If you're on a budget food wise, and who isn't these days?
Then focus on purchasing organic produce where it really matters.
The Dirty Dozen is the produce that has been tested to have the most pesticides and chemicals by the EWG, The Environmental Working Group.
So buy Organic for these 12 foods, aka "The Dirty Dozen":
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale, Collard & Mustard Greens
- Peaches
- Pears
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Bell & Hot Peppers
- Cherries
- Blueberries
- Green Beans
The Clean 15 may have some pesticide but in high quantity as the Dirty Dozen.
So Buy Non Organic (if you're on a food budget) for these 15 foods, aka "The Clean Fifteen":
- Avocados
- Sweet Corn
- Pineapples
- Onions
- Papayas
- Sweet Peas
- Asparagus
- Honeydew Melons
- Kiwi
- Cabbage
- Mushrooms
- Mangoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Watermelon
- Carrots
Purchasing Organic produce from reputable organic / regenerative farmers is the best option for all produce, but this Dirty Dozen, Clean Fifteen is a viable option. Do try an purchase produce in season as well.
An addded bonus:
When purchasing beef, purchase grass fed, grass finished meats with no added steroids, antibiotics, or hormones.
Sometimes cattle do need to be grain fed, just make sure this is organic feed.
For poultry and eggs, purchase organic fed, pasture raised, with no hormones, steroids, or antibiotics.
While it may be more expensive to a degree, the quality and nutrients they have will pay for itself! Organic and pasture raised as listed above is more filling because there are no additives like addicting sugars or pesticides that can dysregulate the body in a number of ways.
So Happy, Healthy Eating and EAT CLEAN, DRINK CLEAN too!
