I agree, in Calgary we have a great organization called green Calgary. They have a Health Homes Program that will assist homeowners with making changes to lessen their environmental impact. They have a handy list for those of us transitioning to organic produce, that lists the most highly contaminated produce vs. those with less pesticides. This is a great tool if the costs of going 100% organic seem prohibitive. This list is available from http://www.foodnews.org.

Lee-Ann, thanks for sharing! I have heard of the "Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen", which is a list of veggies and fruits that have the most and least amount of pesticide residue on them.  Strawberries top the list, and I read that a conventional strawberry can have residue of up to seventy-five different chemical pesticides!  -Nicole

Great article
We have gradually gone organic as well. Now when we eat conventional processed foods, usually at a party, we can surely tell the difference.
One of the biggest taste differences is in organic grapes. Conventional grapes always felt "funny" on my tongue, even though I washed them. We tried the organic, and now crave them, they are so good. Sweet and snappy. Yum!
Linda

Linda, you are so right, we can tell the difference when we eat conventional foods, too.  A good trick to do after eating conventional foods (or if you’ve eaten too much chocolate) is to drink three glasses of water afterwards to flush your system.  I learned that from MaryJane, and it does help!  Thanks for reading! -Nicole

CSAs. Farmer’s markets are good, CSAs can often be a better deal. And you can split it with another family if it is too much for you.

-Those are great!  Unfortunately, in our area they were either too far or have a huge waiting list.  But, I love my garden, and my Organic Farmers Market.   Thanks for reminding everyone about CSA’s!  -Nicole

Thank you, thank you, thank you for writing about this issue. I too was sick all the time before going organic. I was probably spending 6 months worth of groceries costs on all the medicines I was taking to fix what the doctors thought was wrong with me. After doing my own research, going organic was the only thing left for me to do. It’s been 2 years now. No medications, no doctor calls and more energy than ever. All the chemicals that are in foods have to be taking their toll on humans. I figure that even if there is a little increased cost in the price of organic foods, the health benefits are worth it. Thanks again for sharing your experience.

Dear Nicole- Our family has been buying organic foods a little more at a time but I’ve also been diagnosed as gluten-sensitive. It’s sometimes hard to find organic versions of gluten free foods. Meanwhile, as you say, every little bit helps and we are trying to do more and more. Thank you for the suggestions on saving money with less running around. I really enjoy your blog. Thanks, Tess from Portland, OR.

I went vegetarian in 1998 because I spent some time with my great aunt Estelle who had been a vegetarian since 1935. She was so healthy and so vibrant that I had to know more. Then I went local and organic, and am very lucky to be surrounded by farmers markets almost every day of the week (San Francisco). I’m disabled and walk with a cane. The volunteers at the markets will take my list and bring the produce back to me so I don’t have to walk very far. The O line of organic products at Safeway is the result of customer feedback. Also where I live are several companies that will deliver a box of seasonal produce to your door weekly or on a schedule of your choice. Organic is the way to go!

Loved your new blog entry. I haven’t gone entirely organic, but I lean heavily that way. It is interesting that you saw such a difference in your daughter’s health and in such a short time. Excellent testimony. Better to spend your $$$ on organic foods than doctoring! May I add a thing about eggs? I bought my first chickens in 1995 "just because". I learned later as I got deeper into poultry info that the only reason store-bought eggs have yellow (delicate) yolks is due the hen’s feed having yellow dye in it. If it didn’t, the eggs would be a grayish tan. Bon Apetit` ;o[ Anyone who has free range poultry knows that their hen’s eggs are HARDY … the shells are thicker, the whites are not runny and you usually have to poke the yolk a few times if you want it broken. And, the color of the yolks when the hens get plenty of green food is the same color as the skin of an orange. ‘Taint no wonder they’re so much better for you.

Thanks for a good message and reminder!
Shery J

Shery, You are so right about the eggs!  We noticed how "tough" the shells of organic eggs are, and they taste so much better, too!  Thanks for reading! -Nicole

Started going organic January of 2010, I couldn’t believe the energy and feeling of well-being. Then because of travel, I had to eat out frequently and didn’t have the organic options. Back came the same old feelings of tiredness, etc. Now getting back to organic living and hope to stay there. Growing organic in my garden and the local store has more and more organic products (Ingles). Live in the mountains of North Ga so it’s a hundred-mile trip to Atlanta and Harry’s and Trader Joes. Just have to really plan ahead.
Thanks for your great writing. Roseanne

Thanks for the idea on how to start eating organic. I would be overwhelmed to have to buy everything organic. Your idea to just start with a few things at a time sounds like a great plan. I will look for organic fruits and vegetables this summer.

Be careful about organics. If they’re from China stay away from them, they have no standards and can be imported without being inspected. Also, excellent sandwich cookies are made by Country Choice. I LOVE the Ginger Lemon flavor : )

I think it is wise advice to be careful with anything we purchase.  Thanks for reading!  -Nicole