Going organic help?

Fitnessman168 · May 2014

So over the past few months I've been really debating on what I've been buying out of walmart and my local supermarket. Even though I eat apples and eat healthy I kept debating am I really eating healthy and trying to look what is really in my food. Anyway I saw a post from a guy who been in fitness for the last six years or so and it said-> Our food is not food anymore. Rather, it's genetically modified and artificial CRAP! When I walk into a normal grocery store, I look around in disgust because 98% of the store contains foods that are terrible for people. The only good foods, well sort of good foods because they aren't certified organic, are in the tiny produce section. We truly as a society need to start paying more attention to what we put into our bodies! Your best bet is to STOP going to places like Wal-Mart and start shopping at your local organic grocery store when buying groceri

Anyways I have chosen to go 100% organic and buy from my local organic food store. And buy free range meats I just can't trust the boneless skinless chicken tenderloins I've been getting from Tyson are healthy or the broccoli I've been getting from Walmart is healthy.

The only thing I won't go organic on is two things-> Ranch dressing and BBQ sauce I can't stand the Greek yogurt ranch dressing crap and I hate homemade BBQ sauce.

I also don't care for Ezekiel bread but I know how to make my own wheat bread.

Anyway my problem is I'm an ectomorph have gone from 93lbs to 120lbs in nine months. So I snack a lot what can I buy that organic to snack on?

Also I'm on disability right now how can I buy organic cheap?

We have a farmers market and two local health foods stores in my town.

So how can I buy organic but not spend an extra $100 doing so?

Also what your best advise for shopping organic? Thanks

Acg67 · May 2014

So you read some rant by a guy in the fitness industry that most food is crap and not actually food. Did he present any evidence if this is actually bad for you, particularly GMO's?

I'd say instead of being so gullible, eat a wide variety of foods and you'll be ok. And really somatotype nonsense and you weigh 120? How tall are you? I'd say you just need to eat period unless you're like 5'

jmv7117 · May 2014

Be warned that you will get a lot of negativity and judgement with your post. You have already been eating organic so expanding on that should not be difficult. Do a bit of research. Get to know where your local organic food producers are. There are apps available for that to help you find those producers based on your location. As far as snacking goes, your health food store offers an abundance of options. Walmart of your grocery store should also have organic options so basically you can find the snacks you like in organic versions. As far as salad dressings and bbq sauce goes, the cost saving option is to make your own using organic ingredients. If you don't like the homemade bbq sauce you make find a different recipe. I don't buy either of these as both can easily be made at home for a fraction of the cost of store bought and homemade does not have the additives we avoid. Eating organic does not necessarily mean you have to spend more. It just means you need to educate yourself, do the research and be willing to find alternatives. In general, homemade is always less expensive than store bought organic or not so be prepared to make your own. I honestly won't buy anything I can make myself.

If you want to save buying organic the same rules apply as to regular grocery shopping. Buy direct from the farmer or food producer. Buy foods produced within 100 km of your home. When shopping in a grocery store, focus on the outer aisles and avoid the centre aisles. Grow your own and make your own.

jmv7117 · May 2014

She was not asking for your opinion on her weight or food of choice. She was asking how to go organic. Whether or not somatotypes play a role is a moot point for the discussion. How much she weighs is a moot point. I currently weigh 112 lb so you WITHOUT knowing me or my stats or anything else would arrogantly tell me to eat more just like you did with her? Talk to the hand!

Fitnessman168 · May 2014

I'm a he lol it happens thanks for advise

Acg67 · May 2014

Ah yes personal attacks due to lack of reading comprehension. Seeing as the screenname is fitnessman and the profile says male, how did you get the OP was a female? Do you not think 120lbs for your average male is not on the underweight side unless pretty short? Did you not notice I asked the OP's height? Again reading comprehension

Serah87 · May 2014

I ate all that 98% "crap" foods you stated OP and guess what I improved my heart issues to a minor issues, now to almost no issues!! Ha!!! :laugh:

kikityme · May 2014

Going organic is your choice. I don't know if it's healthier or not, but it IS more expensive. Fruit and veg aren't that bad, and you can buy ethical meat from local butchers. I find the meat I get from them is somehow more filling and just tastes better.

But snacks are going to be expensive.

