Monday's Health/Nutrition Discussion
Going Organic: Expensive Myth or a Way of Life?
Angelenos are always looking for the latest way to get fit and healthy: home of the Zone diet (delivered to your door, natch), fat flushes, colonics, Yoga Booty Ballet, Pilates, even strip tease workouts-- every other LA business is devoted to health in one way or another!
Meanwhile, there is a growing national concern that the icecaps are melting, our shores are unprotected, the Act has done little to produce the clean air it promised and a little movie fueled by a former VP is garnering support in box offices from coast to coast.
There is one particular place where the quest for health and the crusade for environmental responsibility collide: organic food! As the deba
Now, for most of us, informing the masses or making sweeping changes in public policy isn't an option. However, ALL of us have the ability to make some change, however small, in our corner of the world. Many of the people in my life are constantly searching for the key to health-- the latest data that enlightens us on how to lengthen the lifespan and protect our world. Part of the national environmental dialogue, especially in LA, revolves around the organic vs. non-organic debate. When I began to look into the debate, it made my head spin! Here, we'll dive into a quick tutorial about how food gains the elusive title "USDA Certified Organic", the pros and cons of organic goods and where to find these alleged superfoods!
Getting Certified
According to the USDA, to be considered "certified organic", farms must be observed by a USDA inspector who must then confirm that the farm's practices are in compliance with nationally recognized organic standards. Some of these standards include:
-- The absence of virtually all synthetic pesticides for atleast three years before they are eligible for certification
-- All livestock and poultry must have outdoor pasture access
-- All livestock and poultry must be free of hormones
-- All livestock and poultry must be fed on 100% organic feed
-- Employ soil building and crop rotation processes for sustainable agriculture
Now I know what you're saying. The scientific backup behind organics is all very nice to know but I just want to know how it relates to my health. According to scientist Dr. Christopher, thousands of new chemicals are created each year-- far too many for the USDA or other regulatory agencies to keep up with. She states that chemicals mutate so quickly that it is impossible to keep the list of known carinogens up to date. What's more, in areas where synthetic pesticides are widely used (such as among non-organic farms), instances of deadly cancers skyrocket. The possibility of my genetically altered chicken or pesticide preserved lettuce causing cancer in myself or those I love is enough to make me open to the idea of an organic lifestyle!
Another bonus is that buying organic supports the small, specialized and in most cases, local farmer. This promotes neighborhood sustainability and a greater connection to one's health. As one close friend and organic buyer likes to say, "Going to a farmer's market on the weekend and buying exotic, organic products completely changes your relationship with your food!"
"Great!", you may be saying, "Where do I start?" There are some drawbacks to the organic lifestyle, however and it is good to be prepared before you go grocery shopping with your new, organic-devotee mindset. You may have noticed that several celebs are on the organic bandwagon-- it seems as though every new celebrity interview has them waxing poetic about the benefits or organic living in one way or another. This is because they can afford it. The organic lifestye is not cheap nor is it always practical-- organic produce can cost $2 more per pound on average than non-organic foods. Also, because they are free from pesticides and preservatives, fruit and produce browns or wilts more quickly and meats cannot be kept as long. The main operatives of the organic lifestyle are for health and freshness, however, so as far as these cons go, it may be a small price for the organic devotee to pay.
Where to Buy:
-- Whole Foods Market
With locations in over 30 states and an enviable perch atop both the Fortune 100's Fastest Growing and Best Companies to Work For lists, Whole Foods is becoming a national organic buyers haven. The "Whole Philosophy" is built on a "Declaration for Interdependence" which pledges to seek out the highest quality organic products from a trusted network of local farmers. An accessible and national chain, Whole Foods also endeavors to make you feel good about where you shop.
Find a location near you @ www.wholefoods.com
-- Bristol Farms
Angelenos know and love this self-proclaimed "extraordinary foods store" which specializes in high-quality organic and specialty gourmet products. Shopping here is truly a joy and Bristol Farms' relationships with several local organic farms ensures that products are always fresh. Take the virtual tour at www.bristolfarms.com
--Gelson's
Another California health staple, Gelson's is the "Super market" in every sense of the phrase. With an ever-growing stock of locally grown organic produce and certified organic meats and cheeses, Gelson's has everything you need to begin your foray into organic living. Find everything for your organic barbeque at www.gelsons.com
-- Farmer's Markets
I have several friends who won't shop anywhere but at their weekly farmer's market. Angelenos are especially devoted to the local bazaars offering an array of the finest, freshest and most exotic foods and look forward to these weekly trips as an all-day event. Some local favorites include the Hollywood/Ivar Farmer's Market Sundays from 8-1, the Larchmont Blvd. Farmer's Market Sundays 10-2, the West Hollywood Farmer's Market Mondays 10-2, and the Santa Monica Farmer's Market Saturdays 10-1. There is a myriad of options at these open-air delights, and you can be assured of the practices of the farmer because you're buying directly from the man himself! For more information or to find a Farmer's Market in your area, please visit these helpful sites: www.farmernet.com or www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/map.htm
Here's to your health!
