When it comes to food, today we are faced with so many choices in the marketplace and some parents are forced to ask the question, “Should I choose organic or non-organic?” Some of us feel guilty when our decision is based on our family food budget.
I am here to tell you: Do NOT feel bad… at all!
One thing I think we can all agree on is that we want the best for our kids and family. The reality is that we all do the very best we can. As you follow my blog and learn about Baby Cuisine and Alina’s Cucina, you will see that we promote the choosing of organic ingredients. However, I want to stress to you that you don’t ever have to feel bad when/if you can’t buy organics because of the price tag. Like my friend Shannon Salverda (owner of Chatterbox Learning) says in her video series and lecture circuit, when it comes to parenting “there are no ‘shoulds’”.
All you can do is make the best possible choices based on the information you have. Here is one resource on buying produce that will help you make those choices.
I am here to tell you: Do NOT feel bad… at all!
One thing I think we can all agree on is that we want the best for our kids and family. The reality is that we all do the very best we can. As you follow my blog and learn about Baby Cuisine and Alina’s Cucina, you will see that we promote the choosing of organic ingredients. However, I want to stress to you that you don’t ever have to feel bad when/if you can’t buy organics because of the price tag. Like my friend Shannon Salverda (owner of Chatterbox Learning) says in her video series and lecture circuit, when it comes to parenting “there are no ‘shoulds’”.
All you can do is make the best possible choices based on the information you have. Here is one resource on buying produce that will help you make those choices.
“The Dirty Dozen” is a short list published by the non-profit organization Environmental Working Group (http://www.ewg.org/). They suggest that if given a choice, choose the organic version of these 12 fruits and veggies due to the high level of pesticides used to harvest these crops non-organically:
1. Peach
2. Apple
3. Bell Pepper
4. Celery
5. Nectarine
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Kale
9. Lettuce
10. Grapes (imported)
11. Carrot
12. Pear
1. Peach
2. Apple
3. Bell Pepper
4. Celery
5. Nectarine
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Kale
9. Lettuce
10. Grapes (imported)
11. Carrot
12. Pear
Here is the link to list: http://www.foodnews.org/walletguide.php
Also, in my new book, “The Baby Cuisine Cookbook” there is a chapter written by Dr. Tamara Cullen, ND, (my co-author) on teaching healthy eating habits. This includes the definition of “organic“ and suggestions of what to do when your budget is a concern.
So in summary, the most important goal is to feed your baby fresh, wholesome food! Introduce them to the flavors of the world, help enhance the development of their taste buds and set them up for a lifetime of healthy eating habits! If it is organic – great. If not, don’t fret…know that you are an amazing parent and are doing a wonderful job! We are all in this together and I am here to help. If you have any questions, comments, concerns please feel free to drop me a note at shane@alinascucina.com and follow me on twitter (twitter.com/AlinasCucina). I look forward to hearing from you!
For more information on Shannon Salverda and Chatterbox Learning please visit her website http://www.chatterboxlearning.com/ as well as her video series on Speech, Language and Learning in the Expert Advice page on my website at http://www.alinascucina.com/expertdetl.php?id=4
For more information on Dr. Tamara Cullen, ND, and her practice at the Naturopathic Family Medicine please visit her site at http://www.naturopathicfamilymedicine.com/ as well as her video series in the Expert Advice page on my website at http://www.alinascucina.com/expertdetl.php?id=3.
With Gratitude,
Shane
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