As moms, we all want to make sure our families are eating healthy. But “healthy “means different things to different people. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, sugar free. Grass fed beef, pasture raised chicken, or commercially raised meat? Some people would never give their kids a cookie, while others are ok with sweet treats. I feel like there are a lot of opinions and even judgement passed on food choices. For every person who eats cheese, there is someone adamant about the perils of dairy. As a mom, it can make you question your choices.
My husband and I both agree that as a general rule, we control what we control in our house. We buy mostly organic or local when we can. We do buy organic milk, grass fed organic meat and organic chicken. For produce, while I do buy organic if available I will follow the Environmental Working Group’s Guide to The Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 (more details below) if not. When we go to other people’s houses, we don’t bring our own food. My daughter knows that she eats what is available when visiting someone’s home. When we go to parties, I allow her more treats than I otherwise would at home. But, yes, she does eat treats at home. I do the best I can, but realize that life is crazy and there needs to be room for exceptions.
So, what should you buy organic and what is ok to buy conventional? For fruit and vegetables, always buy the “Dirty Dozen” Organic if possible. And the EWG has launched an Iphone App “The shopper’s guide to Pesticides” so you can download it and keep the list on your phone when shopping!
The fruits and veggies with the most pesticides (the “Dirty Dozen Plus”) are:
- Apples
- Strawberries
- Grapes
- Celery
- Peaches
- Spinach
- Sweet bell peppers
- Nectarines (imported)
- Cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Snap peas (imported)
- Potatoes
The “Dirty Dozen Plus” includes:
- Hot peppers
- Kale/collard greens
And the fruits and veggies with the least pesticides (the “Clean Fifteen”) are:
- Avocados
- Sweet corn
- Pineapples
- Cabbage
- Sweet peas (frozen)
- Onions
- Asparagus
- Mangos
- Papayas
- Kiwi
- Eggplant
- Grapefruit
- Cantaloupe
- Cauliflower
- Sweet potatoes
The only item on the “Clean 15” that I will only buy Organic is #2-Sweet Corn. While the pesticides used may be very low, corn is one of the most widely used GMO crops. Buy certified organic to ensure non GMO
What are the food choices you make in your home? Would love to hear from you!
Would love to hear what you think!