You have to make the call whether you can afford it or not. For me, I just can't, and that's a sacrifice I have to make. But, if you're looking for packaged snacks, there's no way to do it cheaply.

bigtummymommy · May 2014

Snacks - organic fruit & peanut butter, vegetables & hummus
We can only afford organic for our family of 4 by eating less - so just a basic foundation of fruits, vegetables, a whole chicken, rice, and beans - then we use non-organic seasonings as that is what we happen to have in the cupboard. But, we are pretty boring about food!
When we go non-organic for money reasons, we can afford alot more but that isn't always a good thing. But, it is more fun!

ValeriePlz · May 2014

I don't buy all organic, only the "dirty dozen" fruits and vegetables. Going organic for those fruits and vegetables alone can cut your pesticide consumption significantly, and it is way more affordable than going 100% organic.

Unknown · May 2014

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bigtummymommy · May 2014

That is an excellent point, vrs - some produce is more important for organic, especially apples, blueberries, meat, dairy products.

jmv7117 · May 2014

It was not a personal attack. It was an 'address the issue without your judgmental opinion'. There are many, many ways to eat organic without breaking the bank. The OP was not asking how to lose or gain weight by eating organic simply how to eat organic with specific questions related to their decision. End of.

jojo28012 · May 2014

I find that Trader Joe's has some reasonable organic fruits and vegetables, as well as meats.

On the subject of GMO's. I find it concerning that Japan does not allow GMO's in any of their foods; Several countries in the European Union label GMO's or ban them. This alone should make you wonder? It does me. What do they know that the USA doesn't? Is our country hiding something so Monsanto and food companies can make huge profits? Just something to consider.

jmv7117 · May 2014

This is good advice for someone starting on an organic food journey!

ninerbuff · May 2014

Going organic is a choice. There are several articles out there showing that it's NOT an improvement nutrient or healthwise over non organic counterparts.
The body can't tell if a food is organic/inorganic. It just breaks whatever is digested down to it's most simplest form and absorbs it.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Acg67 · May 2014

Pot Kettle. Did you not judge the OP as a woman? And do you not think it is worthwhile to discuss the rationale behind his desire to eat all organic, which was a rant from some fitness guru, who i'm willing to bet has no actual evidence to back up his nonsense? So is it your belief that regardless of if someone is being irrational, stupid or whatnot you should just answer their question and help out? Maybe you should go find some of the posts with posters wanting to eat 200 cals a day and wanting to know how not to be hungry, whatever you do, do not ask them why they are eating that little or try to convince them otherwise, since that would be judgmental

MMulder68 · May 2014

CW, the OP wasn't asking about our opinions about whether to eat organic. He has made that choice. People eat organic for different reasons. I do not eat 100% organic but do my best especially with the dirty dozen. I do try to limit my processed foods as well, as you know by my diary. Be careful not to push what worked for you because it might not work for others. The reason your heart issues improved is because it isn't carrying around a bunch of weight. But, you can be skinny and be unhealthy. I am not saying you are by any means. Just sayin'.

MMulder68 · May 2014

THIS!

lynn1982 · May 2014

I haven't looked at this in detail, but try this website:

http://www.ewg.org/goodfood/

It's the environmental working group's "good food" on a "tight budget" shopping guide. Also, regarding organic produce, I usually follow the "dirty dozen" list and the "clean 15." I rarely eat meat because organic meat is so expensive where I live. My best advice to you is to try to eat whole foods. If you're looking to raise your calories, then nuts, seeds, avocados and other healthy fats are good options, especially for snacks.

While it's important to consider what you are putting into your body, remember that just because something might say "organic" on a box, it doesn't mean it's healthy (especially if it comes in a box!).

jmv7117 · May 2014

I agree that packaged snacks are more expensive and it doesn't really matter whether they are organic or not. Our local health food store has organic snacks that are comparable in price to regular grocery store snacks that aren't on sale and mainly brand name. I doubt you will find a 99 cent organic chocolate bar but there are many that are reasonably priced if you need a chocolate fix. Organic popcorn kernels will cost a bit more than non-organic but still make for a cheap snack. Nuts are pricey regardless but non-organic goes on sale whereas organic doesn't. Organic dry cereals are comparable priced to non-organic. I personally don't use them for more than snacking and cereal bars but they certainly wouldn't break the bank if used on a more regular basis. I can actually find organic produce that is less expensive than store bought and I grow what I can. RCSS has a nice organic section. Again, packaged organic convenience foods are more expensive as is dry pastas. I make my own pastas using organic flours so it isn't a problem for me but if you eat a lot of pasta I can see where that would really drive up your food costs.

