Going Organic Gradually

It's not all or nothing when it comes to switching to eating organically. You can start by avoiding some of the most contaminated fruits and vegetables indicated by the Environmental Protection Agency, like strawberries, cherries, and peaches. Even though you wash your produce well, you can't remove the systemic toxicity of pesticides and herbicides. Avoid non-organic dried fruits, because pesticides concentrate in the fruit and you can't wash it. If you are prioritizing, choose organic for your favorite foods and splurge on those. At the same time, think about eating lower on the food chain. Consider more grains and legumes, and less meat, eggs, and dairy products. Conventional meat and dairy, along with farm raised fish, can contain higher levels of antibiotics and toxins. Just a few changes in your daily diet can go a long way towards improving your health, while caring for the land.

—Nell Newman from Newman's Own Organics