Tips on Natural
and Organic Foods
Choosing to purchase natural and organic foods is a really good idea these days. More than ever we need to become more conscientious consumers of what we are feeding ourselves and our families.
Our world has become so fast paced that our foods are being grown for the masses that may not be the best for the consumer or for our environment. When we choose to purchase natural and organic foods we are making a vote against genetically modified foods (GMO foods), pesticides, hormone and antibiotics and other chemicals that are the standard ways of treating our crops and feed lots. We can no longer ignore that these chemicals are in most of the foods that we eat. I encourage everyone to check it out for themselves. Then see what resonates for you after you have done a little research. Start with asking the produce person where most of the produce in your store is coming from. Read can labels and packages. Become a detective so that you can be as informed of a consumer as you can be for your family. In my opinion, it is so important to be aware of what we are putting into our shopping cart. We would not intentionally spray chemicals on our foods before we eat them. So it only makes sense to consider more carefully the foods and beauty products that we use daily in our homes. Look for more fresh, natural foods that you can find as close to nature, and you will feel the difference. A fresh apple is the better way of getting your fiber, boron, and vitamins than from an apple flavored boxed food.
Does it cost more to purchase
natural and organic foods?
If you make the decision to purchase natural and organic foods it can cost a bit more. However, I have found that when you buy more quality foods, you tend to not want to buy the junk conventional convenience foods which really add up in the long run. Next time you are shopping, take note of what foods are in your cart; potato chips, cookies, ice cream, cakes and candy items along with frozen pizza's, prepared boxed foods, etc and consider putting in your cart more natural and organic foods. Tips on buying Natural and Organic Foods: 1. Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries,and strawberries all are loaded with antioxidants which are great at helping your immune system ward off free radicals, the bad guys that can wreck havoc in our systems. It is always a good idea to look for organic berries to avoid consuming pesticides that can be sprayed and absorbed by the fragile berries. Fresh and frozen are generally considered better than canned to maintain the live enzymes. 2. Vegetables: Fresh greens, cruiceferous vegetables, beets, squashes, asparagus, peppers, carrots, yams, and varieties of potatoes are loaded with energy dense nutrients. A great habit to strive for is to have your main meals with at least half of your plate with vegetables. Keep the vegetables in their more natural state, which means avoiding deep fried, butter laden, cheesy sauces so that you can enjoy all of the benefits of the plants enzymes that they offer. Fresh, frozen and organic are the better choices for these gems. 3. Fruits: in addition to berries, a wide range of fruits that are preferably organic are of superior quality. It is best to buy produce that is in season and grown closer to home than buying from out of the country which requires the fruit to be picked green so it can travel the distance and sit on a shelf. Fresh is a better choice over canned as the fruit has been cooked and often include sugar and other additives. 4. Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, and cashews are full of vitamins and minerals and are a great protein food as well. Whether snacking or adding to salads or breads or muffins, these little superstars are great for the heart. Loaded with omega 3 essential fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, nuts are good for your body food. Keep in mind that nuts are typically high in fat, the good kind monounsaturated fats, so eat them in moderation. Avoid roasted and salted cans and go for raw and or sprout them for the most nutrients. 5. Seeds: Sunflower seeds, chia seeds, flaxseed, sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds poppy seed, and celery seed are each an amazing powerhouse of nutrients. Flaxseed and walnuts are a good source of Omega 3's. Most seeds are a good source of protein and copper and vitamin E. Most seeds can be sprouted to unleash the enzymes in these top superfoods. 6. Grains: millet, quinoa, brown rice, oats, couscous, whole wheat, breads, spelt and whole grain pasta's are good choices for this nutrient rich food. The grains are part of a main meal so go for quality. Avoid white, enriched, bleached products as most of the nutrients have been taken out and then some may be put back in. 7. Beans: Black, pinto, kidney, navy are just the basic varieties that beans come in. Beans are so versatile from soups to burritos to using them in salads. Beans are an economical and lean protein food as well as they provide lots fiber. 8. Herbs and spices: Echinacea, goldenseal root, dandelion root, clove, peppermint, tumeric, cinnamon, curry, cayenne, red clover, garlic, parsley leaf, licorice root and many others have so many medicinal properties and they are so simple to use in teas or tinctures. Choosing natural and organic foods is a step in helping to support the small organic farms that are doing their part in growing foods the way foods should be grown without GMO's and chemicals. Lastly, consider putting in your own garden and reap the benefits of growing some of your own foods naturally instead of completely depending on the grocery stores for your food.
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