I’m often asked two questions: 1. Is organic really that important? And 2. Do I eat only organic foods?

My answers are: 1. Yes, but it’s not always that simple, and 2. No.

Let’s break it down.

Is Organic Really That Important?

In my opinion, organic is important. Is an organic certification perfect? No. Is eating organic the end-all, be-all? No. Is constant exposure to pesticides a health risk? Yes. Are there other exposures to environmental toxins besides conventionally grown food? Yes.

I know an organic certification is not perfect; however, organic means that farmers must meet particular guidelines and avoid certain pesticides. And while you can argue that any pesticide is problematic, it’s also nearly impossible to avoid them all. For me, an organic seal just gives me some peace of mind that I’m generally avoiding the really bad ones.

And while I care about organic for me and my husband, I’m mostly concerned about my kids’ exposure. Pesticide exposure is known to impact everything from weight gain to an increased risk of cancer. Because children’s brains, immune & GI systems, and other bodily functions are still developing, exposure can be even more detrimental to their health.

Do I Eat Organic 100% of the Time?

No, I don’t. But I do try to prioritize it when I can. I think it’s important to accept that going 100% organic isn’t always possible, whether for accessibility reasons or financial reasons. Unfortunately, the cost of food right now is astronomical, and organic food is even pricier. As someone who deals with orthorexia, this can be a really hard thing to come to terms with. So I do what I can (which I describe below), and also look at other ways I can ensure I’m giving myself and my family the best quality food I can.

So, how do I go about prioritizing organic vs. conventional? Keep reading for some tips.

Produce

When buying produce, I make sure anything with a thin skin (which presumably we’re eating) is organic. This includes things like berries, grapes, apples, pears, etc. This is because the pesticides can penetrate the skin and contaminate the internal flesh.

If I’m buying something like an avocado, banana, or melon, I will still try to get organic when I can. If all I can get is conventional, I don’t sweat it and just make sure I thoroughly wash the skin before cutting into it.

Grains, Corn & Soy

Fruits & vegetables are not the only foods we should be buying organic. Grains (like wheat and oats), corn, and soy are heavily sprayed with pesticides, namely glyphosate. Glyphosate is the chief ingredient in Round Up, which we are learning is incredibly detrimental to human health. However, organic products are glyphosate-free, which is why it’s important to prioritize organic bread, quinoa, oats, pasta, corn, soy, etc., as much as possible.

What to do when conventional is the only option

Don’t fret. Honestly, stressing about it can be just as harmful to our health. Instead, make sure to thoroughly wash your produce (I do this with organic, too):

Grab a large bowl or clean your sink (give it a good spray of hydrogen peroxide, let sit for a few minutes, and then wipe down and rinse)
Fill with your produce and cover with water
Sprinkle with baking soda (1 tablespoon to 6 cups of water) and swirl around
Let soak for 12-15 mins, rinse, and allow to dry completely

If you don’t have or don’t want to use baking soda, distilled white vinegar is another good option that removes most larvae, parasites, and fungus.

If you choose to use vinegar, follow the steps above but use 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water. Note: Conventional vinegar is made of crops sprayed with glyphosate, so opt for organic if going this route.

I actually do this with our organic produce as well, because you never know who was touching (or sneezing, gross!) on that apple before you picked it up 😷. Also, generally speaking, a piece of produce goes through a lot of hands before it ends up in your fruit bowl (farmer, picker, truck loader, truck unloader, shelf stocker, other customers, YOU).

Other Resources

One resource I consult regularly is the Environmental Working Group. Each year, they release the Clean 15 and the Dirty Dozen, which helps you prioritize which foods are best organic and which are okay to purchase conventionally.

Organic vs. Conventional: What to Focus on and How to Make the Best of It