Organic… to save or not to save, that is the question. Money AND your health, that is.

It’s no secret that buying organic can often be significantly more expensive than those “regular ‘ol fruits and veggies.” However, a healthy heart, body, and mind thanks to less/safer pesticides should always be at the top of your grocery list.

photo, Peterson Garden

Thanks to co-founder Tenley Molzahn’s DIY Cleanse post this morning on the CLEAN 15 + DIRTY DOZEN (chart below), you can have a quick reference to see what you should almost always buy organic, the DIRTY DOZEN, since these foods are most pesticide-infested.

“Safer” produce is considered the CLEAN 15, where pesticides don’t seep into the fruit as much, or aren’t as heavily sprayed. When trying to save money and narrow down organic priorities, these can help save your dolla-dolla bills and piece of mind. However, still try to buy NON-GMO for the cleanest, healthiest options.

Organic.org also weighed in with their opinion on the dirtiest organic non-organic produce. According to the Environmental Working Group, their chart looks like this:

photo, organic.org

Based on both of those charts, and Livestrong.com, your cleanest options for non-organic produce are:

• Onions
• Avocado
• Cantaloupe
• Pineapple
• Mangoes
• Asparagus
• Sweet Peas (Frozen)
• Kiwi Fruit
• Cabbage
• Eggplant
• Watermelon
• Sweet Potato
• Grapefruit Mushrooms
• Sweet Corn, Frozen
• Bananas
• Broccoli
• Papaya

photo, kavodseniorlife.org

and the produce + other grocery list items you should always try to shop organic whenever possible are:

• Peaches
• Tomatoes (all kinds)
• Cucumbers
• Apples
• Sweet Bell Peppers
• Celery
• Corn
• Hot Peppers
• Nectarines
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Cherries
• Pears
• Grapes (Imported)
• Snap Peas
• Potatoes
• Soy
• Spinach
• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, Kale and Collard Greens

What’s your opinion on what your go-to organic shopping items are? I also add dairy + meat to the list, and Livestrong agrees, with their commentary and photos below:

MEAT

“If you eat meat, it’s important to be aware that conventional meat contains hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides. The pesticides found in cows, chicken, turkey and other animals comes from their feed which is grown using synthetic fertilizers and herbicides. The negative impact that the hormones, antibiotics and additives can have on your body make organic meat worth the extra money” (Livestong.com, 2016).

DAIRY

“Even if you’re on a budget, reach for organic milk, cheese, yogurt when in the dairy section of your grocery store. Certified organic dairy means that the cows did not received any antibiotics or growth hormones and they only consumed 100 percent organic feed. If you want to take the extra step, look for organic, grass-fed milk. This means the diet of the dairy cow enjoyed a grain-free diet comprised mostly of grass and forage” (Livestong.com, 2016).

photo, iovine.com

For more detailed information on why certain foods are on the “no-no” non-organic list, visit Livestrong’s slideshow here.

This information provided above is just a general opinion and reference on organic and non-organic produce and pesticides from the following sources, which are not scientific studied or journals: Tenley Molzahn, Health Coach and Nutritionalist Advocate, Organic.org, Livestrong.com, Environmental Working Group. Please note the Seashells and Sit Ups disclaimer before making any health or fitness decisions, an be sure to consult a professional prior to any changes in your lifestyle.