Which Foods to Buy Organic?

We are now hearing daily about organic foods and why we should purchasing and eating them.  For years, our food has been sprayed and fertilized with syntheic chemicals.  According to the USDA, Organic farming has become one of the fastest growing areas over the past decade.  Betwenn 1990 and 2002, certified organic farms doubled in acreage and doubled again between 2002 and 2005.

Even with this many acres in organic farm production, organic foods are sometimes hard to find at your local grocers.  There a few ways to find what you want by shopping at local farmer's markets.  This is a great way to find out first hand how your food is being grown and what pesticide practices are being used.   According to the Environmental Working Group, the following list are the fruits and vegetable with the least amount of pesticide.  These are relatively safe to eat when not grown organically.

1.Avocado
2.Sweet Corn
 3,Pineapple
 4.Mango
 5.Asparagus
 6.Sweet Peas
 7.Kiwi
 8.Cabbage
 9.Eggplant
10.Papaya
11.Watermelon
12.Broccoli
13.Tomato
14. Sweet Potato



Of the 43 different fruit and vegetable categories tested, these 12 fruits and vegetables had the highest pesticide load, making them the most important to buy or grow organic:

• Peaches
• Apples
• Sweet bell peppers
• Celery
• Nectarines
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Lettuce
• Grapes (imported)
• Pears
• Spinach
• Potatoes

Take the time to choose your food wisely.  Just a few simple changes in you shopping habits can make a difference in how your body feels.

October Breast Cancer Awarness Month

This month is the perfect time to think about scheduling a breast mammogram.  If you or someone you know is at risk for breast cancer, do not put this very simple test off.  It very well could be the one thing that could save a life.  Throughout October, there are numerous way you can show your support.  You can either walk or support another in the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure.  There are events being held globally.   You can find additional information at Susan G. Komen for The Cure    You can click daily at The Breast Cancer Site to help make mammograms available for those who cannot afford them. If you know of someone fighting breast cancer, you can help by sending a card, making meal, or offering to run errands for them.  The smallest gesture can go a long way in letting them know that you care.

Women's Health Week - May 10th - May 16th

As a mom and wife, staying healthy is very important to me. Let's face it, the fact is that most often it is the mom who is the primary caregiver in the home. We are there when someone is sick, needs a ride to band practice, or when your little ones are hungry. So it is up to the mom to look after everyone else before herself. Sad to say, but very true.

Moms, it is time to put your health first. Check out the web site Women's Health Week Here you will find articles on diet and nutrition, physical activity, preventative screening, and mental health. Yes, all of these work to together to make you a healthy, happy woman. Celebrate being a woman and taking charge of your health during May 10th - May 16th. Make needed changes that you will continue with in the weeks and months to come. Do if for yourself. You will notice the changes and will feel better as a result.

Time to Set Goals for the Year

The new year has started and it is time to set goals. Every year many of us make our New Year's Resolutions. These can range from weight loss, to getting fit, to reading more, to spending more with family and friends, to finding a new job. Whatever we decide on, we are setting goals. Some goals are easier to reach than others. I have found that if I want to accomplish something, writing it down makes the goal come to life. To make reaching my goals more attainable, I will place my long term goal at the top of the page. Below this goal, I will write in my "baby step" to reach the goal. When I complete or reach each baby step, I am able to feel good about it. Often, one of the baby steps may change, but my long term goal is still there. To reach any of my goals, I know that I must dream about my goals and imagine myself at the finish line. The only way to reach this finish line is to work. So it is time to get to work on my goals for 2009.

Simple Truth Video 212 degrees makes a difference. Set your goals and put in the effort to reach them.