Making The Right Choice
Organic foods are not only healthy for your body, but they are also good for the environment and a terrific way to get started on your new lifestyle.
I understand you may be hesitant because organic food is not cheap! So, to help ensure that you are making the right decision, you may first want to examine the pros and cons of eating organic foods.
Eating organically is a wonderful way to get the healthy nutrients your body needs from food without any harmful additives or preservatives. Organic produce comes from organic farms that grow crops and raise animals without using pesticides or preservatives that can stimulate growth hormones and other harmful side effects.
Nonorganic farms use toxic chemical spraying that not only pollute our food but water runoff from those fields holding those toxic chemicals pollutes our natural water resources as well.
Do you know where your money goes when you buy organic?
Right into maintaining soil quality with natural fertilizer produced on the farm or bought locally as opposed to importing massive quantities from overseas. The word organic means providing jobs within that community!
Another pro or plus to eating organic is that organic food is ideal for individuals of all ages. This is great if you are looking to have your whole family eat organic, not just yourself. Organic foods are not just fruits and vegetables. There are organic snacks, drinks, and desserts that are all considered organic. There are also many companies in the United States that specialize in producing organic foods and products.
Where is organic food produced?
Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones.
It is also important to touch on the downside, the con associated with buying organic produce. I can only think of one and that is the cost. When you are visiting one of your local supermarkets and you walk through an organic food section you will notice the difference in organic versus non-organic food choices.
When comparing organic versus non-organic foods, you will notice that organic produce does cost more money. But to me, my body and my health are worth it. That being said, it is important to note that there are many ways that you can save money when buying organic foods. These ways include shopping at organic food stores. With organic food choices growing in popularity over the years.
There were 16,585 certified organic farms in the U.S. in 2019, compared to 14,217 in 2016, according to the latest available data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Organic products are now available in 20,000 natural food stores and 3 out of 4 conventional grocery stores. Organic sales account for over 4 percent of total U.S. food sales, according to recent industry statistics.
For the largest selection of organic foods locally, examine specialty organic food stores, as they specialize solely in the selling of natural foods.
The top 4 most popular organic grocery stores
The largest and most popular organic grocery stores in the United States that specialize in providing consumers with organic choices are:
- Trader Joe’s with 500 stores in 41 states
- Spouts with 300+ stores in 19 states
- Whole Foods Market with 500+ stores across the US and UK
- Raley’s with 128 stores in Northern California and Nevada.
You also have the internet as a choice to buy organic produce.
There are several farmers and producers of organic food who sell their natural products online.
And, do not forget to keep an eye open for those discount coupons.
