The Statistics
• 8 out of 10 parents purchase organic products “at least sometimes,” according to a 2013 survey by the Organic Trade Association (OTA), and fresh produce is the leading category of organic purchases. • Organic food sales make up about 4% of the $760 billion annual food sales in the U.S., according to an industry survey conducted for the OTA by Nutrition Business Journal. • In 2014, 51% of parents surveyed by the OTA said that cost limited their organic purchases.
Why Shop Organic?
Organic shoppers are typically health conscious and convinced that organic foods and beverages “are healthier”. Also fueling the organic trend is the concern about the environment, interest in where food comes from, how the food was grown, and the desire for “clean eating”. There is a growing population of people who like to see environment-friendly companies/industries, and offering organic foods is one way that companies get that reputation.
The Truth about Organics
• The “USDA Organic” designation refers to a unique set of sourcing, growing, harvesting and processing methods, and does not mean that a product is healthful, more nutrient-dense or safer. • The term “organic” is often misinterpreted. Many consumers assume that “organic” means “nutritious,” or “more nutritious” than conventional foods when this is not always the case. For every study that says organic food is nutritionally superior, there’s another study that says the differences are insignificant. There are several variables that can impact the nutritional composition of food crops, such as variations from field to field and growing season to growing season. • In 2014, 51% of parents surveyed by the OTA said that cost limited their organic purchases. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, affordability is a big factor when discussing appropriate food choices with patients/clients. Consuming the recommended amount of nutritious conventional foods such as fruits and vegetables is more beneficial and far more important than consuming a limited amount of organic fruits and vegetables. For example, 1 serving of organic fruit may be 2-3 times the cost of 1 serving of conventional fruit, thus a household with a limited food budget would likely consume less produce if recommended to buy organic. • It is important to note that organic potato chips still contain calories, fat and sodium, and organic cookies still contains calories, fat and added sugar. • Just because it is organic, does not mean it is healthy, and just because it is non-organic does not mean it is not healthy. • Pro Organic: Organic foods are often locally grown and support small families which is both healthful and environmentally friendly! Organic foods may offer many benefits to your health but do your homework first and know who you are buying your food from and where it was grown (preferably the USA)! • Take home message: choose more whole foods and less processed foods, choose more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low fat dairy, regardless of whether they are organic or not.
Katie Foster, RDN, LD - Hannibal Regional Hospital
During National Nutrition Month our Registered Dietitians want to help you Savor the Flavor of Eating Right! Our Dietitians have each chosen a quick tip to help you maintain your healthy eating goals or help you on your journey to better.
Katie Foster, RDN, LD says to try a couscous salad, "Couscous is slightly lower in calories than most pastas and higher in Selenium. Couple that with vegetables, lite salad dressing and the healthy fat in olives, you have a winning combination!"
Marie Niemeyer, RDN, LD, CDE, reminds you, "If you really want a dessert, make it better for you by choosing one with fruit, nuts (walnuts have omega-3’s), and oil vs. solid fats. Share the piece or reduce portion size to save calories."
Nancy Hays, RDN, LD says to try a Pork Chow Mein, "By using very lean pork (low saturated fat), lots of vegetables (with phytochemicals and antioxidants) and low sodium ingredients, this recipe packs in nutrition and taste for everyone!"