What started off as a relatively small movement restricted to individual choices has picked up speed and momentum as more and more people are considering the virtues of organic food. However, for the average family, including organic produce in their grocery list is not as simple as switching from one brand of shampoo the other.
Undoubtedly, organic foods are more expensive than their not-so-organic counterpart and families across the nation cannot opt for it without upsetting the delicate balance of household finance. How do you reconcile your desire for a better lifestyle with the ever-increasing demands on your wallet?
There might be a way out of this quandary. While it might not be possible to change your diet overnight, you can take the first step towards going organic by changing just some of the foods that forms the bulk of your diet. This way, not only do you benefit from the goodness of better quality food, but you don’t end up tipping your grocery budget as well.
According to the Environmental Working Group not all fruits and vegetables – whether organically or commercially farmed, absorb pesticide residue at the same rate. For instance, fruits with peels such as oranges, bananas, and avocados and vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, and onions have lesser amounts of pesticide residue as compared to others. Therefore, it doesn’t make much of a difference whether you buy organic or commercial produce when it comes to these food items.
However, in other products, such as milk, it makes a significant difference when you switch to the organic option. Milk is the end product of an entire chemical system of agriculture. The commercial dairy industry makes extensive use of artificial hormones, pesticides, and antibiotics. Considering that milk forms the main part of your child’s diet, it would make better sense to switch to a healthier alternative.
Yet another vegetable you should consider buying organic is potatoes. One survey puts the nationwide consumption of spuds at 30%. Even without statistics, a glance at an average American’s diet validates this fact. Therefore, it makes sense to switch to organic potatoes since the commercially farmed variety is counted among the most pesticide contaminated of all vegetables. According to a test conducted by U.S.D.A. in 2006, it was found that 81% of potatoes retained pesticides even after being peeled and washed. Makes a lot of sense to go organic, right?
Third in line are apples – the most commonly eaten fruit in the U.S., next only to bananas. The bad news is that apples are one the most highly pest-contaminated fruits. However, the good news is that you can easily find organic apples in regular grocery stores. Makes your life a whole lot easier when you don’t have to trudge to a far-flung exclusive location to buy organic produce, doesn’t it?
Choose your organic produce carefully – there is no need to overhaul your entire grocery list. Small changes made in time will be beneficial for you and your family. And you won’t feel too many strong tugs on your purse strings either.
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