By Cheryl Koch, M.S., R.D. Provided by: Johns Hopkins University

Eat Right, Stay Fit

Going Organic By Cheryl Koch, M.S., R.D. - Posted Thu, Nov 17, 2005, 11:20 am PST

Showing 1-15 of 36 Comments

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  • 1. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Nov 17, 2005, 12:05 pm PST

    The prices for the Organic foods are expensive and not readily available for the average person. However; I recently began a weight loss program. Not diet, but a lifestyle change developed by Dr. Shari Lieberman. It's called Tranisitions and can be purchased through www.ANICEMALL.com. It's eating Low-Glycemic. I began the lifestyle and within 28 days I lost a total of 15lbs. and counting and I have yet to re-find the ones I've lost. I followed the system while still having the following: Pizza, Wings, Pasta, Meatballs, Spare Ribs, Candy, etc. I just didn't overdo it. I am still following my new lifestyle and I wouldn't change for nothing. Adam

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  • 2. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Nov 17, 2005, 1:54 pm PST

    I love the idea of organic foods. Why would anyone buy food that was sprayed with pesticides when they had access to the organic foods. Wal-Mart has a decent selection or organic foods. The price is more expensive but not so much that the average person couldn't afford it. The price increase (at Wal-Mart at least) is only a few cents.

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  • 3. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Nov 17, 2005, 3:19 pm PST

    I am beginning to loose weight whooppeee...check out www.fruit-mangosteen.com

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  • 4. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Nov 17, 2005, 4:45 pm PST

    Cheryl, I hope you'll delete the spam posts people are making. Organic foods are more expensive for a very simple reason: It takes more resources to grow something organically. Think about it logically, without chemical pesticides, it takes a lot more land to harvest the same amount of vegatables or fruit. So it's actually an inefficient use of natural resources . Anyway, I think Cheryl is spot on. The key determinant should be the nutritional value.

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  • 5. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Nov 17, 2005, 5:33 pm PST

    A recent Consumer Reports piece showed that organic fruits and vegetables did indeed have a higher vitamin and mineral content. It's true that organic foods are most often more expensive, but I disagree with grey-sojourner--I think they are an efficient use of natural resources because the land does not become heavily salinated, and the soils and micro-organisms in the soil stay healthier. Also, importantly, many organic farmers practice excellent anti-erosion practices through no-till agriculture, and this is an incredibly efficient use of land. However, price is an issue of course with organics. However, there are a lot of options--check out local farmer's markets and Community Supported Agrculture and/or subscription farms. Better yet, try growing some of your own vegetables and fruits in a local community garden. This ensures the freshest produce--and the fresher, and the more locally-sourced, the better, particularly since fresher foods are higher in nutritional value.

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  • 6. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Nov 17, 2005, 6:21 pm PST

    I have been diagnosed with a disorder that recommends a completely organic diet and lifestyle change. I had to do some research but did find a couple stores in the neighboring county that carried organic wine, produce, frozen food & meats. The cost is a bit more, but the taste and nutritional value far outweight the alternative. I juice & blend alot of the fruits & vegetables and along with a lifestyle change, have noticed a positive difference in my health and weight. Yes, organics are on the rise as health issues become more prevalent.

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  • 7. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Nov 17, 2005, 7:07 pm PST

    Organic meats do not contain hormones and antbotics that there countier parts do. People are devloping dieases and tolerance to the antibotics. So there is a diffecnce between organic and non-organic. The prices are higher because feed and organic resources cost 4 times as much then the convential way. I'm a organic farmer and I would love to sell my products at a lower cost, but the cost to produce organic products are through the roof. I think as people learn about the benefits of eating organic more and more people will buy and then you will see the price go down.

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  • 8. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Nov 17, 2005, 8:50 pm PST

    It is somewhat scarey of how much money is put into buying something that is organic. I can not tell a lie. I to buy organic food for the purpose of feeling as though I am doing nutritionaly good. The food does seem to also have a better taste for the most part. There does need to be more scientific study to see if the organic industry of full proof or just another way for income.

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  • 9. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Nov 17, 2005, 10:31 pm PST

    Hi,I have been into organic since I was intoduced to Wellness Institute.My doctor just took me of pork fried&sweets.More into veggies fish salads right combination of supplements&exercise,with that I lost 15lbs.My ovarian cyst&endometriosis was gone in 2years.I recommend BRAGG liquid amino&BRAGG apple cider.I use the liquid amino to replace my vinegar fishsauce soy.I take honey with apple cider with a glass of water.It's like a beverage.Regular exercise like a 30 min.brisk walking will benefit you.Be well! Eat healthy!Janet Philippines jing_fajardo@yahoo.com

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  • 10. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Nov 17, 2005, 11:39 pm PST

    The National Institutes of Health recently released relevant data that agrees with The Plateau-proof Diet... www.plateauproofdiet.com

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  • 11. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Nov 18, 2005, 5:38 am PST

    I am a firm believer in not putting chemicals into my body, therefore I WANT to buy organic everything, but I am disgusted by the high prices...someone like me with very little money left over for things like food and gas is having a hard time with it, any advice out there?

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  • 12. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Nov 18, 2005, 6:29 am PST

    Of course "organic" food grown without chemical interference is better for you but because of the outrageous prices we have to make intelligent choices; which vegetables are grown relatively chemical-free; shelf-time in markets; etc. We have tremendous food choices in the USA - think Afghanistan where they are presently eating grass and dirt; eschew fast food, processed food (including "fresh" juices in cartons), sweets and soda and you'll be very healthy!

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  • 13. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Nov 18, 2005, 8:04 am PST

    I am interested in eating more organic products, but the availability and the price scare me off. So I guess I would have to waite to finish school and land a great job to afford to eat organic food. That is truly sad. You would think growing food with out any chemicals would be a lot cheaper thats not the case.

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  • 14. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Nov 18, 2005, 8:09 am PST

    Here is an interesting link for proponents of organic foods. Pay close attention to the scientific data. The conclusion is that organic foods offer no more protection to the consumer than conventionally grown. The difference in pesticide levels in so small it is almost unmeasurable. The last thing we need is people avoiding conventionally grown fruits and vegetables because they think they are laced with "poison". http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/organic.html

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  • 15. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Nov 18, 2005, 8:27 am PST

    Be careful buying "organic" Wal-mart products. They are a large corporation with wide reaching funds they use to relax organic growing standards. Don't be fooled by those who use organic as a marketing tool.

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