What exactly does GMO mean? This stands for genetically modified foods, such as corn, soy, cottonseed, sugar beets, and lastly, canola. They are gene spliced to tolerate chemical herbicides, or produce chemical insecticides. Yes, either way this is not good.......for you, or our planet. A way you can better your health and the well-being of our planet is to avoid foods made with these five ingredients, unless the labeling reads organic, or non-GMO.
I personally read all labels and try to only eat organic when available. Why organic? I know when I buy fresh organic fruits and vegetables that they have not been sprayed with pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers. I am putting the healthiest foods available in my body. This alone improves my immune system and overall health. This also means I am giving back to my planet because these foods took less energy in processing them. If I have my own garden, or can find local farmers this helps even more in fuel costs. One word of caution with local farmers markets, please make sure they are in fact growing their own produce. Unfortunately, I have been to our local market when produce was being sold as organic, but was actually from another country (some still had stickers on them they hadn't removed).
A more sensitive subject can be meat. I no longer eat meat, but if you are eating meat, please choose healthier options. Commercial meat involves fattening cattle on commercially grown corn which entails the production of large quantities of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. With these large quantities of production, more natural gas and oil is needed. I won't go into the many other reasons you should avoid eating commercial meats, like hormone and antibiotic injections, animal cruelty and ..........yes, I could go on and on. For a healthier option, choose meats that are grass-fed, hormone and antibiotic free. This will eliminate the chemical costs to our planet, along with global warming, and most importantly you are putting healthier food in your body.
I have written about this before, but there are ways to buy organic foods when on a budget. Look for local farmers in your area and possibly become part of a co-op or community supported agriculture program (CSA). Go to www.localharvest.org and www.coopdirectory.org. I found many farmers in my area that offered produce, eggs poultry and Angus beef cattle.
I also purchase frozen organic fruits and vegetables from Cascadian Farms. I find that when the prices are a bit higher for fresh, I save more buying the frozen. Another option is when I do buy fresh at a good price, I might buy extra and freeze it for a later time. Frozen fresh fruits and vegetable are great for healthy smoothies!!
Lastly, possibly start a buying club. I work part-time at a health food store, and on occasion we will go together as a group to buy something in bulk and save more money. Many company's offer a 20% or higher discount if you make a larger purchase. Check with your grocer or local health food store, you might be surprised what they offer! I know our store offers an additional 20% discount for any foods bought by the case. There are also online clubs such as www.unitedbuyingclubs.com.
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