Making Changes for the Better (Part II)
Tags: wellness (71), healthy (71), nutrition (55), organic (27), environment (13), sustainable (12), fresh (4), non-GMO (4)
As I mentioned in my last article, some of us put way too much pressure on ourselves in the beginning causing us to slowly drift away from our end goal and leaving us back to where we began. It doesn’t have to be that way! Maybe you’re here right now thinking “I really want to lose 20 pounds”, or maybe you’re thinking “I really just want to feel better. I am so tired of my body not feeling right.”. Or maybe you’re striving for overall health and wellness from the inside out. One of the best changes you can make in your life is to switch to an organic lifestyle.
“A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that organic crops have higher concentrations of antioxidants, lower levels of cadmium and nitrates and fewer pesticide residues than non-organic crops. The study concluded that switching to an organic diet would provide a 20 to 40 percent increase in antioxidant and polyphenol consumption, which is equivalent to eating an extra one or two servings of fruits and vegetables a day.” ~Only Organic
There is a wealth of information available on the internet about eating organic, including myths, facts, studies and resources. We believe that eating organic, and avoiding conventionally raised produce and meats is one of the best ways to improve your overall health. This doesn’t mean you can eat all the sugary foods you want and stay healthy just because they are organic, but what it does mean is that you may decrease your risk for bigger health concerns.
“Since organic farms cannot use synthetic pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, eating organic food reduces your exposure to toxic residues in your food. Research has shown that children fed an all organic diet had lower body burdens of pesticides than those fed conventional foods. All of this is what makes organic foods healthier and tastier than their conventional counterparts that are grown in synthetic and sterilized environment, without thriving populations of living organisms and beneficial insects that provide important checks and balances in healthy organic systems.” ~Center for Food Safety
When I started eating organic produce I started to notice a change. I would get sick less often and I actually liked the taste my vegetables better than I ever have. I’ve never been one to eat a lot of vegetables but now I do! I made it a priority to eat as much organic as I could because I liked how I was feeling in general. I would buy things on sale to help keep costs low and stock up when I could. I also learned to shop better because, let’s face it, we waste so much food in this world. I now only buy “fresh” what I know I am going to be able to eat in the next few days. It means shopping more often but in the end, I find it worth it. It even helps me personally manage my budget a little better. I can buy an organic rotisserie chicken, a couple organic yams, some organic broccoli and maybe some lettuce and have meals for the week, all for a reasonable amount of money. It feels good to know that I am putting good food into my body, saving money by eating in, and maintaining healthy eating habits this way. It also makes me feel good to know that I am making difference in our environment by choosing this lifestyle.
“Growing and eating organic food enhances the health and well-being of ourselves, our families, our communities and our environment. Why? Because organic farming grows food with nature, instead of using synthetic toxic pesticides and fertilizers to overcome nature’s boundaries. Through a combination of farming practices—like the use of compost, crop rotations, cover cropping and beneficial insects—organic farms enhance the soil rather than deplete it. These sustainable agricultural practices protect biological diversity, conserve water and energy and can even help mitigate climate change.” ~Center for Food Safety
My personal tips for you are if you’re not currently eating organic, start now, even on a small scale. Small changes do make a difference! And if you are eating organic, great! Then start looking at where you can cut down on sugars and processed foods to improve your health even more. Do you really need that box of crackers? Probably not. How about some bulk nuts instead? It’s all about choice, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. You can succeed at your health and wellness goals with the help of stores like Good Harvest, support from friends and family, and most of all, believing in yourself!
Here are some additional resources about eating organic that you may find helpful.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this Wellness Blog is intended for educational purposes only. Any views or opinions represented are personal and belong solely to the blog owner. The information is not intended to be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any medical condition. Always consult with your personal physician or other qualified health care provider before making any changes to your health care.