A green diet doesn’t just mean eating plenty of veges – and doesn’t have to be complicated.
Whether you’re keen to be more environmentally friendly, want to avoid chemical additives such as pesticides in your food, or simply want to aim for better overall wellbeing, then going organic, when possible, can have proven health benefits for you and your family.
Organic food is grown naturally with minimal use, if any, of harmful chemicals. People may wonder if organic food really is better for them. My view is this: even if organic food was proven to have no greater nutritional value than standard crops, the fact that it is not treated with toxic fertilisers and pesticides means it’s got to be better for us.
Why Choose Organic Food?
• Organic food simply tastes better – it tastes like food used to taste.
• Organic food is, in my opinion, more wholesome and nutritious.
• It’s safer not to eat foods treated with pesticides and other chemicals.
• It means avoiding genetically altered foods. Organic foods are not manipulated but left to grow as nature intended.
• Organic production methods and farming practices are better for the environment, having less impact on soil, waterways, eco-systems and the planet.
I’m not demanding everyone must buy only organic, but if what I’ve said here encourages you to at least try some organic alternatives, then this is a step in the right direction. I’m sure once you get started, you will find organics can enhance your health and your life. Here are some good reasons for a change to organics and some tips to help you make the transition.
A good way to get hold of organic produce is to grow your own. If this is not possible, then buying direct from producers, such as organic farmers’ and growers’ markets, is the next best thing. Buying from growers or specialised greengrocers, fishmongers and butchers can help you purchase the freshest seasonal produce – often at lower prices than supermarkets. You may find there’s more variety on offer.
Buying organic fruits and vegetables through a box-delivery scheme is another good method. Mixed produce is packed in boxes and delivered to your door, and often delivery costs can be quite low.
Fruits and vegetables start to lose their flavour and nutritional value the moment they’re picked. By sharing boxes of produce with friends, you can place orders more regularly and make sure your supply is constant and always super fresh.
Organically reared animals are not given hormones or antibiotics and they thrive on a natural diet of organic feed to produce healthy meat. I have consciously not included any red meat recipes in my book, only because I want to showcase the delicious versatility of vegetables, grains and pulses. In the interests of health and variety, many people have recognised the sense in eating less red meat each week. So, I have included some recipes for tasty, light fish and chicken dishes, to help people make this transition with ease.
Interestingly, eating more fruit and vegetables often proves to be not only a healthier option but also a more economical practice. Compared to meat, seafood and cheese, fruit, vegetables, grains and pulses are much less expensive. A clever technique is to incorporate dairy products, meat, poultry and fish as the minor ingredients in cooking, like Mediterranean and Asian cuisine that is well known for its healthy, balanced diets.
Go Natural
One of the best things we can do is cut down on processed foods. Choose natural and organic products when you can, because eating real food is a great way to feel, look and be healthier. Certified organic products are real food, as they have been made using only organic ingredients, without additives such as preservatives, flavour enhancers and colourings.
Making your own meals from natural ingredients and home baking means you know exactly what has gone into the food you and your family are eating. Having your kitchen stocked with healthy, fresh food will help you make better meal choices and keep it natural.
Julie Le Clerc
Reprinted with permission from Made By Hand, published by Penguin Group NZ, RRP$52.00. Copyright © Julie Le Clerc 2010
