Dirty, dirty, dirty

Organic or not organic? Is it worth the money? Should I switch? Is it a gimmick? A simple answer to this question was in a recent issue of Martha Stewart, as well as in my Maximized Living Nutrition book (more on Maximized Living later).

There is a set of 2 lists developed based on pesticide loads. Basically, the idea is that if you are wanting to switch to organic, it is best to immediately switch out the produce with the highest amount of pesticides used, and/or the ones you eat the most often. These lists can help differentiate.

The Dirty Dozen (highest pesticide residue):

1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Kale
9. Grapes (Imported)
10. Lettuce
11. Carrots
12. Pears

The Clean Fifteen (buy conventional and save some $):

1. Onion
2. Avocado
3. Sweet Corn
4. Pineapple
5. Mango
6. Asparagus
7. Sweet Peas
8. Kiwi
9. Cabbage
10. Eggplant
11. Papaya
12. Watermelon
13. Broccoli
14. Tomato
15. Sweet Potato

Another big tip to help remember-it is not the rule, but many times if the fruit has a thick skin you don't eat, you are usually able to go non-organic.

If you want to support organic/fair-trade exclusively for economic reasons-have at it!

Happy Grocery Shopping!