Organic Foods Explained

Have you been thinking about "going green"? Have you been trying to eat healthier? Do you worry about what is in the food you eat? Are you worried about the taste of "organic"? If so, here are some tips that will be of interest to you. You do not have to take an all or nothing approach to organic, "green", or healthy eating. Even small steps can make a difference in your health and well being and you might be surprised at the taste.

What is organic? Organic food can basically be defined as food produced without artificial hormones, pesticides or fertilizers by farmers using renewable resources to enhance the environment. Not all foods qualify as "organic". You should read the labels and use the following as a guideline to determine just what is in the food you are eating:

100% Organic - Made with 100% organic ingredients

USDA Organic - Made with at least 95% organic ingredients

Made With Organic - Contains at least 70% organic ingredients

Natural - Doesn't necessarily mean organic

Free Range - Doesn't guarantee that meat, milk, or eggs came from animals that roamed outdoors

A step toward eating organic is a step toward eating natural. Eating natural is eating foods at their basic, without added or refined ingredients. Two such ingredients to avoid as part of a healthier diet are sugar and fat. More specifically, there are two key ingredients to look for when you are reading labels, "high fructose corn syrup" and "hydrogenated". These are the two most common forms of sugar and trans fat. With federal label regulations, it will be easier to spot foods with trans fat. Sugar is added calories and fat, is well fat.

Shopping for and trying new organic foods is a matter of personal taste and preference. You should try a few organic foods as replacements to foods you normally purchase to determine what you like. If possible, it is best to shop for produce locally from farmers near you. If not, there are several great grocery stores that specialize in organic or natural foods including Whole Foods Market, Wild Oats Marketplace and the Fresh Market. One of the best products I have tried are the pre-packaged organic salad greens, especially the baby romaine. You can also purchase organic salad dressings from these grocers, or make your own. Although due to lack of preservatives, organic produce may tend to spoil more quickly, these salads having amazing stay fresh power.

Soy milk is another organic food many people hesitate to try but tastes really good. Try it on your cereal or make a smoothie. You can mix and match the ingredients to make a great smoothie to fit your taste. To make a simple but great tasting smoothie mix in blender: 1 cup organic soy milk (you can use vanilla, plain or chocolate), ½ banana and ½ cup frozen organic berries (try blueberries, strawberries or raspberries), 2 teaspoons organic honey or to taste. Try one today; I don't' think you will be disappointed.