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How to Gradually Go Organic

Member
By lmharmon
User-Submitted Article
(4 Ratings)
Organic foods taste better, and are better for you
Organic foods taste better, and are better for you
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So, you know that organic foods are better for you, but how do you make the switch? With gradual steps, you can transition to a healthier diet without going broke.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • patience
  • self-control
  • the desire to be healthier
  1. Step 1

    Genetically modified foods designed in the lab? Of course you don't trust them. Pesticides? Who needs 'em? If you want to keep your food natural, the best place to start is with your produce. By choosing seasonal organic produce from your grocery or from your local farmer's market, you can remove a large percentage of unnatural foods from your diet without spending too much more than you were on produce, before. Don't forget canned vegetables, juices, and frozen veggies also fall into this category.

  2. Step 2

    Once you have gotten into the habit of eating organic produce, it's time for the next step: grains. Replace your flours, baked goods, pastas, and cereals with organic versions. You may be able to buy organic dried goods (like rice, beans, or flour) in bulk to save money.

  3. Step 3

    Organic dairy products are next. Before you make the switch to organic dairy products, look into what qualifies as "organic." Some traditional dairies use less medications and interventions than "organic" dairies. Research the differences between grain-fed, free-range, brown and white egg producing chickens.

  4. Step 4

    Organic meat products are available in a wide variety of forms. Often, you can catch them on sale--ask your grocer if they have organic meat on markdown, and stock up to fill your freezer.

  5. Step 5

    Organic versions of ice cream, frozen pizza, burritos, mozzarella sticks, and pretty much every other junk food item exist. Try organic potato chips and dip once in awhile.

Tips & Warnings
  • Plant your own organic garden! Start small and work your way up to a larger patch in the backyard. If you live in an apartment or condo, plant a container garden.
  • If you can't find certified organic plants or seeds, look for "heirloom" varieties.
  • Organic or heirloom plants from local nurseries are a lot less hassle than starting your own from seed.
  • You can still find coupons for organic foods, if you look--but overall, you won't find as many as you did for the non-organic stuff.
  • You won't starve to death on an organic diet, but you may lose a little weight.
  • All organic dairy products are not created equal. Base your decision on more than the cuteness quotient of the label.

Comments  

turtledove said

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on 9/13/2009 Organic foods are better for the land, too. 5*

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on 1/23/2009 great tips. I so try to buy organic when I notice that the difference isn't that expensive. thanks

Rockney said

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on 1/16/2009 Great advice! 5*!

jbechtold said

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on 1/16/2009 Great article we all should buy more organic. I have been switching to organic condiments.

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