Organic foods are gaining in popularity across the country. These are foods that are grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers and are processed without food additives or ionizing radiation.
For many, organic fruits and vegetables are a healthy addition to their diet.
Diet is not a dirty four-letter word but is instead a way of life. A wholesome diet is the key to a healthier lifestyle. Diabetes, sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, high blood pressure are weight related illnesses said to be caused by poor diet.
To determine if you are overweight you need to check your body mass index or (BMI). To do this divide your body weight by your height squared. If your BMI is 24 or less but greater than 17.5 you are within your ideal weight range. A body mass index of 25 or more indicates that you are overweight. A BMI of 40 or over indicates morbid obesity.
In the United States many people have a body mass index that is 25 or higher and are considered to be overweight. This phenomenon is blamed on everything from poor food choices to the advent of computers and an inactive lifestyle.
Whatever the cause, the fact remains that the American public is desperate to reduce our waistlines. To do so, we try fad diets that endanger our health, buy pills, try fake “metabolism busters” and do almost everything else we can to try to lose weight. We spend millions of dollars annually in our quest to find a magic formula for weight reduction.
Some Americans are overweight as children. Plus, children and teens often munch on snacks that are filled with calories and high sodium while watching television or playing video games. By puberty, many bad eating habits are deeply ingrained and must be unlearned.
The United States Department of Agriculture has developed a food pyramid to help guide us into making healthier food choices. Their latest food pyramid is simply called “MyPyramid”. The pyramid encourages us to eat a combination of whole grains with lots of fruits and vegetables and to consume only a small amount of meat substances, fats and sugar.
While food educators across the country tout this plan many of us will choose other methods to lose weight. This may include a program with regular support meetings or food education classes.
Fruits and vegetables are not the only food raised organically. Beef and chicken are also organically grown. This means that they are free from antibiotics, pesticides or hormones.
For food to be labeled “USDA Organic” at least 95% of the ingredients of the food were produced organically. The products that are 100% organic, such as vegetables or fruits, bear a tiny label.
Organic food and conventional food must meet the same quality standards. The difference is that organic foods are free of pesticides and as many chemicals as possible. Some people claim they can taste the difference while others say they can’t.
When shopping for your diet it is up to you whether or not you try organic food.
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