We hear often about the benefits of eating healthily and ethically, but we often do not receive practical advice about how to do it. People with disposable income can afford to drop extra money on food labeled "organic" and "all natural." However, if you have a limited food budget, this is more difficult, and it is not always easy to find grass-fed beef wholesale, or organic produce that fits your financial needs.
It seems ironic that food that is less processed and meat that is not pumped full of hormones often cost more than their over processed counterparts. One of the reasons for this is that the over processed food and meat is often produced by large companies. These companies take lots of cost-cutting measures that reduce their production costs, allowing them to charge less for their food.
Independent farmers and small companies have to charge more, because their production costs are often higher and they still need to make a profit. If you are able to pay higher costs, it is definitely worthwhile to buy from these companies. The peace of mind you gain from knowing that your food is natural and healthful I worth the extra cost.
For many people, however, this is simply not an option. When you are on a limited income, and especially if you have a family to feed, you probably have to place your budget at a higher priority than other factors. However, there may be some things you can do to stay within your budget and still eat more naturally.
One thing you can do is to choose particular items that you will only buy natural or organic. Even if you can't do that with everything, you can be picky with certain things. Meat is always a good idea, because of the hormones and antibiotics that are found in the conventional varieties, as well as the ethical issues surrounding mistreated animals. In terms of fruits and vegetables, it is safe to eat the conventional varieties of some, but not of all of them.
There is a list called "The Dirty Dozen Plus" that can help you with this. The name refers to certain fruits and veggies that are more likely to contain dangerous pesticides if they are not organically grown. These include spinach, bell peppers, nectarines, apples, celery, grapes, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, hot peppers, potatoes and strawberries. These should be bought organic if possible.
Some veggies and fruits, however, are less likely to be dangerous, and are therefore safer to buy in their conventionally grown varieties. These "Clean 15" are papayas, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, eggplant, grapefruit, cantaloupe, sweet peas, mangoes, kiwi, avocado, pineapples, asparagus, sweet corn, onions, and cabbage.
In addition to following these lists, you can also seek out lower cost natural and organic foods. You may be able to order some foods wholesale online. You also may be able to purchase them at a farmers' market for a lower cost than you would at the supermarket. Some states offer double value on food stamps at farmers' markets; find out if your state has this policy. Finally, seek out food co-ops and wholesale markets. These are not always easy to find, and they do not always have lower prices, but they are worth exploring!
It seems ironic that food that is less processed and meat that is not pumped full of hormones often cost more than their over processed counterparts. One of the reasons for this is that the over processed food and meat is often produced by large companies. These companies take lots of cost-cutting measures that reduce their production costs, allowing them to charge less for their food.
Independent farmers and small companies have to charge more, because their production costs are often higher and they still need to make a profit. If you are able to pay higher costs, it is definitely worthwhile to buy from these companies. The peace of mind you gain from knowing that your food is natural and healthful I worth the extra cost.
For many people, however, this is simply not an option. When you are on a limited income, and especially if you have a family to feed, you probably have to place your budget at a higher priority than other factors. However, there may be some things you can do to stay within your budget and still eat more naturally.
One thing you can do is to choose particular items that you will only buy natural or organic. Even if you can't do that with everything, you can be picky with certain things. Meat is always a good idea, because of the hormones and antibiotics that are found in the conventional varieties, as well as the ethical issues surrounding mistreated animals. In terms of fruits and vegetables, it is safe to eat the conventional varieties of some, but not of all of them.
There is a list called "The Dirty Dozen Plus" that can help you with this. The name refers to certain fruits and veggies that are more likely to contain dangerous pesticides if they are not organically grown. These include spinach, bell peppers, nectarines, apples, celery, grapes, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, hot peppers, potatoes and strawberries. These should be bought organic if possible.
Some veggies and fruits, however, are less likely to be dangerous, and are therefore safer to buy in their conventionally grown varieties. These "Clean 15" are papayas, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, eggplant, grapefruit, cantaloupe, sweet peas, mangoes, kiwi, avocado, pineapples, asparagus, sweet corn, onions, and cabbage.
In addition to following these lists, you can also seek out lower cost natural and organic foods. You may be able to order some foods wholesale online. You also may be able to purchase them at a farmers' market for a lower cost than you would at the supermarket. Some states offer double value on food stamps at farmers' markets; find out if your state has this policy. Finally, seek out food co-ops and wholesale markets. These are not always easy to find, and they do not always have lower prices, but they are worth exploring!
About the Author:
Read more about Buying Grass-Fed Beef Wholesale And Other Ways To Afford Healthier Food.
No comments:
Post a Comment