Organic- Defined

Organic. A popular buzz word that inspired a new, healthy living movement. But alot of 'organic' newbies may be fooled by popular marketing tricks that food growers, processors and distributors use to take advantage of legal loopholes that allow them to offer 'organic' foods that are not quite as organic as you think.

So what does it mean to be 'organic'? The definition of organic, according to Wikipedia, is as follows:

Organic foods are made according to certain production standards, meaning they are grown without the use of conventional pesticides and artificial fertilizers, free from contamination by human or industrial waste, and processed without ionizing radiation or food additives. If livestock are involved, they must be reared without the routine use of antibiotics and without the use of growth hormones, and generally fed a healthy diet. In most countries, organic produce may not be genetically modified

So, if this appeals to you and your family, here's a simple rule of thumb to use when shopping for more earth and body-friendly food choices. Pay attention to your labels!

• 100% organic: this food contains only organically produced ingredients
• Organic: 95% of this food is required to be organic, with the remaining 5% of ingredients being approved by the National Organic Standards Board.
• Made with organic ingredients: no less than 70% of the food product must be made with organic ingredients.

The green and white USDA organic stamp was designed to inspire your confidence, and your food choices, so look for that label - food that displays this is organic or 100% organic. This can help sifting through your choices a little bit easier.

Those of us who are trying to adopt a more organic lifestyle know how expensive it can be, or that depending where we live, these options are not immediately or consistently accessible. So, if you can't go organic, here are two helpful lists that can help minimize the amount of pesticides in our diet....and maybe, over time, our lessened consumption or reliance on these fruits and vegetables, will force a change in how our produce is grown and shipped.

Here's a helpful little list of the Top 10 Best and Worst Non-Organic Produce choices. If you can't shop 100% organic, categorically, at least beware of your best options when hitting the produce isles!

BEST 10: These contain the least amount of pesticide residue in tests:

1. Avocados
2. Corn
3. Onions
4. Sweet Potatoes
5. Cauliflower
6. Brussel Sprouts
7. Grapes
8. Bananas
9. Plums
10. Green Onions

WORST 10: These contain the MOST amount of pesticide residue in tests:

1. Strawberries
2. Bell Peppers (red and green)
3. Spinach
4. Cherries
5. Peaches
6. Cantaloupe
7. Celery
8. Apples
9. Apricots
10. Green Beans