Recommend any info about organics

[ErikM02]

Okay so I try to be as healthy as possible, I feel it's a good investment...

I eat lean meats, whole grains, lots of fruits & veggies. I'm trying to cut out refined sugars, don't drink soda or eat junk food.

Now I'm having trouble debating whether to eat organic or not, I mean I know there are benefits but I can't seem to justify these benefits for the cost. I'm also only 23 so is this something I shouldn't even worry about? What are your opinions?

[Palooka]

Good for you for eating healthy. To be honest sometimes I buy organic and I think it can be overrated and I don't even think it taste that good. I don't know much about all organic,but at your age I wouldn't worry so much about it if it doesn't fit with your budget.

I'm sure there is many people here that know more about organic food and if it's worth the cost.

[Nishu]

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Buying-Organic/dp/0553382934"]Amazon.com: A Field Guide to Buying Organic: Luddene Perry, Dan Schultz: Books[/ame]

I used to own this book, but I never got around to reading it. It gives you the rundown on what foods are worth it to spend the extra on, and which ones you can go ahead and go conventional with. (That's why I bought it to begin with.)

ETA: I like organic milk. It tastes better, I think.

I also recommend anything by Marion Nestle. She's my nutritionist hero, and I don't normally care for nutritionists.

Her book site:

http://www.foodpolitics.com/pages/safefood.htm

I first saw her on the video "How the food industry is deceiving you" and it was love at first listen.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=fXAZ_7JO7EA

I know, WAY off topic, but you might find it interesting anyway.

[mom2matty]

I try to buy as much organic as my budget allows! I start with milk.....we also think it tastes better and I always go organic on fruit and veggies. If I have a little extra I buy organic meats. At first it was pricey for me to buy organic because I was replacing my pantry (we ate what we had then I started shopping differently) and now I have a good stockpile of organics so I have more to spend on other things. I don't buy organics exclusively, just what the budget allows!

[earthymom]

Good for you! There are many reasons to "eat organic": there are personal health concerns and there are concerns about the health of the environment.
Keep in mind that many farmers use "organic methods" but haven't jumped through all the expensive hoops to get certified. There are farmers I trust and buy directly from who are in this category.

Organic does cost more usually AND isn't always available. To help people prioritize The Environmental Working Group put out a "Dirty Dozen" List of things to only buy organic because of heavy pesticide uses on those crops:
Peaches
Apples
Sweet Bell Peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Lettuce
imported Grapes
Pears
Spinach
Tomatoes

Things unlikely to have lots of pesticide residues whether organic or not (The "clean" list):
Onions
Avocado
Frozen corn
Pineapples
Mango
frozen peas
Asparagus
Kiwi
Bananas
Cabbage
Broccoli
Eggplant

The web is full of great sites for info. My first stop would be http://www.organicconsumers.org/.

Other sites I like include:
http://grist.org/
http://www.ethicurean.com/
http://www.westonaprice.org/
http://www.eatwellguide.org/i.php?id=other
http://www.wilson.edu/wilson/asp/content.asp?id=804
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organ...d-Organic.aspx

Could go on and on and on

Good luck and stay healthy.

[ErikM02]

There needs to be a thank all button! Lots of great information, this is gonna really help me out!