The awareness around the dangers of toxic pesticide is growing, and most health conscious people do their best to feed themselves and their families in the best way they know how. One of the ways we can protect ourselves, and our children from large amounts of pesticides, is to buy organically grown produce.
For families this can get very costly, and difficult to keep up with, but there are some things you can do to reduce the amount of pesticides in your body, as well as the increased expenses associated with an organic diet.
With a family of 5 (3 of those growing- always hungry children!) we know about how expensive organics can be, and I estimate we eat about a 90% organic/whole foods diet. Part of the reason why I choose this way to nourish myself and my children this way is, obviously to reduce our exposure to unnecessary pesticides, but also because I know I am doing something to support the environment in a positive way, and feel better knowing our food is as clean as it can be.
If you would like to incorporate more organically grown foods into your diet, it may not be necessary to go all the way in order to reduce your exposure to pesticides. I will share with you in a moment how to reduce your costs, and still reap the benefits of eating 'cleaner' fruits and veggies.
The risk factors of eating conventionally grown produce are mainly due to ingesting, sometimes 50 or more, different types of toxic substances (like the strawberry pictured above).
These pesticides are known to lead to a host of health issues, and may even be a factor in the development of certain cancers.
While we can not avoid all toxins (we have to breathe!) we can do what we can to avoid certain things that are within our control. One easy way to begin, is to be aware of the produce that contains the highest levels of pesticide residues. Knowing which ones are best to buy organic gives you the choice, and you can decide what ones you can live without, or buy organic, within your budget.
We can not do everything perfectly, as it seems there is always something new that we must avoid, but buying organic produce, and limiting the amount of toxic preservatives and additives in packaged foods, moving to a whole food diet, and making meals at home from real food, all goes a really long way to keeping our bodies healthy. Do what you can do, and do your best. It all adds up, and it all counts!
So, as promised, here is a link to the 2013 "dirty dozen" and "clean 15" list. Copy this handy dandy list and keep it with so you always have it handy at the grocery store. Pass it along!
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-9160/12-fruits-veggies-with-the-most-pesticides-2013-dirty-dozen.html
Until next time!
Yours in health, and happiness,
Leanne
Leanne Oaten
Holistic Counsellor/ Wellness & Healthy Lifestyle coach
250-319-3630
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