For nearly two decades now, more and more people have been looking after their bodies and health better, deciding to live more active lifestyles and lose weight. While this is an admirable intention, the ways through which they decide to do this are fairly questionable.
In the US alone, the weight-loss market is valued at over $10 billion annually, which includes supplements, books, training programs, and gym equipment that promises to deliver immediate results.
However, maintaining an active lifestyle isn’t possible for everyone, especially for seniors or those with reduced mobility as they require special protection equipment and even bath seats to be able to enjoy a hot bath after working out.
Luckily, a healthy diet based on organic and non-GMO products is a safe alternative for everyone, regardless of their age or mobility. But what does organic actually mean and how can you be sure the foods you’re buying are actually safe for consumption and a healthier alternative?
How can you be sure your food is organic?
In the United States, a product is considered to be organic if it contains at least 95% organic ingredients, has been certified as organic or bears the USDA Organic Seal.
Although it is not mandatory, most farmers and companies that produce organic foods choose to place the USDA organic seal on their products to differentiate themselves from the competitors.
As we previously mentioned, a product doesn’t have to necessarily be 100% organic to be certified as organic by the USDA. If, however, on the package it’s mentioned that it is “made with organic ingredients”, that product contains at least 70% certified organic ingredients.
Reading the food labels is probably the easiest way to find the true origin of a product but, unfortunately, not many people do so. Bear in mind that, sometimes, the packaging can be misleading, and it is always best to read all the specifications if you want to be sure of the origin of the ingredients.
If you’re shopping for organic fruits and veggies, you can look for the special stickers containing a product lookup (PLU) code to easily identify how they were produced. It is also worth mentioning that organic products come with a five-digit code that begins with a 9, while conventional produce displays a four-digit code beginning with 3 or 4.
GMOs or genetically modified fruits and veggies have the same five-digit code that usually begins with an 8.
Where to shop for organic ingredients?
The easiest and most convenient way to ensure your products are 100% natural and safe for consumption is to buy in bulk from a certified-organic farm. Most of these farms are family-owned businesses that grow their products locally, so you can check the entire process if you’re skeptical at the beginning.
The downside of micro-farms is that they mainly focus on seasonal ingredients, so you won’t be able to enjoy the flavor of tomatoes or strawberries in pure winter.
Another place where you can shop for organic food is the local farmer markets. These pop-up markets are usually opened during the weekend and they sell fresh and locally-grown food at reasonable prices.
However, you’ll have to wake up early in the morning if you want to make sure the cheese or veggies you’re choosing are fresh and delicious.
Grow your own
If all the labeling and packaging of organic products is confusing, the easiest way to make sure you only eat natural is to grow your own produce. Luckily, you don’t even have to own a house with a backyard or garden as some fruits, veggies, herbs, and spices can be grown in small pots or portable greenhouses.
All you have to do is look for organic seeds of the fruits and veggies you would want and grow them using natural fertilizers and pure water. In no time, you’ll be able to cook delicious meals and healthy salads solely based on your crops.
Shift Frequency © 2019 – How to Choose Real Organic
Food for a Healthy Diet