Tosha Larios When to Buy Organic and When It’s Okay to Go Non-Organic
Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. While organic foods are often seen as the gold standard for health and sustainability, they can also come with a hefty price tag. The key to advanced girl math is knowing when to invest in organic foods and when it’s safe to save money by buying non-organic options. By focusing on the most important foods to buy organic, you can eat clean without overspending.
Let’s dive into which foods you should prioritize buying organic and which ones you can confidently buy non-organic, using smart girl math principles!
Why Go Organic?
Organic foods are grown without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). They’re often considered healthier because they reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. However, not all foods need to be organic. Some crops naturally have lower pesticide residues or thicker skins that protect them from chemical absorption.
This is where advanced girl math comes in—by being selective about your organic purchases, you can maximize the health benefits of your food while staying within budget.
Foods to Buy Organic: The Dirty Dozen
Every year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases a list of the “Dirty Dozen,” which highlights the fruits and vegetables with the highest levels of pesticide residues. These are the foods you should prioritize buying organic because their thin skins and growing methods make them more likely to absorb pesticides.
Here’s the latest Dirty Dozen list:
1. Strawberries – Strawberries top the list due to their thin skin and high pesticide exposure. Buy organic to avoid consuming chemical residues.
2. Spinach – Leafy greens like spinach tend to soak up pesticides, making organic options the healthier choice.
3. Kale, Collard Greens, and Mustard Greens – Similar to spinach, these leafy greens are best purchased organic due to high pesticide levels.
4. Peaches – Peaches have delicate skins, which makes them more prone to pesticide residue. Opt for organic when you can.
5. Pears – Pears, like apples, have thin skins that can absorb pesticides. Choose organic to reduce your exposure.
6. Nectarines – These soft fruits are highly treated with chemicals during the growing process, making organic a smarter option.
7. Apples – Apples are one of the most popular fruits, but they’re also among the most pesticide-heavy. Organic apples are worth the extra cost.
8. Grapes – Grapes, especially imported ones, can carry significant pesticide residue. Buy organic, especially if you’re snacking on them regularly.
9. Bell Peppers and Hot Peppers – These colorful veggies often test positive for multiple pesticides, so it’s worth opting for organic versions.
10. Cherries – Cherries are small and delicate, making them susceptible to pesticide contamination. Organic cherries are a safer bet.
11. Blueberries – Although blueberries are tiny, they can carry pesticide residues. Organic is the way to go if you eat them often.
12. Green Beans – Green beans may not be the first veggie you think of for pesticides, but they frequently show high levels, so buy organic when possible.
Advanced Girl Math Hack: If buying all organic produce seems expensive, focus on purchasing organic versions of the fruits and veggies you eat most often. For example, if you snack on apples and grapes daily, prioritize buying those organic and buy conventional for the foods you eat less frequently.
Foods That Can Be Non-Organic: The Clean Fifteen
On the other side of the spectrum, the EWG also puts out the Clean Fifteen list, which features fruits and vegetables with the least pesticide contamination. These foods have thicker skins or natural defenses that keep chemicals from penetrating, making it safer to buy them non-organic.
Here’s the Clean Fifteen list:
1. Avocados – The thick skin of an avocado protects the flesh from pesticides, so buying non-organic avocados is perfectly fine.
2. Sweet Corn – Corn has low pesticide residue, especially when grown in the U.S. Non-organic is a safe choice here.
3. Pineapple – The tough, spiky skin of pineapples makes them less vulnerable to pesticide absorption.
4. Onions – Onions have a natural defense against pests, so they’re typically grown with fewer chemicals.
5. Papaya – Like pineapple, papaya has a thick skin that acts as a protective barrier against pesticides.
6. Sweet Peas (Frozen) – Frozen sweet peas typically have low pesticide residue and are a cost-effective non-organic option.
7. Asparagus – This veggie has low pesticide exposure, so non-organic asparagus is a great budget choice.
8. Honeydew Melon – Melons have thick rinds that keep pesticides from reaching the flesh, so non-organic honeydew is safe.
9. Kiwi – The fuzzy skin of a kiwi provides protection, making it a low-pesticide fruit.
10. Cabbage – Cabbage is naturally resistant to pests, so it doesn’t require as many chemicals to grow.
11. Mushrooms – Mushrooms are typically grown with minimal pesticides, making them a good candidate for non-organic shopping.
12. Mangoes – Mangoes have a thick skin that protects the juicy flesh inside from pesticides.
13. Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes have lower pesticide residue and can safely be bought non-organic.
14. Watermelon – Like other melons, watermelon has a tough rind that keeps pesticides out.
15. Carrots – Carrots, with their protective peel, typically have lower pesticide levels, so non-organic is a budget-friendly choice.
Advanced Girl Math Hack: Use the Clean Fifteen list to help you save money by purchasing these fruits and veggies in their conventional (non-organic) form. You’ll reduce your grocery bill without compromising on health.
### Organic or Not? Animal Products and Processed Foods
When it comes to animal products, such as meat, dairy, and eggs, organic can make a difference. Organic meat and dairy come from animals that are raised without antibiotics or growth hormones, and they are fed organic diets. While organic animal products tend to be pricier, the health benefits and lower exposure to chemicals make it worth considering if it fits into your budget.
As for processed foods, the term “organic” doesn’t always mean “healthy.” Many processed organic products, like cookies and chips, still contain high levels of sugar, fat, and sodium. Focus on buying whole, nutrient-dense foods rather than processed organic options to get the best value for your money.
Conclusion: Balance Health and Budget with Smart Choices
Buying organic can offer significant health benefits, but it doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With a little bit of planning, you can prioritize the most important organic purchases while saving money on non-organic options. Use the Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists to guide your shopping decisions and strike a balance between health and budget.
Making smart financial decisions is a part of overall health, and that includes being strategic about when to buy organic. By focusing on organic options for the most pesticide-heavy foods and saving on others, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: healthy eating and a healthy bank account.
Looking for more insights beyond this topic? Check out my other projects!
- Star Track Farm – Explore how sustainable farming can improve your health and the environment. Learn about our organic practices and fresh produce delivery at Star Track Farm
https://toshalariosstartrackfarm.blogspot.com/?m=1
https://medium.com/@talarios0507
- Food as Medicine – Discover how food can be a powerful tool for healing and wellness. Find recipes, tips, and advice at Food as Medicine
https://toshalariosfoodasmedicine.blogspot.com/?m=1
http://cookingwithdrt.blogspot.com/?m=1
https://medium.com/@cookingwithdr.t
- Advanced Girl Math – Master the art of financial empowerment with smart strategies to save, invest, and spend wisely. Join the conversation at Advanced Girl Math https://toshalarios.com
https://toshalarios.blogspot.com/?m=1
https://medium.com/@toshalarios0507
---
About the Author
Tosha Larios is a veteran, healthcare professional, and creator of advanced girl math. She is passionate about helping others make smart financial and health choices to live a balanced, fulfilling life.
Comments
Post a Comment