This is a bit of a follow-up post on "when to buy organic or not". So I've been doing more research, and there definitely is conflicting information on residual pesticides on bananas. The Green Guide had another good article on pesticides and the top ten organic purchases a consumer should make.
I went to the Whole Foods Market today, checking out prices, and trying to figure out how I can practically stay on a budget while providing my family with wholesome food. One thing I found rather confusing was the labeling of "conventional" and "organic" fruits and veggies. Why buy conventional produce at Whole Foods? A 5 lb. bag of organic russet potatoes costs $4.99. And organic yams are $2.49/lb. I wonder if I can do any better on potato prices. Buying produce in season (and on sale) definitely can cut the cost of buying organic. Cucumbers were 3/$1. I was able to get organic chicken (thighs/drums/wings) for $1.79/lb. And of course, all the bulk grains (brown rice, oats, and quinoa) are reasonably priced. I am considering adding WF to my weekly/bi-weekly grocery run.
Things I have already implemented to cut the cost of eating healthier:
- Buying frozen veggies on sale & stocking up
- Purchasing chicken breasts on bone, deboning, freezing, and using the bones for soup
- Limiting processed food intake
- Cooking/baking from scratch
- Removing trans-fats and high fructose corn syrup from my kitchen
- Eating ethnic foods (lots of cheap, tasty peasant foods like lentil soup, eggplant parmesan, stir fries, curries, etc.)
- Baking my own bread
- Adding more whole grains to our diet
- Making my own granola & muesli (cutting back on boxed cereal)
- Pureeing and freezing my own organic baby food
- Baking my own fiber/protein rich bread
- Checking out the farmer's markets
