“SMORGANIC?”
Is that a word? It was in my house before repeated discussion and comparison changed Butch’s and Tabby’s mind. I think it was the difference in the taste of fresh organic produce that eventually convinced them that not only was organic food better for the human body but it was also good for the planet.
The crew at The Muscle Repair Shop know that the right fuel is essential for a smooth running body. Along with the need for Align Up, Tune Up, and Lube Up
The Fuel Up section is so important. How can a body run well on unhealthy fuel?
Organic farming is sustainable and redirects the energy consumption away from the food chain reducing the use of petroleum products and eventually reducing the cost of organic food to make it affordable and available. Consumer demand will drive the market.
So, shop organic using the guidelines below.
These foods are First Choice foods – These fruits & vegetables are either protected from pesticide contamination by their outer protective skin or they are hearty growers that are naturally pest resistant and therefore require less chemicals to produce good tasting healthy produce. Whether you peel them or not it’s always best to wash/rinse before you peel them.
Pineapple – Tough skin
Mango – Thick skin
Kiwis – Protective peel
Watermelon – Barrier rind
Papaya – Impenetrable peel
Avocado – Thick skins
Asparagus – Natural resilience
Sweet Corn – Natural protection
Onions – Naturally pest resilient
Sweet Peas – Pod protection
Cabbage – Naturally clean
Eggplant – Tough skin
Sweet Potatoes – Naturally clean
Tomatoes – Recently redeemed from the Dirty Dozen list
Broccoli – Fewer pest threats = less spraying
These foods are at the top of the First Choice Organic list.
Spend your organic dollar wisely. Some of the foods on this list are my favorites. Don’t get discouraged. Just make the choices that make sense.
Meat – Hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides store in the fat so, if not organic then at least make it lean. Also consider the portion size. The protein portion on your plate should take up only ¼ of the plate, if that.
Milk – Hormone, antibiotic, and pesticide levels in children pose a health risk. This is a very serious consideration for kids since many provide milk as a staple of a child’s diet.
Peaches – Thin skin lots of pesticides show in testing.
Strawberries – Imported are grown with more pesticides, but even domestic are one of the hardest fruits to grow commercially without regular treatment with chemicals.
Apple – Many fungi and insects are problems so multiple chemicals are used and can’t be washed off or peeled away.
Peaches – 32 types of pesticides found on nectarines
Cherries – 42 pesticides found by government testing
Blueberries – 52 pesticides!!!! This was a shocker. My absolute favorite fruit. I have not found an organic source that is affordable yet. I have a freezer full of blueberries that I use for smoothies. I am struggling with whether to consider that there are few sources of chemicals in my diet and therefore use them occasionally or toss them. Finding a balance is key.
Celery – No protective skin
Bell Peppers – Thin skin barrier so sprayed heavily
Spinach – 48 different pesticides
Kale – High amounts of residue
White potatoes – 37 different pesticides.
Coffee- Grown in countries with no regulations to limit use of chemicals or enforcement FOR Fair trade.
There is so much information about how to grow organic, shop organic and cook organic. Check out www.thedailygreen.com, www.greenpeace.com or just google organic for answers to just about any question you might have. You are also invited to comment on our blog and ask questions.