Health Coach Corner - by Maria Hicks
Do you have any idea which produce you should try to buy organic? Most people don’t. This week, I wanted to share two lists with you. One list is called the “dirty dozen” – its 12 fruits & veggies that are recommended to buy organic because of the pesticide load, which means, the amount of pesticides used and absorbed into these healthy and delectable goodies. But, how can they be healthy and delectable if they are loaded with bug repellent? Take a look at the list and work towards buying most (or at least) some of the items on the list in their organic form. I included a second list called the “Clean 15” and these are foods to buy conventional/non-organic. I love veggies, and not just because I am a health coach, but I love them because they are full of energizing nutrients and I can add fresh lemon with garlic and chili powder for a really tasty vegetable delight! Keep your fruit intake to 2-3 pieces a day and eat all the vegetables your heart desires. I’ve never heard of anyone eating “too much broccoli.”
“Dirty Dozen” – (highest pesticide load)
- Peach
- Apple
- Bell Pepper
- Celery
- Nectarine
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Grapes
- Carrot
- Pear
“Clean fifteen” – (lowest pesticide load)
- Onion
- Avocado
- Sweet Corn
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Asparagus
- Sweet Peas
- Kiwi
- Cabbage
- Eggplant
- Papaya
- Watermelon
- Broccoli
- Tomato
- Sweet potato
