Eat this or that?

nicolewhelan · December 2013

My awesome husband put a 3lb bag of gummy bears in my stocking as I LOVE gummy bears. A friend messaged me after seeing the pic on Facebook noting the number of dye's in them and that I need to be eating organic and all that. I am trying to eat healthy, but organic isn't exactly in my budget for everything I touch (food, make-up, laundry, etc.). I want to make some better choices though for what I'm putting in my body where I can afford to make the switch. Just curious on others points of views on eating organic while pregnant and foods to stay away from (obviously I know the normal list of certain fish, cheeses, etc.). It doesn't help that I'm a picky eater too! Open to suggestions though. I live in Atlanta, so I have some organic options at Kroger and Publix. Whole Foods isn't exactly on my way home, but I could get there if need be. Thanks!

katekat8721 · January 2014

Not being snarky, but if you Google this you'll probably find some articles on what's worth getting organic and what to skip.

For us, we get organic milk, eggs, and certain fruits and veggies. Leafy stuff or thin skinned things are usually organic.

But, I'd eat gummy bears. They're just freaking good. Everything in moderation!

Luna C · January 2014

There is no need to eat all organic. Everything in moderation is my rule. I wouldn't eat all 3 pounds of gummy bears (pregnant or not pregnant that's a bad idea). But a handful here and there is not going to hurt you or the baby in any way.

Your friend is what my grandma would call "a buttinski."

nicolewhelan · January 2014

Yeah I found a list of the top foods to eat organic online. Just curious for some different opinions. I'm slowly switching some things. I think I'm just ready to get all of the holiday food and treats out of the house! LOL!

Gummy Bears rock! LOL! Thanks for your notes, I appreciate it!

nflan16 · January 2014

That sounds like a really obnoxious friend you have haha. Enjoy your gummy worms, they were a Christmas present!

almendarez · January 2014

I drink organic milk and opt for organic fruits and veggies most of the time. Here are some things you should buy organic to avoid pesticides, etc:

https://www.eatingwell.com/food_news_origins/organic_natural/dirty_dozen_plus_14_foods_you_should_buy_organic

https://gourmetfood.about.com/od/slowfoodorganiclocal/a/organicproduce_2.htm

DH bought me a bunch of sour candy because I have been craving it, but I only eat one or two pieces here and there...

ETA: I also buy organic eggs and try to only buy meats that are hormone-free, antibiotic-free and nitrate-free

kittenslove · January 2014

I try to eat organic, but I don't believe in trying to be perfect. I also prioritize eating local to eating organic. That being said, I had gushers earlier today and they were amazing. I will most likely toast the new year with a coke.

Personally, the only things I ALWAYS buy organic are milk, the dirty dozen, and items I eat most days (my hot cereals, teas, rice) and anything soy. My makeup and and personal care items are not all organic, but again, I do try with the items I use every day (toner, face wash).

Do what you can do. Enjoy your gummy bears (a fave of mine as well). Don't let other people pressure you. It is far more important to worry about eating a variety of nutrients IMO.

tbmadeamistake · January 2014

If I followed that advice, I'd have very little left to eat. We are on a tight budget right now, and I have a wicked sweet tooth. I like my refined, processed sugars and my artificial dyes. Do I prefer the all natural/organic stuff? Yes. Can I afford to shop at Whole Paycheck only? Not so much. I eat what I can afford and then once in a while we'll splurge on the good stuff. I do prefer organic eggs because I can see and taste the difference.

An easy way to get cheaper, local, organic produce during the summers is to look into Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) shares. Local farms will often offer a centralized pickup location for a weekly box of whatever is in season at the time for the duration of the summer. DH and I have done this the past two summers and it's been great! We often get more than we an eat in a week and end up sharing with coworkers/friends.

MrsLabRat · January 2014

The only things I get organic are leafy greens and fruits that are not peeled. Everything else in moderation

almendarez · January 2014

joules235 said:
Unfortunately most organic milk (Organic Valley) is ultra pasteurized which basically means it has been heated to such a high temperature that all the nutrients have been denatured and its no longer worth drinking. Look for a local brand that is organic but only pasteurized...or raw if you are comfortable with that.

I didn't know this. I buy Organic Valley because they have an organic lactose-free milk at Costco, which is convenient and cheap! Now I am not sure what to buy because that is a tricky combo to find. Horizon Organic is also ultra pasteurized.

I wouldn't recommend raw milk while pregnant though...

bebemac · January 2014

If you really want to get serious, look in to the Weston A. Price diet.

kks4471 · January 2014

almendarez said:

joules235 said:
Unfortunately most organic milk (Organic Valley) is ultra pasteurized which basically means it has been heated to such a high temperature that all the nutrients have been denatured and its no longer worth drinking. Look for a local brand that is organic but only pasteurized...or raw if you are comfortable with that.

