No More Excuses: If You Want Organic Living, You Can Have It

We’ve covered a lot over the past month, that’s for sure. If you’re feeling any information overload or are concerned about the choices you’ll make from here, just keep this in mind…

Just one small step to more healthy living is an important one. And as you make each new step, the next one becomes even easier. You don’t have to have all the answers before you start because you’re going to learn as you go along. And besides, only you can decide what is right for you.

A small home vegetable garden. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Whether you start a vegetable garden, decide to raise chickens or rework your budget so you can start eating more organic foods, these are all steps in the right direction.

Start by looking at local resources in your neighborhood. Look for farms, you-picks, seed banks and even educational opportunities available to improve your lifestyle. Some of the resources I’ve mentioned in the past few posts that might help you include:

- The EWG Dirty Dozen - find out which fruits and vegetables are most likely to have the highest and lowest use of pesticides.

- Find farmer’s markets, restaurants and grocery stores that sell organic food.

- Look for you-pick opportunities – just check if they’re organic.

The next step is up to you. I know you’ll be glad you took it.

And be sure to stay tuned to this blog every week for more tips, articles, and resources on healthy, holistic living!

What Are The Disadvantages to Eating Organic Foods?

Are you interested in making the switch to organic foods?  You likely already know the many benefits to eating organic foods, as these benefits are often prominently displayed and advertised.  With that being said, we rarely hear about the disadvantages to eating organic foods. 

Organic tomatoes at a farmer's market. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of the few disadvantages to eating organic foods is the cost.  Do you know how much most organic foods costs?  If not, you may want to examine those costs before you make the decision to switch to organic foods.  After a closer look, you will see that organic foods often do cost a little bit more money, but if eating organic foods improves your health, it actually may pay for itself over time with fewer visits to the doctor.

Although the cost of organic food may turn you and other hopeful eaters away, it is also important to know that there are many ways in which you can go about saving money.  For example, you can search for organic food sales at your local natural food stores or supermarkets.  Stock up when you see those sales or choose to shop at a store that is known for their everyday low prices on organic foods.  Organic food coupons can also be used. These coupons can be found online, with a standard internet search, in many stores, as well as in weekend newspapers.

In addition to costs, another disadvantage to eating organically is the limited selection of organic products available in some areas. Luckily, not everyone is faced with this organic food eating disadvantage.  Often  those who live in small cities and towns find it the hardest to buy organic foods.  With that being said, it doesn’t matter whether you live in a small town or a huge city, there are still a number of different ways that you can go about buying organic foods.

Sign at the Sonoma Farmer's Market, Sonoma, California (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In my opinion the absolute best way to buy organic foods is by going directly to the source - organic farmers.  You can usually find organic farmers in just about any size town, if you know where to look, and is the best possible way to get your organic fruits and vegetables, as well as, in some areas, even meats and dairy. Visit your local farmer's market and start getting connected.

You can also search for specialty organic food stores by using online business directories, your local phone book, or by asking those that you know for recommendations.  The internet can also be used to shop online for organic foods - just be aware of shipping costs.

Although there are a few disadvantages to eating organic foods, it is also important to remember the benefits or advantages to doing so as well.  For starters, organic foods are all natural and safe to eat.  You won't have to worry about potentially harmful chemicals, additives, and pesticides.  Organic foods also benefit the overall environment and the economy.

But there is one disadvantage we haven't discussed yet, and that is the tendency of organic foods not to keep as long, since they don't contain artificial preservatives, and typically aren't as highly processed. For some ways to keep your organic food fresh during storage, be sure to check back for Wednesday's post.

Video - Why Organic?

This video offers a comprehensive look at organic foods, what they are, how they're regulated, and why they are better for you. It's a bit detailed, but quite interesting and will give you some great information if you're "on the fence" about whether or not to choose organically grown foods.

Why Organic? with Jim Riddle
Many of us today are asking, "Why should I eat organic? Is there really such a difference?" As research into organic food and farming expands, trends are beginning to emerge validating the multiple benefits of organic - at every stage. Jim Riddle pre...

Organic Foods Great for Toddlers

Sorry for the lack of posts last week! I had been out of town, and thought I would have time to post some articles while I was gone, but unfortunately that didn't happen..... But I'm back, and have some great stuff lined up for you this week, so be sure to check back, and also check out our other blogs for some cool summer recipes and more!  For today, read on to learn about some options for introducing your toddler to organic foods, and give them a healthy start.

Are you the parent of a toddler who is looking to make sure that your child is eating right?  If so, healthy foods are likely what you are searching for.  With that in mind, it is important to know that healthy foods come in a number of different formats.  To provide your toddler with the best healthy foods possible, organic foods should be examined.

Image via WikipediaAfter a close look, you will see that there are a number of benefits to feeding your toddler organic foods - which are natural foods, as opposed to processed foods that are filled with sugars and other additives.  Eating organically can also help to improve one’s health, as well as the environment.  It has been said that the longer you eat organic foods, the better your health is likely to be.  That is why you should encourage your toddler to eat organically.

One of the biggest concerns of parents is that their children will not like organic foods.  Chances are, your toddler will not be able to tell the difference.  Of course, you do not want to lie or withhold the truth from your child, but you may not want to let him or her know that they are eating organic foods right away.  For toddlers and preschoolers, they likely won't even know what this means anyway.

Another concern that many parents have is what they can feed their children.  Many toddlers and preschoolers are able to eat table food with adults.  This is easy if the rest of your family eats organic foods as well.  Your child can simply just enjoy a meal with you.  With that said, there are many parents who also want to provide their children with kid-friendly foods.  This may include foods that have fun shapes or cartoon characters on the boxes.  Parents also want foods that are convenient and easy to prepare for certain occasions.  The good news is that you can often still get these foods organically.

When looking to buy organic toddler food, you will find that you have a number of different options (as well as, of course - the best option - making it yourself!).  There are a number of organic food companies that specialize in selling food designed for toddlers.  Of course, Earth’s Best Organic is not the only company that you have to choose from, but they are one of the most popular.  Earth’s Best Organic comes highly rated and recommend by many parents, teachers, and even some healthcare professionals.  For that reason, we will be examining their line of organic food for toddlers so that you can get a good idea as to what types of food your toddler can eat when on an organic diet.

Earth’s Best Organic, as well as number of other organic food companies, have a line of foods that are ideal for breakfast.  Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, it is important that your child is able to eat a food that they love.  The good news is that you do have a number of different options.  Three popular options for toddlers are organic waffles, organic O-shaped cereal, which tends to resemble cheerios, and organic instant oatmeal.

Image by kellypolizzi via FlickrAs previously stated, many parents want to have organic foods on hand for their toddlers that are healthy, but also fun to eat and easy to prepare.  Earth’s Best Organic, as well a number of other natural food companies, have a number of products for you to choose from.  Just a sample of what you may find can include frozen whole grain pizzas or organic soups.  As for snacks, which many toddlers consume before lunch and after dinner, there are a number of different options as well; however, organic crackers, organic cookies, and organic fruit bars are recommended and kid approved.

As you can see, you have a number of different options when looking to feed your toddler organic foods. But as a reminder, you do not necessarily have to purchase foods that are designed for toddlers, as many toddlers can eat the same organic foods that adults, like you, do!

A Few Examples of Organic Toddler Food: