4 Things to Consider When Shopping for Organic Food

Whether you’re new to the organic movement or an old pesticide-free food pro, you may still have questions on the best way to shop for organic foods. Is it necessary to buy organic all of the time? Is it ever OK to eat conventional? Is everything organic waistline friendly? Check out this simple guide to clear up some common questions. 1. Avoid the dirty dozen Always shop organic when you buy produce on the dirty dozen list, which includes produce with the highest-known levels of pesticides and herbicides, even after washing. Apples Strawberries Grapes Celery Peaches Spinach Sweet bell peppers Nectarines – imported Cucumber Cherry tomatoes Snap peas – imported Potatoes (plus, collards and hot peppers) (Check the Environmental Working Group site for the official list.) 2. Shop the clean fifteen Some fruits and veggies — also known as the clean 15 — are generally OK to buy from the conventional aisles. You could also shop at a local farmer’s market. Although the produce may not be certified organic, you may find a farmer who does not use pesticides and herbicides on crops. Avocado Sweet corn – (non-GMO) Pineapple Cabbage Sweet onion Asparagus Mangoes Papayas Cantaloupe Cauliflower Eggplant Kiwi Grapefruit Sweet peas – frozen Sweet potatoes  3. Always read labels Read labels even on organic packaged foods. Ideally, packaged foods will have five ingredients or less, or they will be made from all-real food without chemical additives. Products can be labeled 100% organic or made with a percentage of organic ingredients. Check the ingredients list so you know just how much of what you’re getting is organic. 4. Don’t forget nutrition Organic packaged food may still be loaded with sugar, saturated fat and salt. Keep up your habit of reading labels and checking serving sizes. Just because something says organic on the label doesn’t automatically make it waistline friendly!