I want to get a lot healthier?

Question

OK, I quit smokin. Now I'm turning to my food choices.

I want to work in more organic foods. But it is expensive so I need to acknowledge that I may never get my kitchen completely switched over, so where do I spend wisely?

Which are the most important foods to eat the organic variety? (I'm assuming besides your fav, most often eaten foods)

Which are the cheapest or most similar in price to the regular?

Are ordinarily healthy foods worth switching? Rolled oats and long grain rice, for example.

Are organic junk foods really all that good for you? I saw Newman's Own version of Oreos...had to laugh, of course I bought them!

Any other trickery welcome!

PS--Your organic stories pro and con are welcome too...what can I expect from small and large changes?

Answer 1

To eat healthier, you don't necessarily need to switch to organic foods. But if you feel you need to, veggies (broccoli, celery, etc.) and fruits is where I'd put the $. Organic junk food ain't worth it.

The fact that you quit smoking was a great first step. The key to being healthier is exercise. Now try, if you aren't already doing so, and work in 30 min of cardio 3x's a week. This could be running, speed walking, jump rope, etc. Anything to get your heart rate up.

As far as food...

Cut sodium! You should only eat between 1800-2000mg of sodium a day. It will surprise you how much sodium many foods have in it, esp. soup and processed food. By cutting sodium, you'll lose weight and lower your blood pressure.

Eat more fresh fruits and veggies -- organic or not.

Cut your sugar intake too. This doesn't mean no sweets. i love frozen yogurt. Dreyers is really good.

Eat more fiber. Cereal is a great source for me. I like Smart Start.

Carbs -- I personally love carbs, so I don't cut them out. I just watch them and cut them when I can. Instead of a sandwich, try a wrap. When eating pasta, try egg noodles or spaghetti squash instead. I don't eat much rice, but if you do just eat brown rice. Don't eat like Rice a Roni or anything. Get "naked" rice and add your own flavoring.

Don't deny yourself "treats." If you do, you will just get sick of "healthy" food and resort back to your old ways. When you are craving sweets, make a smoothie or eat some yogurt.

Whole foods is a great place to get healthy food, but you can get healthy food it at your locally supermarket too -- just read labels. Look for low sodium, low sat. fat, moderate carbs, low sugar, etc.

Answer 2

Tests done in laboratories have shown there is very little difference between organic and non-organic foods - either nutritionally or chemically., So I'd go for whatever is cheaper. Oats and rice are good, and lots of fruit and vegatables. Junk food is junk food, whether it's organic or not.
Get lots of exercise.

Answer 3

I could tell you some stores if you lived in Toronto

Answer 4

dont smoke, dont drink to much alcohol, eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. you'll be a lot healthier.