Step #6: A Better Choice

When you can’t make absolute changes, make better choices

I'm not gonna lie to you, organic eating has been financially challenging for our family. There are times when we simply can't afford the organic option. Many people quit the whole concept all together because they think it has to be “all or nothing”. If you can’t make the absolute best choice, making a better choice is still beneficial.

For instance, if you can’t purchase organic fruits and vegetables, at least stick to buying what's in season and locally grown. That way you know you're getting the freshest produce available. Avoid the “dirty dozen”, those fruits and vegetables known to be high in pesticide residue according to The Environmental Working Group. That list includes: peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, imported grapes, spinach, lettuce, and potatoes. And by all means, avoid buying non-organic produce imported from countries without strict pesticide guidelines-if you're not sure, I wouldn't buy it.

Here's an example of making a better choice:
You really want a soft drink. Instead of reaching for your traditional diet cola filled with artificial sweeteners, a better choice would be to drink the full calorie version sweetened with corn syrup. Better yet, is to avoid the high fructose corn syrup in regular soda and choose a drink sweetened with evaporated cane juice with no caffeine. Even better still, is to opt for a drink of all natural fruit juice and filtered water. Every step toward the best option is a step in the right direction.