If you want to eat healthier foods, buying organic is a good place to start. You may have been put off in past efforts to eat healthier by the high price tag that comes with organic food--according to "Consumer Reports" magazine, buying organic food at the grocery store could cost you 50 to 100 percent more than buying the same foods in non-organic versions. If you are hoping to save money and eat better in the new year, don't worry. Organic food can be a more affordable option than you might think, and it's easier to eat organic now than it's ever been.
Step 1
Shop your farmers market instead of your supermarket for organic produce, dairy, eggs and meat. According to "Consumer Reports," you can save about 40 percent of the cost of organic food by shopping at a farmers market. Keep in mind that not all farmers who use organic farming methods go through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) organic certification process, especially if they are small-scale farmers. Ask the seller if you have any questions about farming methods to be sure you are buying organic products.
Step 2
Shop around if you are buying organic products at the supermarket. Plan a few scouting trips and check circulars for deals because the price of organic foods can vary significantly from store to store, according to "Consumer Reports."
Step 3
Buy organic foods where they have the biggest impact. Always buy organic when you are shopping for apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, red raspberries, spinach or strawberries, since "Consumer Reports" and the USDA both found high levels of pesticides in these fruits and vegetables, even after they had been washed. Invest in organic meat, which isn't treated with hormones and antibiotics that can cause health problems. For the same reason, choose organic dairy products and eggs.
Step 4
Eat locally, since you will be able to get more information about where the food you are eating comes from and how it was grown. Look for restaurants that buy meats and produce from local suppliers.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep in mind that the more a particular food is processed, the less added value you get from choosing an organic version of it. You get more benefit from choosing an organic chicken and vegetables and making chicken soup than from choosing a canned chicken soup that is labeled organic.
