Top 12 Foods to buy organic

I love eating organic fruits, veggies and chicken (free-range), eggs. I find that they are usually better tasting, fresher, and full of nutrients. But, as you know, buying at Whole Foods on a regular basis can be very costly (whole paycheck). When is organic produce worth the added cost, and when should you save some cash and go with conventional varieties? Check out this list below for which foods you should try to buy organic, and reduce your pesticide exposure by 90%, according to the Environmental Working Group. 1) Apples: pick organic apples when they're at their peak, usually during the fall. They should be firm and free of wrinkles and bruises. Store them in the fridge, full of fiber, they are a great snack. 2) Celery: organic celery spruces up savory dishes, from Thanksgiving stuffing to vegetable soup. They taste great stuffed with natural peanut butter or low-fat cream cheese. 3) Bell Peppers: packed full of flavor and antioxidants, they're a crunchy and low calorie snack. Rich in Vitamin C, add to salads, roast and pasta sauce or stuff with beans, rice or lean ground meat. 4) Peaches: They should be firm to the touch but give a little when gently squeezed. 5) Strawberries: Sweet, delicious, and a great source of Vitamin C and fiber. 6) Nectarines: A close relative to the peach, are available from May through September - enjoy. 7) Imported Grapes: Available year-round, eat them by the handful when you're on the go. 8) Spinach: Looking for a great source of iron? and potassium, calcium, beta-carotene. 9) Lettuce: What's better than a refreshing salad or a crisp leaf of lettuce on your sandwich? 10) Cucumbers: They add a satisfying crunch to any dish you serve it in. Also contain vitamin K and anti-inflammatory properties. 11) Blueberries: They are small and mighty, known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. 12) Potatoes: A great source of carbohydrates and nutrients, including vitamins C, B-6, folate, and fiber.

Let's connect at gaiaadventures@shaw.ca Catherine D'Aoust, Kinesiologist, Personal Training, Better Aging http://www.gaiaadventures.com 604 329.1257