“But it’s too expensive to go organic!” is a complaint I often hear. When your budget is a consideration, start with what you can and don’t worry about the rest. Simply relax and prioritize about where you want to go organic. Congratulate yourself on what you are doing instead of focusing on what you cannot do.

 Here are some tips:

• If at all possible, buy all meat and dairy products organic. Most meat and dairy products contain added hormones and antibiotics. In addition, animals are fed genetically modified foods. There is a strong link between hormones given to cattle and breast cancer in humans. Not all producers are following the regulations.
• Use the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG’s) Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. Endeavor to always buy organic the produce on their Dirty Dozen Plus list.
  • Apples
  • Strawberries
  • Grapes
  • Celery
  • Peaches
  • Spinach
  • Sweet Bell Peppers
  • Nectarines (Imported)
  • Cucumbers
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Snap Peas (Imported)
  • Potatoes
  • Hot Peppers
  • Domestic Blueberries

 Use this as a beginning point to help you transition into a healthier lifestyle. As this becomes natural to you, add more healthy choices a little bit at a time.