When I decided to make a lifestyle change that would improve my health and overall wellness, I knew I needed to stop feeding myself accidentally and take a proactive approach. I started reading labels and learning more about nutrition and I began asking people I deemed “healthy” what they ate. I kept hearing the term organic and then began seeing the round “Organic” label on products in the grocery store and it sparked my curiosity.
How was eating organic different – or was it – than eating “healthy?” It was all bit intimidating at first. I had lots of questions, like why should I switch, what will it cost me, does it taste as good and is it really better for me? I did my homework and I was astonished at what I found. I read that organic food is up to 25 percent more nutritious in terms of vitamins and minerals than non-organic items. It doesn’t contain food additives, flavor enhancers (like MSG), artificial sweeteners (like aspartame and high-fructose corn syrup), contaminants (like mercury) or preservatives (like sodium nitrate). It doesn’t contain pesticides and it isn’t genetically modified. Organic animals aren’t given drugs and organic farming standards prohibit the use of antibiotics, growth hormones and genetically modified vaccines in farm animals.
I had an epiphany when I read that organic farming is good for the environment and healthier for the soil. I never thought about that. Organic products leave a less toxic environment by reducing chemicals in the air and soil. Waterways aren’t contaminated by chemical run-off from farms, either. Organic was winning me over. But the biggest test was yet to come: the taste test.
I was born and bred in the Lowcountry and I am all about celebrating the farming culture and protecting our waterways, but I am equally as enthusiastic about good food – and by good I really mean food that tastes good! I had to find out for myself just how much I would have to compromise on taste if I made the switch to organic, or if I would have to compromise at all. As I began integrating organic foods into my diet I quickly realized how much better organic food tastes! It is truly superior in every way.
Purchasing and consuming organic food is like buying peace of mind. Knowing that I am what I eat is something I am truly proud of! That’s worth every penny to me. I feel better, I look better and I am excited to lead others down the path that could make significant changes for the better in their quality of life.
To me, there are only pros in making the switch to an organic lifestyle – and it’s never too late to start. It just makes good sense, no matter what your health and wellness goals are. You don’t have to make the switch immediately – do your own research, ask questions, read labels and conduct your own taste tests. I’d love to hear about your process!
Greta Lynne is the owner of Herban Marketplace at 1211 Newcastle St., Unit C. You can reach her at toyourhealth@herbanmarketplace.com or (843) 379-5550. Find her at www.herbanmarketplace.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HerbanMarketplacebft
