One of the biggest fads in healthy eating right now is organic food. Organic produce is grown differently, without all the chemicals and insecticides that can be used in the farming of non-organic fruits and vegetables. Chemical-free farming is better for the environment and can be better for you as well! Organic foods have the benefit of being all natural and can even taste better than non-organic produce. Whether you already eat organic or want to give it a try, here are some great ways to find organic foods near you!
Farmers’ Markets. Farmers’ markets are a great way to find local, organic foods. Although most farmers’ markets are only once a week, take the time peruse the isles of fresh, locally grown produce and stock up on fruits and veggies! Many farmers’ markets also feature homemade treats, such as organic jams or baked goods. It’s a great place to interact with other community members and help out the local economy at the same time! So take a few hours and head down to your local farmer’s market. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy shopping for local, organic food!
Check Labels at the Grocery Store. Although organic food isn’t in every grocery store, chances are that a grocery store near you will have organic options. Once you find a grocery store that carries organic food, checking the label is the best way to find out whether the product you’re holding is organic or not. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has standards for the labeling of organic foods that can help you figure out what is organic and how organic it is.
There are a few types of labels to look out for, according to the USDA website (http://www.usda.gov). Any product labeled with a USDA organic seal is 95% organic. If you’re looking for completely organic foods, look for a USDA label that says 100% organic. Next time you’re in the grocery store, take a look at the labels and see if you can find certified organic food!
Start a Garden. Although having a garden takes some time and effort, having homegrown fruits or vegetables can spice up any meal. When you grow your own food, you have complete control over how organic it is. It also gives you easy access to produce. Even if you don’t have a backyard, some vegetables and spices can be grown in pots inside or on a porch or balcony. Starting a garden can be as easy as heading to a local gardening center and picking up some seeds. If you have a few extra hours a week, you could find yourself eating vegetables that you grew yourself in no time!
Organic food is one health food option to consider. The chemical-free farming of organic foods can help prevent pollution and buying locally grown produce at farmers’ markets can help out your local economy. Even cheaper and more convenient option then finding an organic grocery store can be starting your own garden. Finding organic options near you is easy and can give you a whole new range of natural, chemical-free food to add to your regular diet!
Here are some links to help you eat organic in San Antonio!
