The Organic Choice

Grocery shopping means some tough choices—and not just those involving which checkout aisle is the shortest. The food we buy has an impact on our health, the environment, and, or course, our wallet. If you are shopping for a newborn, or for young children, you are probably paying extra attention to good nutrition. These days the media is chock-full of reports on the benefits of an organic lifestyle. Consumers are taking this to heart—nearly two-thirds purchasing organic food or drink in 2005. More specifically, the sales of organic baby foods increased 18 percent from 2004 to 2005. But are organic products really better? While it can be tough to pass up a conventionally raised chicken for $1.99 when an organic free-range chicken costs twice as much, organic advocates say “yes!”

According to the USDA, organic farmers focus on the use of renewable resources, and leave out pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, or genetic engineering found in regular produce. This is especially important if you are shopping for kids—who are more vulnerable to toxins in the diet. Since children are growing rapidly, their brains and organs still developing, they eat more for their size than adults, and are thus at risk for ingesting higher concentrations of pesticides. A government-funded study found that the pesticide levels in children who switched from a regular to an organic diet plunged dramatically. Another UK study found that children on an organic diet scored higher on intelligence tests, and were more physically fit.

Organic Extras

Some parents aren’t just switching to avoid harmful substances, however, they’re recognizing that organic foods actually offer something extra. Various studies have attributed greater levels of nutrition in organic food. Furthermore, numerous testimonials assert that natural produce tastes better.

If cost is still a problem, you’re not alone. In a recent survey 75% of respondents cited price as their main barrier in consuming more organic products. Those extra dollars today, nonetheless, may help you or your children escape hefty medical bills later in life. For instance, experts have linked the obesity epidemic with pesticides and other pollutants in our food supply.

To maximize the benefits of organic produce for you and your family, here are a few things to keep in mind.

• If you are worried your child will resist trying new veggies such as kale or artichoke, establish a bite-sized “no thank you portions” policy. You’d be surprised how many converts can be won over.
• If you’d like to switch to organic baby food, but are hesitant to pay the extra money, try making your own. For example, shave organic fruit into mush and preserve the leftovers in your freezer.
• Going organic doesn’t mean you need to live on fruits and nuts. There are organic versions of many conventional products like hot dogs and Oreos—with ingredients you can actually pronounce.
• You can still minimize exposure to pesticides by avoiding produce with an especially high content. The Environmental Working Group lists apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, imported grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, raspberries, spinach, and strawberries as being the most dangerous. The lowest levels of pesticides are found in asparagus, avocados, bananas, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet corn, kiwi, mangos, onions, papaya, pineapples, and sweet peas.