How important is it to buy organic foods versus non organic? How can I buy organic on a tight budget? Do I need to buy all organic foods? These are questions I am asked frequently, and I answer them all in this video.
How to buy Organic without breaking the bank
- Buy in Bulk
- Go to a Farmer’s Market, buy local and find deals
- Buy more expensive organic foods only on special occasions. Sundried tomatoes and pine nuts are typically more expensive options.
- Buy Organic when necessary. Pineapples and grapefruits have thick skins that protect chemicals from contaminating your food. Use the chart below to learn what foods you need to buy organic and which ones aren’t as important.
| Dirty Dozen (Buy Organic) | Clean Fifteen (Low Pesticide Risk) |
|---|---|
| Peaches | Onions |
| Apples | Sweet Corn |
| Bell Peppers | Asparagus |
| Celery | Sweet Peas |
| Nectarines | Cabbage |
| Strawberries | Eggplant |
| Cherries | Broccoli |
| Kale | Tomatoes |
| Lettuce | Sweet Potatoes |
| Imported Grapes | Avocados |
| Carrots | Pineapples |
| Pears | Mangoes |
| Kiwi | |
| Papayas | |
| Watermelon | |
| Grapefruit |
I have a question about buying organic meat and dairy. I have noticed places like Whole Foods carry some items that are not considered “organic” but instead say “organic grain fed” and animals “not treated with any antibiotics or hormones.” They are much more affordable so I was wondering if this is another solution for people making the switch to organic on a budget? Also I heard that if you can’t get/afford organic and cage-free eggs, it’s better to get cage-free because if the chickens are not given antibiotics and they are crowded inside most of the time, this creates more diseases in the chickens. Is this true?
I also have a couple of tips for people on a budget. Amazon.com carries a TON of organic products, even meat! A lot of their items you can buy in bulk (cheaper even than Sam’s Club), and you can “subscribe” to that item which saves you an extra 15% (that means they will automatically bill you and send you that item every 1,2,3, or 6 months, and they notify you before they bill). I have found it is the best place for packaged items like crackers, coffee, tea, flour, sugar, canned items, spices, etc.
There are also online sites that offer coupons or free samples. OrganicGroceryDeals.com and MamboSprouts.com are the best sites I’ve found (also email the companies directly asking for coupons or samples)!
Walmart and Target also seem to be getting into the organic products (Walmart’s store brand Great Value even has organic eggs and milk now!) but each store is different, the Walmart closest to me carries a lot, but some of the surrounding Walmarts not so much.
Another thing that might appeal to some is to start growing some of your own produce. At our farmers markets they sell seeds and some that have already been started. They are great about helping you get started. I live in an apartment but I have a few container plants on my porch. Greens such as kale are some of the fastest growing and healthiest, and scallions or herbs I think are about the easiest to grow for starters. Get a self watering pot to make it even easier!
One more tip is to cook more of your own food. If you find yourself craving a certain dish from a chain restaurant, search the internet for that recipe. Search for something like “PF Chang’s hot & sour soup” or “Chili’s fajitas or salsa recipe”. These recipes are usually simple and very easy to make (you can use all organic ingredients) and tastes exactly like it does in the restaurant if not better! It saves you a ton of money, much much healthier for you, and it also makes you proud of yourself for tackling a recipe you thought you could never make. This in turn helps you to love to cook more and soon you’ll find yourself on your way to cooking more, eating healthier, and saving a lot of money which can help you afford to buy more organic!
To everyone out there making the switch, I hope this helps! These are the best suggestions I have that helped me out the most, along with Dr. Axe and his cookbook of course! Thanks Dr. Axe!
Have certified organic greenfed beef and Cultured Dairy products shipped right to your door from our ranches in southern Missouri. for more info go to http://www.liveorganicusa.com
Keep up the good work John, and Thank You for caring about what people put in their bodys. It would be nice if our goverment cared.
josh hi, i have a problem with any thing acidic do you have a solution ,and i like fruit. your beard looks good i have one to.PAUL
Dr Axe, Have you ever heard of washing all fruits and veggies with apple cider vinigar? I do it all the time. The vinigar has an antibacterial effect on the vegetables and fruit. Just a side! Thanks, Carol
Do you dilute the ACV?
Rosemarie, I dilute the ACV in water when I wash the fruit in my lettuce spinner, about 1/4 cup or less in a bunch. Carol
I would buy Organic corn products too because most corn in this country is GMO so buy organic non GMO corn…
Bananas…?
This is a main fresh fruit purchase for most families and organic cost might only be +10 cents/lb.more than conventional high pesticide bananas.
Also, many children consume them daily.
Are they purposely omitted from your list(s)?
Thank you.
I have been eating organic for years. When it was not so freely available in supermarkets I used to order from a local grower and supplier with a group of others to keep the costs down.
Now I am lucky that my local supermarket has a huge choice of fresh organic fruit and vegetables and they often have special offers which makes organic cheaper or the same price as conventionally grown produce.
Thank you for the list. This will be helpful when shopping for groceries.
I have found that even though organic food may cost more, I actually end up eating less in the long run(when compared to conventional food), because I am actually more satisfied.
For example, today….
I actually had a great lunch at Whole Foods today for less than $3 and a coconut water for $1.50. The trick is to pick light foods at the salad bar that are heavy in nutrients. This way you can eat less, but are not starving because you are getting nutrients.
I went on Ten Days Macau!
I think Gregg Tipton is up to this!
Ten Days will change your life like going organic!