Most Americans do not eat enough fresh fruits and fresh vegetables. 90% of all groceries purchased in the U.S. are processed foods. We all need to eat more produce! This will ensure we get vitamins, minerals and phyto-nutrients necessary for optimal health. When shopping the produce section, keep the following in mind.
- Organic is always best, if you can’t afford all organic then focus on getting the “Dirty Dozen” organic (see below). Organic means that it was grown with no pesticides, GMO’s, fertilizers, no synthesizing, no bioengineering or GMO’s, no radiation or sewage sludge
- Color—Try to buy a variety of colors – get all the colors of the rainbow in your daily meals!
- Texture—Look for smooth skin, squeeze and smell for ripeness
- Seasonal—Buy what’s in season and look for locally grown produce to ensure freshness
The Dirty Dozen
According to the EWG.org, always buy the following organic due to the amount of pesticides sprayed on the following crops. Pesticides are usually absorbed into the produce which can’t be removed by washing or peeling. For more information, go to: www.EWG.org
- Apples
- Peaches
- Nectarines
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Pears
- Grapes (imported)
- Celery
- Spinach
- Sweet bell peppers
- Lettuce
- Potatoes
