ever think about going organic?

Ever think about going organic? I did for quite a bit and when I moved to Berkeley, it was very easy to finally "commit." Sometimes I feel that people think of eating organic as just a "trend." In fact, I used to believe that as well. It is a choice that I ultimately think is better for you and farmers. I decided I wanted to start eating organic when I saw a banana bigger than a ruler. Somehow, that just seemed wrong! I began to notice how the fruit I was eating looked like it was on steroids. Certain types of food can't "naturally" be the size of a baseball! If you really sit down and think about it, it is kinda gross that the food we eat "raw" is being sprayed with chemicals, and our protein is fed hormones, etc, etc. Think about the ingredients in your bowl of cereal. Yeah, I too used to have no idea what they meant. I could go on...

Now, I know not all of us live with the hippies in Berkeley, so buying organic is not as easy, but many grocers have started to catch on and support organically grown food. If that is still hard to find, try to eat things that are all natural. It is also fun to adventure to your local farmers market: support the locals, make friends, and enjoy free samples. Additionally, I have not found that buying organic has increased my grocery bill, if you're worried about that (Trader Joe's rocks!) All in all, I really like the choice I have made. Now, I'm not a psycho about it. I still need my In and Out every once in a while, and I'm not going to refuse a candy bar. But, now when I shop for myself it has definitely helped me in making better choices on how to fuel body. I don't believe food should come from factories...

what's the big freakin difference?

Since it can be confusing, here is a short summary on the difference between natural and organic foods...

The term “organic” refers to foods that have been produced and handled  in “organic” ways termed by the USDA under the Organic Food Products Act. When something is “organic” it means that it is free of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and preservatives! There is no evidence that eating organic is better for you, but many (like me) believe it is safer, especially with protein (meat.) When something is natural it means that the food (coming from plants/animals) has not been altered or synthesized. But, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it was grown/raised without chemicals, etc.

 I try to eat all organic and all natural. I think that it is better for my body as well as my performance. I never have to ask myself about the mystery food I’m about to eat, because I know exactly what I am getting.  I hope you are no longer confused! xxo

definitions inspired by organic.org