The advantages of choosing a more organic life over the conventional one that is the norm for most individuals in the western world have been proven through research.
Even so, adopting a wholly organic lifestyle might be intimidating, costly, and simply too difficult. Many people who recognize the potential benefits of introducing organic food and other organic items into their lives may fail if they try to make the move all at once with no way back.
I propose taking tiny steps at first, observing any changes in your health, moods, and energy levels, and then moving on to the next level once you’ve done that.
To make things easier for you, I’ve compiled a list of seven basic measures you may do on a daily basis to adopt more organic habits.
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Begin with the basics.
Food is undoubtedly one of life’s greatest pleasures, and eating food that you have lovingly prepared from seed to plate is a powerful motivator and eye-opener when it comes to seeing exactly what you put into your mouth.
So start by replacing some of your daily or weekly grocery items with more natural alternatives — lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, prepared as soon as possible after purchase, Happy chickens’ free-range (or preferably organic) eggs, free-range meat sources If you can identify a producer that values the well-being of his animals, cold-pressed olive oil and coconut oil that has not been subjected to chemical extraction techniques are excellent choices — these are just a few ideas to get you started.
Prepare at least one dinner per week (more if you can) where you involve the entire family in the food preparation and clean-up, providing you the opportunity to learn about the origins and benefits of the food they’re eating.
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Look into local food providers.
You are aiding your local, regional, and national economies when you buy food from local producers. By eliminating the food miles generated when produce is imported from countries halfway across the world. You are supporting your community in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. You are assisting someone in your neighborhood to feed their own family by providing an income and a stable source of revenue.
Because there is so much uncertainty in the world due to economic forces, this is a simple thing you can do to make a big difference. The benefits will accrue to both you and your community.
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Go to a farmers’ market.
Look for farmers’ markets in your area. Ask local food producers about their products, what’s in season (and thus at its finest). What farming procedures do they employ to bring the fruit to market, and what is their favorite way to eat it.
Look for a local organic produce market or a company that delivers organic produce. If you don’t have access to a farmers market. For a very low charge, I receive a beautiful surprise box of seasonal organic produce filled with flavor every week from a small organic business in Byron Bay. It encourages me to cook with the freshest, most flavorful ingredients possible. And I am confident that the outcome will be outstanding.
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Pay attention to the labels.
Many grocery store foods have been highly processed, with any natural fats stripped out and substituted with sugar. Which can lead to addiction, obesity, diabetes, and a host of other health and societal issues. And having a shelf life that could possibly outlast a nuclear holocaust. This is what the majority of the population consumes as a matter of course.
When you’re at the grocery store, take some time to read the labels and the nutrition panel. Bring your reading glasses if the font is too small – it will open your eyes, I promise! If you don’t recognize any of the ingredients, ask yourself. “Would I put it in if I were creating this from scratch?” I like to follow the Nana Rule: ask your grandmother whether she recognizes something before eating it, and if she doesn’t, don’t eat it.
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On the outskirts, there’s a shop.
I’m not suggesting that you go shopping on the outskirts of town, but if that’s where your farmer’s markets are, go for it! What I mean is that you should buy the majority of your groceries from the outside aisles of the supermarket.
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Something should be grown — anything.
You might not have enough room for a full-fledged vegetable garden bursting. At the seams with ripe tomatoes, vigorous lettuces, and massive aubergines. But if you do, send us a photo! On a balcony, you could plant a pot of cherry tomatoes. If you have more space, there are many vegetables. If you don’t cook, pluck some fresh herbs and munch on them as you go about your day. It’s the best ‘vitamin pill’ you could ask for and perhaps the most nutrient-dense food you’ll consume all day.
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Don’t be too strict with yourself.
Finally, don’t go overboard with your attempts to live an organic lifestyle. As I previously stated, taking small steps to build on what you already know, notice. And understand about what you eat helps foster awareness, wonder. And the joy in the most fundamental of goods — your daily food.
Suggested Read: Motto of Swachh Bharat Mission
