Discovering organic food

[islandmom]

Yesterday a friend of mine and I went to the vegetarian restaraunt in market square and what a treat! The food was awsome. It is a buffet style and they charge by weight, I have to admit I went a little crazy on the plate and ended up with a monstorous lunch.... well I enjoyed everything and ate almost the whole lot. I was full when I was done but for the rest of the day my stomach just hummed. I didnt get that gross full feeling and didn't get hungry again in the evening. I think it was maybe because it was all organic, I think I will continue this trend.
My sister also told me that her SIL's children have changed drastically from little monsters to complete darlings since there mother switched to organic food... maybe the few extra bucks at the store is worth it!
Does anyone have any input for me? where is the best place to buy organic food?

[organic momma]

Welcome to my world,

My advice would be to shop around, thrifites is good for all the basics, in the summer there are lots of local farms that sell stuff, on wednesday in vic west there is a few tables that sell organic food, learn what foods are really important to buy organic (berries, peppers, any milk products from the states, peanuts, tomotoes). I found the more I learned the more I wanted to have my children living an organic lifestyle. Organic milk is cheapest at safeway.

The whole words bible is a good read or living an organic life.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask

[kimmom]

HI,
Good to hear!! I buy lots at Thrifty's too.. But Superstore has great prices on Organics too. I but their organic bagged apples, avocados, bananas..Also find they have good organic kids snacks there, animal cookies, oatmeal (big organic bag-CHEAP!!), pasta sauce, pasta, salsa. I also shop at Planet Organic for some stuff too. I shopped in Portland when I was visiting my bro down there and they have such an amazing selection down there (I was jealous!)
Hope this helps.. Oh yeah and Organic seeds at Superstore too, for gardeners (mine did great last year!)

[islandmom]

This may be a stupid question but what exactly makes it organic?

[matthias' momma]

This may be a stupid question but what exactly makes it organic?

Organic: Fruits and vegetables grown without synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides.

[missmuffet]

I highly recommend renting the older video "Supersize me". I had heard of it and thought of course if anyone eats that much McDonalds then they will get sick. Well my eyes were opened wide. I do eat healthy and treat my kids to McDonalds but after watching all that info I can't put that chemical crap into my kids bodies again. Was very interesting how they target your kids and suck them in at an early age. ok enough rambling. My point is that Organic rocks! I love how it tastes, how I feel after eating it, how it cooks and no guilt after eating it!

[macloud]

There is a great documentary called "Disecting Dinner" that is a great insight into why eating organically and sustainably is healthier and so important.

[augusta]

I too shop around for organic! I buy my regular groceries at Thrifty's, but go to the Superstore once a month for flour, sugar, olive oil, butter etc. (all baking stuff, and their milk is $4.98 for 2L).

We are going to grow some veggies this summer, and just planted some apple trees, thanks for the seed tip kimmom!

organic momma - how much is milk at Safeway?

We have been organic for about two years and even though it may seem more expensive, you start comparing prices on organic food, instead of comparing prices vs conventional food. The other thing is that we don't end up buying impulse items that aren't good for us. If we splurge on organic ice cream or chocolate we savour it! I tend to bake more, with our organic ingredients, and the kids love to help and love to eat it!

There is lots of great information out there about what items are most heavily sprayed, so that if you can't buy all organic you can choose to buy the most dangerous. Grapes are really bad, which leads to wine - oh no! But there is organic beer and wine out there! Dairy is also an important switch to make, from what I've researched.

My motto is that I will choose organic when I can. That way the kids don't have to worry if they are at someone else's house etc. But I have found that a lot of other people in my life are starting to go organic too!
Now I'm onto cleaning products, personal care items and clothes... the more you know the more you want to know!

I hope I haven't overwhelmed you. This is just what we are doing, do what works for your family!

[Janaya]

Organics also have better growing practices as far as sustanability of the land, protecting and supporting the ecosystem...
I've copied this from Earthbound Organics website http://earthboundfarm.com/Organic/index.aspx (they are the common grower you will see for California organic produce

About Organics: an introduction
Earthbound Farm’s delicious organic salads, fruits and vegetables are grown with a concern for the things you value most—your family’s health, the air you breathe, the water you drink, and your children's future—for generations to come.

As organic farmers, we use a variety of earth-friendly methods to grow healthful crops without relying on chemical pesticides or using synthetic fertilizers. We honor the fragile complexity of our ecosystem, the health of those who work the land, and the long-term well-being of customers who enjoy our harvest.

Some of the principal benefits of organic farming include the following:

Organic produce is grown without relying on toxic chemical pesticides. We use no herbicides, fumigants, or synthetic fertilizers.
Organic produce is never genetically engineered or modified, and is never irradiated.
Organic farming helps protect our air, soil, water and food supply from potentially toxic chemicals and other pollutants.
Organic farming conserves natural resources by recycling natural materials.
Organic farming encourages an abundance of species living in balanced, harmonious ecosystems.
Our Organic 101 section contains more detailed information about how Earthbound Farm grows produce using earth-friendly farming methods.

http://www.ebfarm.com • ©2006 Earthbound Farm, All

I've gone organic as much as I possible. I feel better in so many ways for it, my garden is almost all organic open pollinated (no hybrid) veggies & flowers, and I know that what food I eat is not destroying the land but rather supporting it

For anyone interested in organic gardening Carolyn Herriot of the Garden Path Nursery (near Camosun) http://www.earthfuture.com/gardenpath/ has an excellent book
'A Year On The Garden Path'
A 52-Week Organic Gardening Guide
I highly recommend reading it The nursery also sells organic seeds and plants!

I have noticed a few times lately(in country grocer) where organic produce was the same price as conventional -gotta love that