On A Budget-What Are The Most Important Things To Buy Organic

I was reading an article on healthychild.org about what items to buy if you can't afford to go 100% organic. The suggestions were to avoid the 'Dirty Dozen' which include peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, imported grapes, spinach, pears, lettuce, and potatoes.

The article also mentions buying organic meat and dairy to avoid eating animal products that may have been exposed to hormones or antibiotics.

The one thing this article doesn't mention is the importance of avoiding genetically modified foods. The four major crops that are GMO include corn, cottonseed, soy and now sugar beets. When buying condiments or processed foods, they will almost always have GMO ingredients.

I found a great selection at Zehr's and good prices too for things like peanut butter, jam, mayo, salad dressing, cereals, snacks for the kids lunches such as granola bars and other assorted baked snack goods.

My local butcher sells clean meat, eggs, cheese, local honey and baked goods which is not only good for my health but good for the local economy.

As much as I always try to cook using all natural ingredients and from scratch, there are times where an easy meal is necessary. The major food chains do carry some organic meals, such as Amy's frozen pizza or burritos. Add a salad and you have a quick organic meal.

When on a budget it is possible to eat organic and natural foods. It just takes a bit of research and prioritizing.

Happy shopping!