I didn't know this. I buy Organic Valley because they have an organic lactose-free milk at Costco, which is convenient and cheap! Now I am not sure what to buy because that is a tricky combo to find. Horizon Organic is also ultra pasteurized.

I wouldn't recommend raw milk while pregnant though...

I didn't know this either! Dang it, I love Organic Valley milk. Time to find something else.

Unknown · January 2014

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nicolewhelan · January 2014

You guys rock! This information is so helpful!! And so much easier than searching blog after blog! Love the info! I am so ready to go grocery shopping! And don't worry! I will make the bag of gummy bears last a looooong time!

almendarez · January 2014

Quick reference for "dirty dozen":

12 Most Contaminated

Peaches
Apples
Sweet Bell Peppers
Celery
Nectarines
Strawberries
Cherries
Pears
Grapes (Imported)
Spinach
Lettuce
Potatoes

12 Least Contaminated

Onions
Avocado
Sweet Corn (Frozen)
Pineapples
Mango
Asparagus
Sweet Peas (Frozen)
Kiwi Fruit
Bananas
Cabbage
Broccoli
Papaya

ETA source: https://www.organic.org/articles/showarticle/article-214

this site lists a few more veggies too: https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary.php

bebemac · January 2014

joules235 said:

bebemac said:

If you really want to get serious, look in to the Weston A. Price diet.

Drinking 1-2 quarts of milk a day though, totally NMS.

Agreed! There's a lot of bureaucracy here in Oregon regarding raw cow's milk so it is difficult to source due to herd size regulations (a good thing!) that have waiting lists (argh!). Raw goat milk is accessible and I do drink that, but in a much smaller quantity! At $9-$13/a gallon I would go broke really fast!

LadyMacaron · January 2014

I try to eat everything I can organic. I like to know what is in my food, and generally, if I can't pronounce an ingredient, I won't eat it. My organic MUSTS are eggs, meat (IMO this is probably the best change you can make as far as going organic. I do not eat any meat that has been modified with hormones, or from places that don't allow their animal to graze and not eat corn.), dairy, and most of my fruits and veggies. As long as we aren't eating out, I cook everything from scratch, and try not to use canned veggies that aren't organic. But, I like to cook and I like supporting local farmers as much as I can.

Now, I do make some exceptions here and there, like when we eat out, or if I am craving something bad for me like gummy bears (which you should eat!). I do think eating organic (anc clean as much as I can) is the best thing I can do for myself and future baby, so I try. I'm not perfect, and heck, sometimes you need strawberries when there are no organic ones and you have to get the no-oorganic. Just try to make little substitutions here and there, specially when it comes to fresh ingredients. Don't beat yourself up if the cost keeps you from going all the way with it, it is unfortunate how expensive eating healthy is,

I am one of "those" people that use green cleaners, sulfate free shampoos/detergents, which I have actually found to be cheaper than what we used before. But you will have to pry my expansive make-up collection out of my cold dead hands, because I can't go all the way natural here!

almendarez · January 2014

I think I will stay away from raw milk for now, just like I am staying away from raw eggs and raw fish.. all things I would consider eating while not pregnant.

Now I really want some sushi! And cookie dough! and gummy bears...

kittenslove · January 2014

Lots of good advice here. I second the CSA. I actually belong to two with half shares, to get two delivery dates. This combined with farmers markets make it so I don't go to the supermarket in the summer. Very convenient.

Also - once you start buying organic and eating whole foods, you will be surprised at how easy and cheap it can be. Yes, items like milk are expensive, but you learn to eat seasonally. Don't be overwhelmed - when we switched to local (which led to organic) my food prices jumped, but I am so glad I didn't give up. I highly recommend checking out 100daysofrealfood.com. This is what got my sister to switch. And she did an entire series on preparing real food on a budget. Even if you can't eat organic, you can cut the processed food (and therefore exposure to things like food die and chemicals) and feel a difference.

Mztwilson · January 2014

Honestly I'd probably eat that whole bag of gummy bears and not feel bad. But that's just me.

wtfisup · January 2014

Eat your gummy bears and send that girl a message with a series of eye roll gifs. How obnoxious and self-righteous.

deepoceanmama · January 2014

Sooo...if you are not going to eat your Christmas candy, I'll totes PM you my address and you can just send it to me, guilt free.

MrsCase1 · January 2014

No help on eating organic, as we don't really buy that way. But your friend is kind of a turd.

skyview222 · January 2014

Your friend should eat all organic when pregnant if her prerogative guides her that way.

You can choose any path that you choose. (I believe I just quoted Dr. Seuss.)

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