Platform_Heels · May 2014

Honestly the only thing that I would personally spend more money on and go to a local farm for would be free range chickens and grass fed beef. I used to get my chicken from a farm and the taste! OMG it was a million times better than anything you would get at the grocery store that touts itself as being "free range" (which is a misnomer because "free range" means they have a tiny spot that they can walk around in and they get a certain amount of time in the sun). My husband and I are actually thinking of going in with a friend and buying half a cow that we will pay to have raised and slaughtered.

"Organic" is such an arbitrary term that's thrown out there and there really are no hard and fast standards for it. There is a farm about 20 minutes from where I live and they have a sign stating that they are "organic" however their vegetables are grown right next to the road where diesel trucks drive by spewing off their nasty smoke, and cars are driving by putting their emissions into the air so how "organic" can that food really be with all those chemicals being put on them and in them?

If you want to shop local than by all means do it but don't buy into the "organic" trend just because it's said to be better.

jmv7117 · May 2014

You hit the nail on the head! I know folks want organic convenience food replacements for the non-organic versions they have been using but honestly, these are still highly processed foods. The only difference is they are made from non-GMO and organic ingredients.

Acg67 · May 2014

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/science-sushi/2012/09/24/pesticides-food-fears/

jmv7117 · May 2014

No, I do not think it worthwhile to discuss the rationale behind his desire to eat all organic anymore than I think it worthwhile to discuss why his choice is any of your business. Have a great day :flowerforyou:

wilsoje74 · May 2014

its a HE so 120 is really low unless HE is 5' tall

Serah87 · May 2014

So!! I'm just saying you don't need "organic" to be healthy!! JS

jmv7117 · May 2014

Yes, my mistake. OP is a he. His weight is of no concern to the discussion of going organic. He did not say he is trying to lose or gain although there is an indication he has gained weight. He also discloses he is on a disability but not the nature which may or may not have an impact on his weight. At any rate, the questions involve help going organic not judgments or advice on his weight, height, or how much he should eat. If he wanted advice on those, he would have asked. Instead he asked about going organic and NO he does not have to justify his reasons for doing so.

Glossysweets · May 2014

I eat organically and where I have currently moved I have had to be a little bit more creative and travel a bit more in some instances since I no longer live near a whole foods. If you live near a whole foods or even Trader Joes (I find Trader Joes seems a bit more inexpensive for organic produce) then just be mindful of what you purchase so that it doesn't cost you an "arm and a leg".

I have found the best places to get produce are from Farmer's Markets. I either buy from certified organic, organically grown (ask the vendors, these are people who do not use pesticides or use the "acceptable amounts to be organic" but are not a large operation so they do not want to pay the thousands of dollars in fees to get themselves certified organic), or hydro grown crops (double check again with the vendor that no pesticides are used.

Check for local organic food deliveries to your area. You can often subscribe to a box a week of different sizes and it will arrive at your house the same day each week.

Health food stores often carry nice organic produce, but be wary as they can be fairly expensive.

Also, another one that sometimes helps is Costco. I purchase frozen organic broccoli and mixed veggies as well as organic frozen fruit (I use these for smoothies). They often from time to time have some fresh produce that is organic as well like carrots, mixed greens, apple slices. They carry Organic milk (doesn't mean the cows are ethically treated though), organic eggs (again doesn't mean the chickens are treated ethically - it doesn't mention anything about cage free), organic yogurt sometimes. I also purchase organic rice, organic freekah, organic quinoa, organic olive oli, and even organic tortilla chips. This is a great place to buy some raw ingredients but if you are buying produce make sure you will use it fairly quickly (that can be difficult since they come is such large amounts) because then you will be losing additional nutritional value by just keeping them in your fridge for weeks on end without being consumed.

I hope I was able to help you a bit. My family eats 99% organic with stuff we bring into the house (only exceptions are the occasional bananas instead of organic if I cannot find them or watermelon instead of organic, again same issue).

Good luck.

Acg67 · May 2014

And if he didn't think those were somehow relevant to the discussion, he would not have listed them, right? No one said he has to justify his rationale, just that the logic behind it was irrational and without evidence. This is actually somewhat important being that he's on a fixed income and could likely save a lot more money by not going organic, as to this date there is no real solid evidence it offers any health benefits whatsoever.

MMulder68 · May 2014

But one thing I have noticed since u have lost your weight is that you r unkind on the forums. Anyway, u do look great but we do disagree about how eating organic is healthy and that is ok.

Going organic help?

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