Ready? We’re gonna nutshell this puppy cause it’s a big one!
Look for Going Organic- Part 2 later this week!
This is a tricky post because the term organic is so broad. There are different regulations depending on the country that you’re in, different percentages of “organic” that the content needs to be in order for it to be labelled as such- it can be overwhelming to say the least. I have always been interested in organics because I just assumed they were better for me. It wasn’t until I started studying nutrition that I really began to understand why I should be eating organic foods.
What is Organic?
Organic foods are basically foods that are produced using methods that do not involve pesticides and chemical fertilizers, do not contain genetically modified organisms, and are should not be processed using chemical food additives. In Canada on June 30, 2009, the Organic Products Regulations (OPR) came into effect, making it mandatory for products labelled organic to abide by the Canadian Organic Standards. You can check out their website at the bottom of this post.
Why buy Organic?
Organic food, particularly produce has received a lot of media attention over the last few years. “This is better for you, that has too many additives” -is any of it legit? Is organic food truly better for you? You are probably thinking “What’s the difference? Why should I waste my money buying organic when I can get the same thing for much less?” I’m going to give you the low-down right now and hopefully with this knowledge you can decide if its right for you and your family.
Bring on the benefits:
Non-organic food is grown using herbicides, pesticides, fungicides and insecticides – all of which are potential cancer causing agents. Not only that, many of the regulations used to govern the use of these products were passed long before the health dangers of such products were considered.
Produce grown in nutrient dense soil is far richer in anti-oxidants which prevent the creation of free-radicals. Organic farms don’t use chemicals to treat their land and that means these chemicals don’t and up in the fruits and veggies they grow. Organic farms use methods like crop rotation, green manures, compost and biological pest control. Basically, healthier soil = healthier body.
Your carrot should not look like a baseball bat. The produce you find in the grocery store looks nothing like nature intended. Giant fruits and vegetables line the aisles but this is a case where bigger is not better! Fruit and veggies are pumped full of growth hormones to produce disease resistant, gigantic crops. They mature much faster allowing for a quicker profit but at what cost? Your body is paying the price as it struggles to filter all of the unknown chemicals and hormones.
Based on taste alone organic foods are far superior. I wish the computer allowed for taste testing, but really you can just do this yourself. In my opinion organic products just taste better. Non- organics lack a lot of flavour because they haven’t had time to develop naturally. If you’ve ever had a fresh strawberry or even a hormone/antibiotic free chicken breast you know what I mean. But don’t take my word for it, try them yourself.
Tip of the Blog!!
You can save tons of money by buying in season organic produce and freezing it for later. Prices rise when you buy your food out of season and things have to be shipped in from other countries. Buying local eliminates the additional travel cost of getting the food to you.
EXCITING NEWS!!
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 
References:
www.cog.ca – Canadian Organic Growers
www.organicfooddelivery.com - Green Grocer Organics
www.csnn.ca - Canadian School of Natural Nutrition
Images from: colinsbeautypages.co.uk, organic.about.com
