Shopping for the Big O: Organic

Like this story?
Shopping for the Big O: Organic RT @momlogic Share:

Shopping for the Big O: Organic

Monday, August 11, 2008

filed under: food

Organic versions of nearly all foods are becoming more readily available and many households are starting to incorporate organic into their daily lives. But many of us don't know what "organic" means. We know when you should go organic--and when you can skip it.

We understand that having an entire organic kitchen can get expensive, which is why we went to registered dietitian Diane Henderiks for tips on what organic items should be on our "must-have" list--and which we can forego.

There have been studies based on U.S. government data that ranked pesticide levels in conventionally grown fruits and veggies. So why not go organic? "Organic" refers to farming methods that avoid the use of pesticides and other chemicals in order to protect the environment. Organic farms use about 50 percent less energy than conventional farms.

Below is a list of fruits and veggies that ranked highest in residues than other produce. Diane calls them the "Filthy Fourteen" and they should be your top organic fruit and vegetable purchases.

FILTHY FOURTEEN
Apples
Bell Peppers
Carrots
Celery
Cherries
Imported Grapes
Lettuce
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Potatoes
Red Raspberries
Spinach
Strawberries

Make sure you read the labels when purchasing food. The labels use terms that most of us skip over because we haven't a clue what they mean. Click for Diane's "Label Lingo" list--and never be confused again.

5 comments so far | Post a comment now >>

It is just so expensive to go organic…thanks for letting us know foods that matter most.

- foxymama

Posted 08/11/08 06:08 PM

Its interesting that LESS pesticide products are used AND LESS energy is used. WHY IS IT SOO EXPENSIVE THEN!?! Shouldn’t it be MORE economically available and cheaper. Any economic college class would say so. So what is going on? Is it another way for someone to get more money for nothing? I don’t understand this concept. Maybe I make too much sense on the consumer level.

- meg24_83

Posted 08/12/08 11:40 AM

where can i find a list of food to stock my cabins

- johnnie

Posted 08/12/08 11:02 PM

Hi- My family has been eating organics for several years. We are a family of six and we are not wealthy people. But, if eating well is important to your family, you find ways to cut elsewhere so, that you know you are feeding them well. If more people would cut out smoking, for example, which is very expensive and not at all healthy, there would be money to purchase organic items which is goign to a great cause-you and your family!

- Tracy Lee Nash

Posted 08/13/08 01:57 PM

Hi Meg, I have been organic for almost a year now and have lost a substantial amount of weight just by GOING organic….yes, it is expensive and from all I have read, and talked to other vendors about, the reason for the expense is the fact that not enough people are eating organic to sustain the “food loss” Organic foods do not hold up as long as conventional foods because they of course have no chemicals in them so they spoil faster. Hope I have shed some light on why it’s a bit more expensive and hopefully, if more people eat organic foods the prices will continue to drop. I hope so. My budget would love me alot better ! Blessings to you and yours.

- GhostSeeker

Posted 08/20/08 09:22 AM

Name:
Email:	(not displayed)
URL:
	remember me? Yes No
Comment:
	Avoid clicking “Post” more than once.

experts	bloggers	staff	newsletter

photos	videos	games	twitter

Momlogic wants to give you a break — we'll pamper you with a spa treatment, dinner and babysitting!!
Enter Here

Visit these related sites

Ellen	Extra	Judge Mathis	The Bonnie Hunt Show	The Tyra Banks Show	TMZ
Essence	Judge Jeanine Pirro	Luxaholics	The People's Court	The WB

Shopping for the Big O: Organic

See Also:

5 comments so far | Post a comment now >>