For the longest time, our society was really into prosperity for the sake of it. Mass-produced food was all the rage, no matter the cost. Convenience was king, and still is to an extent. But eventually, people began to realize the cost of such things in terms of our bodies’ needs and the effect such practices had on the environment. Soon enough, the trend reversed and people started returning to the idea of more organic nutrition to better help themselves and the planet.
“Organic” Defined
Going organic sounds great, but what does it even mean? While you may rightfully assume that in a broad sense all food is organic, in this case it’s a little narrower. In this case, “organic” is defined in a 1940 book entitled Look to the Land that put forth the idea of a farm that exists as a whole organism; that we should treat it as we would ourselves to sustain health.
“Organic” is defined by the government as:
- Vegetables and fruits that have been farmed devoid of non-approved, synthesized fungicides, pesticides, or herbicides.
- Livestock that have not been exposed to an excess of antibiotics or hormones and have had plenty of time in a pasture.
Going Organic to Get Fit and Lose Weight
One of the best ways to embrace organic cooking is to implement it as a part of a total weight loss and fitness program. Eating right and exercise play equal parts here, and what better way to eat right than to eat food that hasn’t been polluted by mass production?
One great way to get started is to plan a trip to your local farmers’ market. You may not even realize it, but there is probably a farmers’ market close by your home, and there may even be more than one. They’re fairly easy to find, as they’re usually held on the same day, week in and week out, weather permitting.
Depending on the season and where you live, you will find plenty of local farmers selling their goods at these markets. These fruits and veggies are coming directly from their small farm to you, so you know that there’s nothing else interfering in between. For meats and other organic foods you probably won’t find at a farmer’s market, you can visit a grocery store that specializes in organic foods.
Preparation
When you get your organic food home, look around online for some great organic recipes. There are plenty of other people out there that are using organic cooking to get fit, and some of them may have insights you never considered. Though most know of simple things like using organic olive oil instead of vegetable oil, there are plenty of other substitutions you can make that many have never even heard of.
And don’t think that an organic diet has to be a chore; there are plenty of wholesome, tasty recipes to be had no matter your taste. Cuisinart slow cookers have been known to see a lot of mileage in organic homes, as you can make some really great stews using the veggies from your local farmers’ market.
About the Author
Mike Rocha is an engineer from Florida with a passion for food and the Cuisinart brand. As an engineer and hobbyist chef, he uses and stands by Cuisinart because of the ingenuity, quality and functionality of the brand. Being an electrical engineer who designs and develops medical imaging systems, Mike understands more than most what is necessary in creating these advanced appliances. Check out his website if you are looking for good deals on Cuisinart food processors.
I have been eating almost all organic food for about a year now. I have really noticed an improvement in my health and energy. I tend to eat more healthy foods when I am aiming to eat more organically. The only downside is that it is more expensive. It is so much better quality though and definitely worth it!