Dirty Dozen

The Dirty Dozen comes out each year, a list of the top 12 dirtiest (pesticide contaminated) foods. Here is a great resource on the top 12 foods to buy organic. Of the twelve listed, the main items that we consume regularly (and their corresponding ranking) are celery (1), strawberries (3), apples (4), blueberries (5), bell peppers (7), spinach (8), potatoes (11) and grapes (12). These are going to become nonnegotiable organic items in our house.

Source

My Story

Until recently, I never thought too much about organic living. I mindlessly ate my processed foods, day in, day out. Until I had my second child, who in her early weeks of life began exhibiting symptoms of food allergy. After several months of trial and error, we learned she is dairy and soy intolerant. I had two choices- quit breastfeeding and give her expensive hypoallergenic formula, or take all forms of dairy and soy out of my diet. Without hesitation, I chose the second option, and while it's been a challenge, I don't regret it one bit. In fact, my eyes have been opened to how much JUNK is in our food.

I have been soy and dairy free for 6 months now. I am just scratching the surface of organic living, and I have a lot to learn. I'm not so much a "save the planet" girl, as I am, seeking to understand what is healthiest for my body and my family. I plan to share my findings here-both dairy/soy related as well as organic/healthy living. Join me on my quest for a new green life.

My Inspiration