123rf stock photo Yulia Grogoryeva
By Linda Dulicai
We know you might be grumbling about being reminded that organic foods are better for you. Well, you can stop the complaining. Eating organic foods is getting easier and less expensive. Bigger chains are offering more organic goods now, and with that popularity has come a price reduction. And even when organic foods are a little more expensive, when you look at the health benefits of eating organic versus chemical-laden foods, organic is worth spending a few extra dollars here and there. You may also find you eat less since the nutrition is higher. So here are some tips for eating better and staying “weller.”
1. If your budget causes you to pick and choose which foods you buy organic, there are some which are particularly contaminated when you purchase the non-organic versions. The top “dirtiest” produce includes apples, peaches, nectarines, strawberries, grapes, celery, spinach, bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, snap peas, potatoes, hot peppers, kale and collard greens.
2. Eating organic and in season will give you a greater variety of foods over the year. Lack of variety in your diet can actually kill your gut flora, which results in a host of health issues including obesity-related illnesses. Most processed food is made of four ingredients — corn, wheat, soy and meat limiting the nutrition you receive. How can we counter this? Eat more whole, organic foods and eat a variety of foods. You won’t get tired of the same old produce when you eat a varied diet of local, seasonal, organic produce.
3. Adding in some dried fruits and nuts will increase your variety even more. Need some protein in your salad or smoothie? Adding a serving of nuts can add healthy fat and protein to your diet. Dried fruits and nuts can also spice up your organic spring mix salad and make healthy eating delicious.
4. Don't be afraid to experiment with new foods. What are those spiny little brown things in your local produce section? How about that giant cucumber looking thing? Ask the person in the produce department or farmer’s market what something is and how to prepare it if you’re not sure. There is a wide world of fruits and veggies out there just waiting for you.
5. Vary the grains you eat. Food manufacturers love to use corn and wheat in processed foods. Varying the grains you ingest can help improve your gut flora, which will in turn benefit your overall health and reduce your cancer risk. You should eat a diet high in fiber and low in fat. And avoid those GMO’s!
6. Stick to the outside aisles at the grocery store, or better yet shop your local farmer’s market. Limit your consumption of processed foods as much as possible. Eat a healthy balance of at least five servings of fruits and veggies per day, with protein, whole grains and plenty of water. (Be selective at the farmer’s market. Local may or may not mean organic or chemical free.)
Want more helpful information? I’ve got lots of tips I’d love to pass on. Contact me, Linda Dulicai, at 540-428-1949 or linda@The-Healthy-Zone.com.
A practitioner for more than 38 years, Linda Dulicai is a Certified Natural Health Professional and an Advanced Loomis Digestive Health Specialist educated in more than 25 modalities of wellness. She is CEO of The Healthy Zone.
