some countries still allow the use of pesticides that were banned
decades ago in the United States. Choosing organic produce elimi-
nates this potential problem.
When shopping for organic food, watch out for the organic junk
food — it’s all over the store! Buy the basics — real food. This includes
vegetables, fruits, meats, nuts, seeds, cheese and eggs.
Buy Local?
With the problems in the organic industry, including the dilution of a
strict standard in growing and producing the cleanest and highest
quality foods, and the added costs due to the certification process,
many truly health-conscious consumers once again are looking for
healthy options. They’re seeing the potential of the traditional
farmer’s markets, community organic cooperatives, roadside farm
stands, and “pick-your-own” programs. Internet shopping for organ-
ic food is growing, especially in bulk quantity. These modern markets
feature products grown in a “green” way — produced in line with the
original organic movement despite having the name taken away by
the USDA and other agencies worldwide. And, they often include a
“buy local” slogan.
The problem is there is no regulation regarding whether it’s
“green,” organic or beyond organic. One result is that, in some cases,
authorities have stopped farmers from selling their products. Another
problem is the notion that products that are better than organic — the
“beyond organic” movement — should be more expensive. But just
because products are grown with care, without chemicals, doesn’t
mean they should be more expensive. Without the “middlemen” —
typically two, three or more of them taking a share before products
get to the retail stores, most of these products should be less expen-
sive than the same or similar products in retail stores.
Despite these issues, if you’re a careful consumer and talk to the
farmers and those producing these products, and even visit their
farms, you can usually find high-quality healthy products that are
often better than the organic versions in retail stores, often for less
cost. Supply and demand will help weed out the overpriced products.
Virtually all the food I buy is organic, although more and more is
not USDA-certified organic. And I buy the basics — vegetables, fruits,
106 • IN FITNESS AND IN HEALTH