According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, growers of organic food do so without most conventional chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Organic produce has no bioengineering or irradiation, and organic farmers emphasize renewable resources and soil and water conservation. Organic foods may have a place in a weight-loss program, but like any food, you must consume them as part of an overall low-calorie diet emphasizing proper nutrition and portion control.
Labeling
To earn the U.S. Department of Agriculture organic seal, a product must contain at least 95 percent organic ingredients. Products labeled "made with organic ingredients" means they are at least 70 percent organic, according to MayoClinic.com. Organic is not just a description for fruits and vegetables. You can find organic meats and chicken, whole grains and snack foods, condiments, nuts, beverages and frozen dinners. To earn the organic label, meat, dairy and eggs must come from animals not dosed with antibiotics or hormones.
Misconceptions
The organic label does not automatically make a food good for weight loss. Organic cookies, cakes, chips, soda and snack mixes contain as many, if not more, calories than their non-organic counterparts. To lose weight, you must eat fewer calories than you burn. Eating too many calories, healthy or not, hinders your goal.
Considerations
If you feel better about organic produce, it may help increase your intake of fruits and vegetables that can support weight loss. Most watery fruits and vegetables contain fewer calories per serving than starches and proteins. If you replace higher calorie foods like processed, refined cookies and chips with nutritious, organic produce, you can save calories and lose weight.
Options
Most weight loss programs encourage you to eat more fruits and vegetables. Even if you cannot afford to purchase all organic foods, you can reduce your exposure to pesticides by 80 percent by always choosing organic when you buy the "dirty dozen," says the Environmental Working Group in a June 1, 2010 report on CNN. These foods are celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, bell peppers, greens, cherries, potatoes, grapes and lettuce.
Strategy
Whether you choose to include organic foods in your diet plan is a personal choice, but it will not ensure weight loss success. To lose weight, adopt a strategy that involves eating more whole, unprocessed foods that keep your calorie intake below your daily burn rate. Increase physical activity to help accelerate weight loss and preserve lean muscle mass as you drop pounds.
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