive organic-labeled food as being higher in fiber, lower in fat and calories, and therefore worth the higher cost”. The study also stated that “participants favored nearly all of the health-related characteristics, taste characteristics, and food labeled organic, although they were identical to those labeled regular”.
Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s still important to reduce the amount of chemicals and toxins in our food for the sake of our health and the health of our planet. However, it is also important to be mindful of when that label is being informative or maybe being used as a marketing tool.
When trying to eat more healthy and nutritious foods, it can seem like eating 100% organic is the best option and an absolute must. But this may be not possible for everyone. If you live in a colder climate like I do, you may have very limited access to organic foods during those winter months. Plus, let’s face it, organic food can be more expensive and just not affordable for everyone.
Here are 4 things to keep in mind when choosing the best food for your health.
Organic cookies are still cookies
Don’t let the organic labels lead you to the belief that one cookie is better or healthier than another. It’s simply not. An organic cookie can still contain contains loads of sugar, preservatives, and other unrecognizable ingredients. The same goes for cereals, soups, pasta dishes, and frozen dinners. Read every label and ingredients list to become familiar with what is in your favorite products and then decide which buy.
eat whole foods
If you want to eat a more whole foods diet and eat healthier, don’t let the organic label make it feel impossible or unaffordable. The first step is to eat and cook with whole unprocessed vegetables and fruits. Apples, bananas, berries, cabbage, carrots, avocados, potatoes, leafy greens, mushrooms, and so much more. When you start choosing apples over packaged cookies, your health and wallet will thank you.
Choose local first
By choosing local fruit, veggies, and meats, you’re supporting your local agriculture and farmers. Plus your food didn’t have to travel thousands of miles to get to you and perhaps lose a significant amount of nutrients. Your small, local farmers are likely following organic or just more natural growing practices but can’t afford the expensive certification. So check out your local farmers market and try to buy most of your groceries there. I would argue that a local “non-organic” apple is better than an organic one that flew thousands of miles to get to you.
Learn the list
The Environmental Working Group has a list called the “Dirty Dozen” and the “Clean 15”. This list shows you 12 most sprayed foods and 15 foods that either not sprayed or have thick skins that we don’t eat to help reduce the amount of toxins we may digest by eating those. When you’re ready to start purchasing organic foods, this list can be very helpful. You can see the list and read more about food labeling and pesticide used at www.ewg.org.
So there you have it. Why organic isn’t everything and four things to keep in mind to shop for the healthiest foods that work for your budget.
Now, I want to hear from you! Do you find it’s hard to find organic products at your favorite grocery stores? If yes, how do you alternatively choose and cook healthier foods? I want to hear your tips.
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