If you want to go organic but think it’s too expensive, do not fret! This isn’t an all or nothing kind of situation. Would going 100% organic be awesome? Sure it would. But it’s not 100% necessary.
Some foods contain more pesticides than others because some crops are just more heavily treated than others. For example, fruits and veggies that you need to peel are often going to contain fewer chemicals because the outer layer will have been removed. This doesn’t mean that all of the scary grossness is gone; you’ll just be eating less. And even with organic food, you’re not going to be completely free of pesticides you’ll just have considerably reduced amounts.
There have been a couple of published lists about the most chemically laced produce versus the least. I have used a few sources to compile my own list identifying what organic items you should buy. I have also compiled a list of non-organic foods that you can afford to buy because they are less harmful. This is just a basic overview for you. If you want to go all the way organic, good on you. If you want to just buy a few things organic, equally good. As always, you need to do what’s best for you and your budget. And remember Any Change is Good Change! AC/GC!
Buy these Organic!!
For the most part the fruits and vegetables that are listed below are the most heavily treated crops. They are also covered in pesticides that can’t be easily washed off. These seem to be foods that we consume often so it’s a good idea to buy these organic if possible.
1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Strawberries
4. Spinach
5. Peaches
6. Grapes
7. Peppers
8. Potatoes
9. Lettuce/Leafy greens
10. Blueberries
NOT as important to buy Organic:
Below is a list of the fruits and vegetables that are not AS heavily treated with pesticides. They are by no means 100% free of chemicals they are just not as toxic as the list above.
1.Onions
2. Avocados
3. Pineapples
4. Asparagus
5. Sweet peas
6. Mangoes
7. Eggplant
8. Sweet potatoes
9. Grapefruit
10. Kiwis
The above listed items are only fruits and veggies (I’m sure you figured that out) but there a couple other items that are a good idea to buy organic if possible.
- Baby foods – infants are more sensitive to pesticides because their immune systems are still developing. It’s much safer to opt for organic for their tiny bodies. Lots of companies now offer organic options or you can make your own by blending up whatever delicious food you’re eating!
- Milk and butter – Pesticides are stored in fats and can easily be passed on to us.
- Meat – The health and muscle mass of cattle, poultry and pigs is maintained by antibiotics and drugs. There are also many pesticides on the feed they’re given as well. Buy organic, grass-fed meats whenever possible.
Make sure you pay attention to where your food comes from as well. Fruit and veggies that are imported from other countries may have come from places that do not have the same policies about pesticide and standards for what is acceptable. Buying local ensures you know where your food came from!
Tip of the Blog!!
Pesticides and the chemicals that are sprayed on crops are meant to withstand rain and watering. What does that mean? It means you can’t get rid of them by simply rinsing your food. Scary, right? So how do you get rid of all the unwanted garbage on your produce? Use soap! Yep! Plain ol’ dish soap will do. Fill up a bowl and add a few drops of your detergent. Swish it around until it’s foamy and drop in your fruit or vegetables. Use your hands to wash them, rinse well and voila! Squeaky clean food. Don’t believe me? Take a look at the water that you just washed the food in. Ewwwww…..
That’s about it. I hope this list is helpful for you but please let me know if you would like more info about this topic! Leave me comments here, on Facebook or follow me on Twitter!
DON’T FORGET!!!
I have recently partnered with Green Grocer Organics http://www.organicfooddelivery.com which is an organic food delivery system in and around the GTA. This company buys local whenever possible and at wholesale prices which means the produce is WAY cheaper for you than grocery store organic prices. And on top of that its free delivery and I can customize my box anyway I want. Honestly, I rarely buy produce at the grocery store anymore, I get everything else I need and my produce is delivery to me once a week. It’s inexpensive and I feel great about the choices I make for my family. If you want to check it out, use my partner code PP1530 so they know you came from staceygreenliving!! (There’s also a discount with your first order 
Resources:
Staying Healthy with Nutrition, Elson M. Haas with Buck Levin
Images from : www.tipnut.com, www.leslielovesveggies.com
