Someone posted a comment on Facebook recently and I thought it was really interesting. She asked why certain people always felt the need to tell everyone that what they were eating was organic. I believe it was her assumption that it was a form of food snobbery, or perhaps a way to "one up" each other online in an effort to prove that they are a bigger health nut than someone else. It's unfortunate the way others react to things sometimes. I see a lot of this on social media in general. You see lots of complaints and negativity - people claiming that others are fake, only posting braggy things to try and make themselves look better than other people. It really is a shame.
BUT.. getting back to this organic business! Everyone knows that organic food exists, right? Everyone has been to a grocery store and seen the organic section. Or ventured into a Whole Foods or a Trader Joes or a Greenwise or a Sprouts, etc. if they were in the neighborhood. We all know it exists. But many people still don't really have a good understanding of what it actually means to be organic. Or the benefits of why organic is a better choice than conventionally grown foods. So let's talk about that for a minute.
You can read tons of information online about what organic food is... but I will give you a quick little breakdown of the important stuff!
- Food that is produced using organic farming methods
- Organic farming practices are designed to encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution
- No synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers are allowed to be used
- Organic foods are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents or synthetic food additives
- Any food labeled as organic must be USDA certified
That last point is where it gets a little tricky! You will want to read your labels carefully! Products that are 100% organic can carry the USDA seal below...
However, products that are only 95% organic can still call themselves organic and use the following seal...
And even worse, products that are made with only 70% organic ingredients can still claim organic on their labels, however, they are not able to use the seal.
So Organic = More responsible for the planet, reduced exposure to pesticides and chemicals and no artificial sweeteners, coloring or flavors! Sounds like a win to me! But why is it that we don't want those things in our food? I'll start with talking briefly about pesticides...
Did you know that the United States uses 1.2 BILLION lbs of pesticides a year? And that... wait for it... only 0.01% of those pesticides actually reach their intended target - the bugs! Crazy right? The rest ends up in our food, in our air and in our water and are linked to soooooo many health risks!
According to a 1998 study by the National Resource Defense Council, children living in areas with heavy pesticide use had strikingly impaired hand-eye coordination, decreased physical stamina, short term memory impairment and trouble drawing.
I don't know about you... but none of that sounds like anything I would want to intentionally cause in my body because of my food choices.
So, is there a down side to eating organic? Well, the biggest complaint I have heard is cost. And it's true... organic foods are typically more expensive than conventional foods. But really... you get what you pay for. Right? I mean... you can go to McDonalds and get a cheeseburger for $0.69 or you could buy some organic, grass fed beef from the grocery store at a substantially higher price. Which would you rather put in your body?
But times are tough, and money is tight and not everyone can afford to eat 100% organic 100% of the time - as much as we would like to. So what do you do? How do you choose which items to spend more on and which you can do without? I suggest hitting up your local farmers markets whenever you can! Their prices are usually much more reasonable and you are supporting your community! I also highly recommend following the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 guidelines below...
Personally, I also buy conventional bananas because you aren't eating the outside. It's similar to an avocado or a pineapple in that regard - not much is getting through the peel to what you will actually be consuming.
Does all that all make sense? Good!
So the take away here is really this: Eat organic whenever you possibly can, but at the very least, try your hardest to stick to the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 guidelines. And always wash and scrub your fruits and veggies under running water to help wash away as much residue as you can.
If you have any questions about organic food vs. conventional - just ask! I'll be happy to connect you with some fantastic resources!
Getting back to my original point... Is this food snobbery? Or just people who are genuinely taking an active part in their health and wellness by making a conscious effort to do right by their bodies AND the planet AND to spread awareness to others so they can do the same? You decide! ;)
xoxo!
Julie :)
However, products that are only 95% organic can still call themselves organic and use the following seal...
So Organic = More responsible for the planet, reduced exposure to pesticides and chemicals and no artificial sweeteners, coloring or flavors! Sounds like a win to me! But why is it that we don't want those things in our food? I'll start with talking briefly about pesticides...
Did you know that the United States uses 1.2 BILLION lbs of pesticides a year? And that... wait for it... only 0.01% of those pesticides actually reach their intended target - the bugs! Crazy right? The rest ends up in our food, in our air and in our water and are linked to soooooo many health risks!
- Skin, eye and lung irritation
- Hormone disruption which can lead to early onset puberty and other health concerns
- Brain and nervous system toxicity
- CANCER
Other issues that are categorized as chronic effects from repeated exposure to pesticides are...
- Blood disorders
- Nerve disorders
- Birth defects
- Reproductive issues
According to a 1998 study by the National Resource Defense Council, children living in areas with heavy pesticide use had strikingly impaired hand-eye coordination, decreased physical stamina, short term memory impairment and trouble drawing.
I don't know about you... but none of that sounds like anything I would want to intentionally cause in my body because of my food choices.
So, is there a down side to eating organic? Well, the biggest complaint I have heard is cost. And it's true... organic foods are typically more expensive than conventional foods. But really... you get what you pay for. Right? I mean... you can go to McDonalds and get a cheeseburger for $0.69 or you could buy some organic, grass fed beef from the grocery store at a substantially higher price. Which would you rather put in your body?
But times are tough, and money is tight and not everyone can afford to eat 100% organic 100% of the time - as much as we would like to. So what do you do? How do you choose which items to spend more on and which you can do without? I suggest hitting up your local farmers markets whenever you can! Their prices are usually much more reasonable and you are supporting your community! I also highly recommend following the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 guidelines below...
Personally, I also buy conventional bananas because you aren't eating the outside. It's similar to an avocado or a pineapple in that regard - not much is getting through the peel to what you will actually be consuming.
Does all that all make sense? Good!
So the take away here is really this: Eat organic whenever you possibly can, but at the very least, try your hardest to stick to the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 guidelines. And always wash and scrub your fruits and veggies under running water to help wash away as much residue as you can.
If you have any questions about organic food vs. conventional - just ask! I'll be happy to connect you with some fantastic resources!
Getting back to my original point... Is this food snobbery? Or just people who are genuinely taking an active part in their health and wellness by making a conscious effort to do right by their bodies AND the planet AND to spread awareness to others so they can do the same? You decide! ;)
xoxo!
Julie :)
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