A Beginner’s Guide to Going Organic & Natural Eating

WHO's motto "From Farm to Plate, Make Food Safe" emphasizes the importance of eating clean food for a better, healthier life. If you're concerned about your food's purity and need quick-fixes to your dietary habits, consider replacing your conventional produce with their organic counterparts. There were no pesticides and fertilizers in our forefathers' food, so why should our food contain them? If you're in the pursuit of a pure and chemical-free life, clean eating is your best bet.

We know that cutting out junk and processed food from our diet is not easy, especially for the people living in urban regions. But, if you're determined and ready to spend a little extra time on grocery shopping, you can easily make positive changes to your quality of life. This quick guide will help you plan and follow your clean eating routine without added stress.

Plan Weekly Visits to Your Nearest Farmers' Market

If you cannot find organic produce in a grocery store, head out to the nearest farmers' market. These vegetable and fruit markets carry a wide variety of organic produce, ensuring you aren't limited to a few options. You can choose among a broad range of freshly picked produce in these markets so that natural eating will never feel boring. Plus, you can buy organic food in bulk and save yourself a few market visits. Alternatively, you can subscribe to an online organic produce delivery service, like Farmbox Direct, if you have no time for market visits or can’t find a farmers’ market nearby.

Ask Farmers about Their Practices

Beginners often assume that everything available in a local farmers' market is organic, but that's not always true. Many farmers resort to conventional (and oftentimes chemical) means to balance the demand and supply. For this reason, it makes sense to ask around and find a vegetable or fruit producer who uses full organic farming practices. The good news is that some farmers do adhere to strict standards, avoid pesticides, and use animal manure as fertilizers.

Don't Go for Off-Season Produce

Grocery stores have an uninterrupted produce supply throughout the year, thanks to their cold storage units. But, to abide by your clean eating oath, make sure to pick seasonal veggies and fresh fruit delivery. Off-season produce typically has to be shipped great distances to make it to your nearest grocery store. On the other hand, in-season produce can be grown nearby, thus reducing the environmental impact created as it makes its way to you.

Experiment with Your Food

Most people give up organic and natural eating because it seems limiting at first. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make organic eating interesting. With just some simple seasonings and spices, your food will always be delicious. For example, you can experiment with salad dressings and ingredients to make fresh, organic veggie snacks in between meals. Similarly, consider satisfying your sweet tooth with organic fruit delivery - perhaps try a fruit you’ve never had before! Moreover, you can replace sugar, soft drinks, and deep-fried items with fusion salads, sauteed veggies, fruit smoothies, and baked meat.

Most people who eat organic do weekly meal preps and pack a few handy snacks to go through the week. You can even take a home-made lunch or snack to your workplace to avoid eating out. These basic steps will help you stick with your natural eating goals.

Eliminate Junk and Processed Food

Many people suffer from health problems caused by too many processed foods. Sure, grabbing a croissant on your way to work is easier than preparing avocado toast, but do you think that it is good for your health? Of course not! That's the reason we suggest you avoid eating junk and processed food and instead have a few healthy options ready in your kitchen. For instance, you could cut veggies for two to three meals when you have time and grab an easy snack on a busy day, like a piece of fresh fruit.

Similarly, having clean and ready-to-cook meat in your refrigerator is a simple way to stay on track. When you have to treat yourself to a healthy yet delicious meal, bring all organic ingredients to the table and cook them as you please. If you're a newbie at cooking, steamed and stir-fried recipes are a beginner-friendly way to create a simple, satisfying home-cooked meal.

Kitchen Gardening is Always an Option

In addition to getting some organic produce delivered or from the store, you might also consider growing fresh produce in your backyard - or even your kitchen if you don’t have an outdoor area. Although kitchen gardening requires effort and time, the outcome is always worth it. Take advantage of the unused space in your home or invest in pots if you're short on space. Your effort is sure to result in a nonstop supply of fresh, chemical-free produce for your kitchen.