As parents it’s important for us to know what goes into our kids bodies! In a culture filled with fast food and preservatives, it’s hard to get a real grasp on what is important to know about the foods our kids are consuming. In recent times, some parts of America have started to get on the “Organic” train by being more conscious of buying foods that have not been sprayed with loads of chemicals and pesticides. What is important to know is that eating fresh foods that are not conventionally grown, that is with use of enhancements and pesticides, is just better for us and our kids. We don’t yet know all the effects that consuming so many chemicals has on our bodies, but what we do know is that we want our children to get the best start at nutrition as possible and fresh foods that are natural and not filled with pesticides or preservatives gives them that a great start!

Changing your eating habits can be an exciting adventure. You don’t have to make this change all at once. If you ease into these new habits, it will lead to long-lasting results. Here are some tips that can help you make the adjustment.

Begin by purchasing fewer packaged, shelf-stable foods. In general, these are more expensive, excessively processed, and less nutritious than food you prepare at home.

Organic foods used to be significantly more expensive than conventional foods, but many major chain supermarkets are branding their own lines of organic products at competitive prices. At times it may be hard to shop all organic, so just do your best. Start by purchasing organic versions of dairy products like milk, cheese, and eggs as well as fruits grown directly on the ground and root vegetables, as these foods are the most likely to have been hit with hormones or pesticides. The Web site www.foodnews.org provides a list of high and low sprayed produce. Or consider utilizing your green thumb and growing organic produce yourself— gardening with children can be fun and rewarding. You can also reduce your organic grocery bill by participating in a food co-op or shopping locally at the farmers’ market. This Website: www.foodnews.org, provides a list of high and low sprayed produce.

Don’t be fooled! “Conventionally grown” does not mean “organic.” When produce is labeled as “conventionally grown,” that means the farmers may have used pesticides and other synthetic chemicals to grow the food. Look for “certified organic” symbols when buying your produce. Just because food is sold in health food stores does not make it healthy.

By purchasing locally grown foods at your community farmers’ market, you learn to be conscious of where and how your food is grown and become acquainted with the seasonal foods available in your area. Supporting local farmers benefits your local economy, the environment, and your family’s eating habits. Taking your children to the farmers’ market teaches them how to identify and select fresh foods. If you do not have access to a farmers’ market, look for a local pick-your-own farm. These farms exist all over the country; they allow you and your family to pick fruits and vegetables right off the tree or plant.

When you type in your zip code, Local Harvest - www.localharvest.org shows you the nearest farmer’s market.

Eating organic foods should be a priority for you as well as your children. If our children see us paying attention to what we eat, there’s a better chance that they will do the same. We all need to help preserve our planet by incorporating eco-consciousness into our everyday lives, including how we nourish our bodies. So let’s all eat organic!








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