10 Easy Steps To Make The Transition To Organic Lifestyle

No transition is ever challenge-free, that is why we usually need to take baby steps towards achieving a big change. If you are not already one, then Going Organic is a change and could come with challenges. For instance, there is a ton of information to learn, the challenge of finding organic products, and another of keeping with a budget… the question of whether or not to eat out, what to do when organic is not available…etc. These are just some of the questions I have been receiving from you, so I thought why not put together the 10 best practices for making the transition to Organic?

Here are my top tips:

1. Keep Calm; It’s Only Going Organic!

You need to know that you are not about to embark on a journey where you will miss out on all eating pleasures. In fact, you are about to increase eating pleasures by one hundred per cent! Going Organic you bring flavour and good quality back to your food and you do not cut out any food type. The only thing you will be taking out of the equation is ‘bad’. Bad chemicals, bad medicines, bad quality…. So here we go, take a breath and take that plunge.

Just because where you live there isn’t access to many organic products does not necessarily mean that you cannot go organic, nor does it mean that you cannot eat anything other than the few organic products available. You can start by going organic wherever possible/available. Where there is a choice, make sure to choose organic, and always keep in mind: ‘Small Changes make a Big Difference’.

If we continuously ask for organic produce, and communicate with our local stores managers that we are keen on purchasing organic products, they are bound to start offering more organic options. Demand always affects supply, and the more the demand the better the prices are going to eventually be.

Some foods are code-red when it comes to non-organic consumption, also known as ‘The Dirty Dozen.’ For instance, thin-skinned fruits and vegetables are highly risky when consumed non-organic. Because the skin is very thin, and at times porous, chemicals can very well penetrate into the flesh of the produce. So no matter how much you wash them, it will not eliminate your exposure to harmful chemicals. Meanwhile, thick-skinned fruits and vegetables are less risky as the skin forms a protective layer. Check this link for high-risk non-organic fruits and vegetables, and this link for less risky produce. This tip is especially important when going organic on a budget.4. Choose your fruits & vegetables wisely.

If there is a place where you must go organic, then meats and animal food products are it. If nowhere else, then at least make sure this is a section of your kitchen that is strictly organic. As explored in my earlier posts, because many non-organic meat and animal food products are subjected to a continuous supply of a cocktail of synthetic chemicals, growth hormones and antibiotics – all of which have been proven to cause so many diseases and ailments to consumers – it is best that you stay away from non-organic meats. The last thing we need is antibiotic-resistant ‘superbugs’ to attack our systems and cause challenging diseases many of which have no cure and can cause death in some cases. Organic meats remove this risk as they are free of chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics.

It goes without say that the only way to know what exactly is in your food is by cooking it yourself. All other foods, unless regulated and certified organic are risky. The more you cook at home, the more you reduce your exposure to hazardous chemicals. Now, don’t stop your social and dining out life, just make sure to cook at home more regularly and to choose organic whenever possible.

Whether it’s a brand sold at a supermarket, produce at a farmer’s market, or artisanal products from the makers and the artisans — get to know that company, know the people. Do some research and find out how they make their products, where it comes from and what goes into it. Many companies such as our friends at OBE Organic, have even created fun videos like these to get to know them from behind-the-scenes. Furthermore, these producers or farmers always have the best tips, advice and recipes to make their produce shine, just make sure to ask!

9. Reduce, Reuse & Recycle

Perhaps this is the essence of an organic lifestyle. Reduce: It is reducing/minimising waste, chemical exposure, depletion of resources and even the collection of unnecessary items. Reuse: All reusable materials are the least damaging to the environment, while most disposables generate much waste many of which is not even recyclable. Recycle: I don’t know why we don’t recycle as often as we should! Recycling is the single best thing we can do for this world. Not only will we minimize waste when we recycle but we will also reduce the depletion of earth’s resources. Recycling bins are everywhere, just make sure to categorise and drop! Nothing more to it!