Organic -Part 3- Where to Start-

First Read:

Organic Part 1, Why?

Organic, Part 2, Roadblocks

Now that you know why you should consider it, and assuming you've [at least mentally] gotten over some of the hurdles...now...where do you start?

Baby step suggestions:

1. Change your dairy [like milk, yogurt, cheeses]

2. Change your meat [even if some, like turkey, are harder to find than others]

3. Change your produce [consider farmers markets or local services]

4. Change your dry goods [shop at different stores & buying their brand]

Dairy
The milk tastes different, but you get use to it. We don't drink raw milk [yet], but you can get milk & eggs locally as well. It's nice that regular grocery stores like Publix & Kroger are carrying their own brand of [cheaper] organic milk verses name brand like: Horizon. Stores are also carrying more "natural" cheeses, meaning they advertise less hormones, which is definitely better than regular. Google search for close co-ops in your area that you can get fresh milk or eggs from. Here is a list of co-op's for example.

Meat
I've saved a lot of money buying my organic beef from Costco or Sam's club. It's $12 for 3 lbs. Although, I think the most ideal is to buy from a local rancher, but we haven't done that yet. Here is a good place to get started.

We do, eat Charles' [organic] deers every year though. Chicken seems to be pricey wherever I look. I have found that Trader Joe's has well priced organic chicken, but in general this is the hardest thing I have buying organic because the price difference is almost triple. Unfortunately, this is also the item I end up throwing away most times too...poor meal planning and fresh chicken that expires quickly equal bad combination. Some families who switch just eat less meat to save on costs. This would never work for my carnivorous husband.

[my farmers basket from this week...$20 for all organic...6 side dinner veggies & 4 fruit snacks]

Produce
Again, finding a local farmer or going to a farmers market saves you tons of money because they sell their organic produce for almost nothing. There are even services that deliver, or those you can go pick up. Even if it's not "organic" rest assured it's been treated better and traveled less than if you bought "regular" produce. Not all produce is as effected by pesticides as others. Here is a list. When I'm shopping, if I can't afford to buy all organic, I use this list. And I remind myself, I suppose pesticide full fruits at their worst are still more nutritionally dense than fruit snacks. [Maybe?, Ha!]

Dry Goods
Health food stores like Trader Joes & Whole foods carry their own organic brands in several items so I try to purchase these...like spaghetti sauce & noodles. You'd be surprised how much you save not buying name brand organic.

Again, I'm a hybrid mom, I do a little of this and a little of that...because that's my reality. I fantasize about homemade everything and collecting my own eggs and honey from my backyard [and yes maybe one day], but for now, I'm just doing my best and that's all you can do too.

I hope this post helped answer some questions or provoke some thought. Don't get down on yourself if you don't have time for all this right now, just "food for thought" and let the Lord lead you should you starting switching over in the future.

Also I recommend this blog, this Dr., and this movie.
And if you are interested in more information on Grocery Buying Clubs.

Organic Part 2 -Road Blocks-

I took this picture in Ohio to show some of the common staple items we like to keep around the house.

[Read: Organic Part 1, Why? Here]

If someone told you that the fruit you eat was covered in pesticides, the meat you bought was full of hormones and the snacks you eat were nutritionally empty... Why would you keep eating the same? I'm no expert, but I have three hunches...

But before you get your panties in a bunch...I'm preaching to the choir y'all...just know that although I try to feed our family very well in home---my meal planning skills are on the incline so a few times a week we do eat out and I can only assume it's not very natural or super healthy.

#1 The cost:

Problem: Comparing a regular product straight to an organic, yes it's much more expensive

Solution: I try to cut costs in some areas so we have more money to spend on healthier food. I rarely buy desserts, buy limited snacks, and try to force myself to make bake more [but it doesn't always happen]. Here is a practical savings example: Capri Suns are so convenient, but just a little bit of preparation can save you money and allow you to serve them organically. Kroger & Publix sell large store brand organic juices you can pour into sippy cups and leave in the fridge for "on the go" moments. If you add water to these you save even more money.

Eventually your kids will be reaching for apples instead of fruit snacks while feeling fuller and eating "less" [of that unfulfilling junk food]. The money you save on boxed cookies and packaged brownies will make up for your "over priced" organic milk. I promise. I'm not going to lie, it's a learning curve and it's quite possible you'll spend more money, but like I said, you can make changes to make up for it. Example: We don't buy as many boxed organic snacks on weeks we're tight so we can afford healthy fruit.

I know there are a lot of coupon moms out there [y'all are awesome with your deals!], but here is another turn off, not many organic products have coupons. There are some, but to me, it's not really worth the looking up, printing and remembering. I suggest going straight to their websites to see if they have coupons [as they don't usually have many in the paper].

Good site for organic coupon lists

#2 The Familiarly Of Taste

Problem: Your kids like that brand of yogurt full of M&M's and they love that colorful cereal laced in food dyes [that might be making them wild!]

Solution: Just stop buying it. Easier said than done, I know from experience. But, eventually they will get over it and without it around there is no temptation to serve it to them...or yourself! You'll spend less on junk, they will have less visits to the Dr., and their behavior will improve.

#3 Not Knowing Where To Start

Changing what you've been buying for years can be overwhelming, especially if you're trying to stay within your same budget. It may not happen all at once, so pace yourself. Don't stress, and don't feel guilty. You do what you can---life is way more than food. But, pray as ask the Lord what steps He would lead your family to take---ask for His grace & financial provision.

Tomorrow I will cover Where To Start...