Let's Talk About Food - Part I

When was the last time you thought about where your food comes from? I'm not talking about what grocery you bought it from, but I mean how your food got from Point A to Point B. Have you ever considered this? If not, it's probably time that you did. Most of the food we consume has either been covered in pesticides or is filled with chemicals and food colorings. BLECH!

I remember when organic foods first hit the stores nearly a decade ago. They were usually double or triple the price of their non-organic equivalent. It was considered pretty extravagent back then to even consider being an organic household. Plus, the selection of foods was pretty limited, and the produce was usually wilted. I thought it was crazy for folks to buy these overpriced products. I'd look at the organic cabbage that was tiny, droopy, and about three times as expensive as the beautiful, shiny, huge head in the non-organic section. I mean seriously, who would buy the organic one?!

It's taken me nearly ten years to discover that organic food isn't just an upper class delicacy. Instead, I've learned that eating organic food is vital to healthy living. Not convinced? Let's look at it this way. Inventory the food you consume in a day. Okay, now let's look at the amount of pesticides you consumed. Let's say you ate a slice of toast with jam and an apple for breakfast. According to What's on my Food (2011), there are 16 pesticide residues in the the wheat used to make your toast. SIXTEEN potentially harmful pesticides in ONE food group!! Take a look - http://www.whatsonmyfood.org/food.jsp?food=WF The jam doesn't get off either. According to Organic Food Info (2011), "the average non-organic fruit contains more than 20 pesticides." Let's say you're eating strawberry jam on your toast. Strawberries are #3 on the Environmental Working Group (2010) Dirty Dozen list. So, before the day has actually begun, you've consumed close to 56 pesticides!

Okay, maybe you're still a naysayer and aren't buying into this whole organic thing. Let's talk about the potential harm those pesticides have on your body. Pesticides have been linked to cancer, obesity, Alzheimer's, birth defects, hormone system effects, nervous system toxicity, among other ailments (Organic Food Info, 2011 and Environmental Working Group, 2010). I'm a prime example of the effects of non-organic foods. According to a Fatty Acid test done in February, my body is filled with inflammation. Those of you who know me are aware that I have severe bone-on-bone arthritis in both knees. When my ND informed me of my test results, I automatically assumed she was referring to the inflammation in my knees. Not so. The tests show that I also have severe organ inflammation. I was on the road to chronic disease if I had chosen to maintain my lifestyle of non-organic foods and grain-fed beef. These diseases include cancer, Alzheimer's, and organ misfunction. Kind of scary for someone my age. Are my years of self-inflicted abuse reversible? I sure hope so. I'm trying to make changes with diet, exercise, and supplements. It's never too late to start over again.

Here are some excellent links on changing over to an organic lifestyle:

Organic Food Info - http://www.organicfoodinfo.net/
Environmental Working Group - http://www.foodnews.org/
What's On My Food - http://www.whatsonmyfood.org/index.jsp
Dr. Oz - http://www.oprah.com/oprahradio/Where-Does-Your-Food-Come-From

Want a handy dandy shopping guide of EWG's Dirty Dozen? I have printed and laminated a small supply of this outstanding list to attach to your shopping bag. Email me at mystbnards@yahoo.com or leave a comment asking for this list. I will happily send you one!