Angelenos are always looking for the latest way to get fit and healthy: home of the Zone diet (delivered to your door, natch), fat flushes, colonics, Yoga Booty Ballet, Pilates, even strip tease workouts-- every other LA business is devoted to health in one way or another!
Meanwhile, there is a growing national concern that the icecaps are melting, our shores are unprotected, the Act has done little to produce the clean air it promised and a little movie fueled by a former VP is garnering support in box offices from coast to coast.
There is one particular place where the quest for health and the crusade for environmental responsibility collide: organic food! As the deba
Now, for most of us, informing the masses or making sweeping changes in public policy isn't an option. However, ALL of us have the ability to make some change, however small, in our corner of the world. Many of the people in my life are constantly searching for the key to health-- the latest data that enlightens us on how to lengthen the lifespan and protect our world. Part of the national environmental dialogue, especially in LA, revolves around the organic vs. non-organic debate. When I began to look into the debate, it made my head spin! Here, we'll dive into a quick tutorial about how food gains the elusive title "USDA Certified Organic", the pros and cons of organic goods and where to find these alleged superfoods!
Getting Certified
According to the USDA, to be considered "certified organic", farms must be observed by a USDA inspector who must then confirm that the farm's practices are in compliance with nationally recognized organic standards. Some of these standards include:
-- The absence of virtually all synthetic pesticides for atleast three years before they are eligible for certification
-- All livestock and poultry must have outdoor pasture access
-- All livestock and poultry must be free of hormones
-- All livestock and poultry must be fed on 100% organic feed
-- Employ soil building and crop rotation processes for sustainable agriculture
Now I know what you're saying. The scientific backup behind organics is all very nice to know but I just want to know how it relates to my health. According to scientist Dr. Christopher, thousands of new chemicals are created each year-- far too many for the USDA or other regulatory agencies to keep up with. She states that chemicals mutate so quickly that it is impossible to keep the list of known carinogens up to date. What's more, in areas where synthetic pesticides are widely used (such as among non-organic farms), instances of deadly cancers skyrocket. The possibility of my genetically altered chicken or pesticide preserved lettuce causing cancer in myself or those I love is enough to make me open to the idea of an organic lifestyle!
Another bonus is that buying organic supports the small, specialized and in most cases, local farmer. This promotes neighborhood sustainability and a greater connection to one's health. As one close friend and organic buyer likes to say, "Going to a farmer's market on the weekend and buying exotic, organic products completely changes your relationship with your food!"
"Great!", you may be saying, "Where do I start?" There are some drawbacks to the organic lifestyle, however and it is good to be prepared before you go grocery shopping with your new, organic-devotee mindset. You may have noticed that several celebs are on the organic bandwagon-- it seems as though every new celebrity interview has them waxing poetic about the benefits or organic living in one way or another. This is because they can afford it. The organic lifestye is not cheap nor is it always practical-- organic produce can cost $2 more per pound on average than non-organic foods. Also, because they are free from pesticides and preservatives, fruit and produce browns or wilts more quickly and meats cannot be kept as long. The main operatives of the organic lifestyle are for health and freshness, however, so as far as these cons go, it may be a small price for the organic devotee to pay.
Where to Buy:
-- Whole Foods Market
With locations in over 30 states and an enviable perch atop both the Fortune 100's Fastest Growing and Best Companies to Work For lists, Whole Foods is becoming a national organic buyers haven. The "Whole Philosophy" is built on a "Declaration for Interdependence" which pledges to seek out the highest quality organic products from a trusted network of local farmers. An accessible and national chain, Whole Foods also endeavors to make you feel good about where you shop.
Find a location near you @ www.wholefoods.com
-- Bristol Farms
Angelenos know and love this self-proclaimed "extraordinary foods store" which specializes in high-quality organic and specialty gourmet products. Shopping here is truly a joy and Bristol Farms' relationships with several local organic farms ensures that products are always fresh. Take the virtual tour at www.bristolfarms.com
--Gelson's
Another California health staple, Gelson's is the "Super market" in every sense of the phrase. With an ever-growing stock of locally grown organic produce and certified organic meats and cheeses, Gelson's has everything you need to begin your foray into organic living. Find everything for your organic barbeque at www.gelsons.com
-- Farmer's Markets
I have several friends who won't shop anywhere but at their weekly farmer's market. Angelenos are especially devoted to the local bazaars offering an array of the finest, freshest and most exotic foods and look forward to these weekly trips as an all-day event. Some local favorites include the Hollywood/Ivar Farmer's Market Sundays from 8-1, the Larchmont Blvd. Farmer's Market Sundays 10-2, the West Hollywood Farmer's Market Mondays 10-2, and the Santa Monica Farmer's Market Saturdays 10-1. There is a myriad of options at these open-air delights, and you can be assured of the practices of the farmer because you're buying directly from the man himself! For more information or to find a Farmer's Market in your area, please visit these helpful sites: www.farmernet.com or www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/map.htm
Here's to your health!
posted by Katie at 9:19 PM
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