Earth Mama Goes Shopping 2: Good Eatin' |
Green smoothies have become part of my daily diet. I consume 8-16 ounces of green-and-veggie (or fruit) blended goodness. I experiment with the ingredients, whipping up (usually) tasty nutrient-rich concoctions. I've splurged for a pricey high-speed blender, which will also be used to make organic baby food when the time comes.
If I were a woman of luxury and affluent means, I would purchase only organic produce. The reality for most of us, however, is this thing called a "modest income." Most of us must prioritize our planet-focused purchases, and sadly, we can't always justify buying organic produce at 2-3 times the cost of conventionally grown. But what about "external costs," such as health care or emotional trauma? Researchers have found that consistent exposure to synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals increases exponentially the risk of cancer. We think we are feeding our body clean fuel by snacking on apples or celery. Actually, we're diving into a chemical stew full of costly, even painful, medical procedures. The external costs of eating conventionally grown produce, then, begin to add up. That US$2.99-per-pound organic apple sounds pretty appealing now, huh?
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) recently found that not all conventional foods endanger our well-being. While some expose us to dangerous levels of carcinogens, others present only limited risks. On the Gaiam Community website are two lists: one that ranks the twelve foods with highest chemical residue; the other, the twelve with lowest residue. Those on the "highest residue" should always be purchased in organic form. The "lowest residue" items can safely be consumed in conventional form. If you're like me and must prioritize your organic purchases, these lists are priceless.
For example, I blaze through heaps of celery. It finds its way into green smoothies, green lemonade, soups, and stir-fry. It's on my to-buy list of organic items. Apples, strawberries, and lettuce are also on the organic list. Actually, any greens or berries -- such as kale, dandelion greens, and spinach, or raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries -- must be organic. Organic frozen berries are ideal for morning fruit smoothies, and they keep longer than fresh fruits. I also like organic frozen spinach.
Now, using this guide, I can purchase conventionally grown produce with confidence. Onions, avocadoes, and bananas are among the twelve produce items with the lowest pesticide residue. Although I use them almost daily, I reach for the conventional versions. For some reason, I don't really care for organic bananas.
But what about items -- like watermelon -- not included on either list? According to the Gaiam website, the most important factor when purchasing these middle-of-the-road foods is frequency. How often do you eat watermelon, for example? I consume 2-3 per week, more in summer. But like organic bananas, organic watermelon hasn't dazzled me. So far, I haven't found that investment to be worthwhile. For now, I'm sticking with my conventional 'melon.
My doctor told me he is concerned about my most recent bloodwork; I'm anemic. This often occurs in pregnancy, so neither of us is too concerned. After my next batch of tests, he might prescribe iron supplements, but I prefer to address the deficiency with iron-rich foods. Oatmeal, dark beans, and spinach are excellent sources of non-heme (plant-based) iron. Spinach also provides a hearty helping of vitamin C, a necessary nutrient to assist with iron absorption.
Sometimes, however, you may choose comfort food rich in iron. The nutritional benefits might be minimal, at best. Fat content might be exorbitant, not to mention carcinogen levels. But the external benefits of consuming Mom's homemade cheeseburger (high in heme as well as non-heme iron) might far outweigh those nutritionally sound choices. Sometimes, psychological comfort is more important than planet-focused values. One caveat, however: I'm not encouraging anyone to suppress her emotions with food. Eating disorders are serious and painful for those touched by them. (Read Trudi Evans' insightful articles about this topic.)
Yesterday, after receiving the news about anemia from my doctor, I did both. First I snarfed a double-cheeseburger from an infamous fast-food joint faster than you could have said "don't tell PETA!" Later I feasted on a mountain of organic spinach and dandelion greens. Realistically, I won't know for several days if my strategy worked. But last night, as I relaxed with my husband and precious pooch, I felt the baby move. Flutters were followed by gurgles, and then a strange push against my belly, like a kick or a punch. NativeBabe seemed to dance with approval.
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Christy Ilfrey |
| About the author: |
| Christy Tinsley-Ilfrey is an entrepreneur, gardener, eco-goddess; a wife, mother-to-be, daughter, sister; but mostly she sees herself as a writer. Someday, she hopes to become a really good one. Read more about her and by her at http://greenqueendom.blogspot.com or contact her at
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