Baby Steps

Hello!


Are you like most people making the switch over to organic but totally freaked out by the cost of it? Well the Environment Working Group (EWB) has come out with an updated list of the cleanest and dirtiest fruits and vegetables this year. This is based on the amount of pesticides these hold. Obviously fruits and vegetables with a thinner skin are going to absorb more than those with a hard outer shell. So here it is!


The Dirty Dozen:
1) Apples                 7) Nectarines
2) Celery                  8) Grapes
3) Strawberries         9) Bell Peppers
4) Peaches              10) Potatoes
5) Spinach              11) Lettuce
6) Nectarines          12) Kale/ Collard Greens


^ So make sure you buy these organically because it means that they were never treated with pesticides/herbicides so you can eat them worry free!


The Clean Fifteen:
1) Onions                 9) Cantaloupe
2) Corn                   10) Kiwi
3) Pineapples          11) Cabbage
4) Avocado            12) Watermelon
5) Asparagus          13) Sweet Potatoes
6) Sweet Peas         14) Grapefruit
7) Mangos              15) Mushroom
8) Eggplant


^ Until you are able to purchase everything organic, you will be okay with eating these non-organically. Most have a protective barrier so little or no pesticides reach the inside. 


I know it's hard to find organic produce in some areas or the cost may scare you off, but think about your health and the health of your family the next time you are at the supermarket. In a recent news, it has been found that fruits and vegetables contain 2+ pesticides each, and there has also been a link made between pesticides and children affected by ADHD. Hufingtonpost.com reports that, "with the latest news that ADHD in children is linked to common pesticides used on fruits and vegetables, it is more important than ever to be aware of what we are putting on our plates. Of the 1.2 billion pounds of pesticides used annually in the US, less than .01% actually reach their intended targets--the bugs! Obviously they are completely contaminating our food, and the consequences are disastrous, with numerous national and international government agencies acknowledging the connection to various health problems--nervous system toxicity, cancer, hormone system effects, and irritation of skin, eyes, and lungs among them." 


Take steps toward a healthy lifestyle. It doesn't have to happen all at once. Look at the things you eat the most or the top 5 things on the "Dirty Dozen" list and start your organic journey there. Good luck to you all! 


Besos, 


Courtney