“Good health is not
something we can buy. However, it can be an extremely valuable savings account”
- Anne Wilson Schaef. There's nothing more important than our good health; that's
our principal capital asset, says Arlen Specter. Thus, to enjoy good health, to
bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first be disciplined
to consume healthy foods and control one's own mind. If a man can control his
mind and go organic, he can find the way to Enlightenment, live healthy and all
wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him. Organic food is what
every person, family, nation and continent should key in to.
Nutritionists - The
health benefits of an organic diet for your family according to an article by Margaret Rule on Huffington Post.
Most parents are aware
that organic foods contribute to a healthy and wholesome diet for their growing
children, but making the switch comes with some questions. Will going organic
be significantly more expensive? What are the best items on the weekly grocery
list to switch to organic versions? And if your grocery run has become so
automatic that the thought of switching it up causes you to crash your cart,
don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
We teamed up with the
BuyPower Card from Capital One to help you make simple and healthy choices for
the whole family, with expert-approved advice on how to incorporate organic
options into your diet. It’s all about finding a healthy balance that works for
your lifestyle and your wallet!
The
Benefits Of Boosting Your Phyto Power
The long term health
benefits of an organic diet far outweigh the short-term costs. Vanessa Carr, a
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) at Kate Farms, notes that organic foods
have been shown to contain higher levels of important vitamins and
phytonutrients, including magnesium, iron, vitamin C, and phenols. Each of
these nutrients plays a vital role in a child’s development. Increasing
magnesium levels in children who are deficient may improve anxiety and provide
other mood-based benefits, says Carr. And the antioxidants found in organic
foods can help prevent chronic inflammation. Free of pesticide residues and
artificial colors and flavors, children who are exposed to an organic diet will
be less likely to exhibit food sensitivities and negative food reactions as
they get older. Eating organic may have an upfront cost, but it’s a great way
to teach your kids that good health is a lifelong investment well worth making.
Budget
Without Sacrificing Quality
Carr also assures
parents on a budget that eating organic isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition.
“For most, it is difficult to buy 100% organic produce and food,” she notes.
Instead, she recommends educating yourself on which products to focus on so
that you use your grocery budget where it can have the biggest impact.
Carr recommends that
parents consult consumer advocacy groups for additional details on fruits and
vegetables with the highest pesticide residues, topped by common offenders like
strawberries, spinach, nectarines, and apples. Most groups give thumbs up to
produce that is less likely to be contaminated with chemicals, such as corn and
avocados. “To save money buying organic, you can opt to buy only those foods on
the Dirty Dozen list as organic and by the remainder of your produce
non-organic,” says Carr.
Parents can also keep
an eye out for when favorite fruits and veggies are in-season and stock up
while prices are low. Canning or freezing in-season produce can then help
offset the costs in the off-season when prices go up.
And consider checking
out nearby farms, which may offer seasonal CSA shares, ensuring you a bounty of
healthy organic produce while also supporting your local farmers! In addition
to the many health benefits of farm-fresh produce, shopping straight from the
source is a great way to teach your children about where their food really
comes from.
The
Power of DIY
Parents can also
encourage healthy snacking by preparing simple organic treats like trail mix
for their kids to reach for instead of a bag of chips. Rene Ficek, an RDN at
Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating recommends that parents supplement their
supermarket purchases with homemade natural snacks, which will cut down on the
cost of buying individually packaged items. And for parents who don’t have time
to cook as much as they might like? “Simply enjoy unprocessed snacks such as
nuts, seeds, and fruit,” she suggests.
And Ficek reminds
parents that just because a snack is labeled organic doesn’t mean it’s the most
nutritious choice. “The term organic doesn’t always mean healthy, especially if
a lot of sugar or fat is added during the processing stage,” says Ficek. This
is another great reason to DIY your own snack packs!
Green thumbs can take
the DIY approach one step further by planting your own fruits, veggies and
herbs. Starting your own produce garden can be a fun family activity that
teaches your kids about responsibility while also providing a backyard bounty
for salads, stir frys, and more. With seeds, soil and a bit of research on what
plants would work best for your climate, you can be growing your own organic
produce for next to nothing!
A
Positive Return on Investment
Our daily food choices
have a long-term impact on our health and happiness. Teaching your kids to make
healthy choices at mealtime will give them the long-term skills that they need
to nourish their bodies and their brains. And with a little prep work, incorporating
organic options into your family’s diet can be affordable and rewarding. And
did we mention, delicious?!
A healthy diet and
lifestyle is always a smart investment in your family’s well-being. The
BuyPower Card from Capital One makes achieving a healthy financial lifestyle
easier than ever by rewarding users with points on every purchase. Earnings are
redeemable towards a new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicle, so that
every time you grocery shop, you’re not only nourishing your family, but also
moving closer to your next vehicle! Learn more about how the BuyPower Card can
enhance your healthy lifestyle.
#DubemickyInspiringGreatnessDaily.
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