Non-organic raw food diet. Is it bad?

[Stayn'alive]

Hi everyone:),
I started raw food diet couple days ago and I think this is a huge step to a better life:) but i have one nagging question :confused: I can't affor buy organic raw products, it's to expensive for me:( is it not to bad to eat only non-organic raw? maybe i need to do a sort of regular cleaning (like fasting one day a week/month)? What do you think about it?

[JCB44]

I don't think that non organic is that bad if it is all you have got. I would definetly wash everything though. It is definetly better than SAD food.

[Revvell]

It's probably better than what you've been doing so no, not "bad". If you search, you'll find a list of some of the organic produce you may wish to purchase as one more step in the right direction. Some have higher contaminants than others.

Also, on any given day, we've found some organic produce was the same price or even less than the conventional. Go figure.

Revvell (http://letstalkraw.com)

[Colorawdo girl]

Organic is not expensive to me.What is expensive is thinking of all the pesticides,fungicides and germicides I am polluting my body with...ugh. That is expensive!!! How can I be loving my body and then do that?

Thats just for me. Non organic raw way BETTER THAN cooked dead food..for sure.
Best organic high raw...grow sprouts in your kitchen.Never fails.Superior nutrition,no chems!!!! Grow a garden..way less toxic than conventional produce.
Its ok exactly as you are.Taking that extra step to organic for yourself is one you will prob take when you are ready.

In the meantime..buy the "cleaner" produce.... –Here are the most toxic produce conventional grown
# Peaches
Strawberries –
# Apples –
# Spinach –
# Nectarines –
# Celery -
# Pears –
# Cherries –
# Potatoes –
# Sweet Bell Peppers –
# Raspberries –
# Grapes – Imported from outside U.S. –
# Carrots –

[rftm0115]

It's not that bad compared to what the majority of the US is eating, and they're functioning albeit sickly. :) Organic is definitely optimal. Work with what you have.

If you like fresh juices, juicing takes out a lot of the toxins as most of the toxins are located in the fiber & skin. Also, see which fruit and veggies contain the least toxins and pick up those for dinner. The ones with the most toxins should be avoided.

[MrsJ]

Find a Farmers Market!

I found one here in Scottsdale and the prices are about the same as conventional. Yum yum!

[Revvell]

Scottsdale has a small but wonderful farmers' market. Went there where I was speaking at the Festival of the Wise last year. I LOVE Scottsdale!

Have you been to the restaurants? One is vegan with raw options; the other is ummm, an ethnic one where the chef is raw and has a raw menu on Sat. and Sun. nights I think it is.

[kaybee]

what revvell says is true--sometimes you will find organic things for same price as conventional. ive seen this with things like apples and pears, and lettuce and grapes, but then i guess it depends on where you are shopping and whats available.

i cant do all organic either, but have gotten to the point where there are certain things that if i cant get/afford them organic, id rather generally not eat them, this is the case with things like peppers, usually with strawberries, grapes, etc. I am pretty adamant about buying my veggies--particularly greens--organic, but I dont worry too much about fruits because I CANT worry about them. I cant afford organic fruit in any sort of quantity, hands down, and often its not readily available so unless its organic and on sale or reduced, I buy conventional. the one exception to this is I will only buy organic apples, and i sometimes buy organic bananas because the price difference isnt so much.
One thing I would advise is to avoid falling into the trap of thinking you have to have all these raw "products" such as agave, cacao, coconut oil, maca, supplements, etc etc etc that are super-expensive, and instead, put that money towards buying organic produce. Order some dates from the date people or somewhere and use those as sweetner, or use organic raisins (or currants, as raisins seem to often have veg oil added), or other unsulfured dried fruit, or local honey, as sweetners. the "products" are good for "fun," and "treats," but dont fall into the trap of thinking you have to have them to do raw and then end up spending money on those instead of on organic produce. Just what I think anyway.

Also, if you have free time on your hands, find out about CSA's. some farms will give you a box of produce in exchange for a certain number of hours of your time volunteering in the garden or whatnot. also, check with local organic delivery services if you have them and enquire what they do with their "slightly damaged" produce, or if you might be able to obtain some at a discount. Spring is coming on. Shop farmers markets if you can, and see if any farmers have programs where you can work for them for a few hours a week in exchange for produce, if you have time. Also, some people say places like costco have good deals on organics. so def keep an eye out for when the organic stuff might actually be cheaper than the conventional in some cases. and check discount stores llike aldi or lidl if you have them. we have lidl and they dont have a ton of organics but they have a few and some things like bananas are similarly priced to the conventional ones

and i second the grow a garden comment. if you have time, that is; if you have a backyard, then its easier, but if not, see if you can find someone who will let you use space on their land and/or look into what community gardening projects might exist in your area.

good luck

kaybee

[MrsJ]

Have you been to the restaurants? One is vegan with raw options; the other is ummm, an ethnic one where the chef is raw and has a raw menu on Sat. and Sun. nights I think it is.

No!? Where are these!?!?

[Revvell]

Sorry, I don't have time to do the research for you. I googled before I went there for three days and found them. You live there. I'm sure you can find them.



No!? Where are these!?!?

[Veganforlife]

Google is MY friend - that's for sure!

[nellie]

Buy organic when you can but definitely look for farmers markets. Also, check places that carry/specialize in organic produce as sometimes the prices can be comparable or cheaper the non-organic produce. Whole Foods has sales and often I see things there cheaper than the regular super market.

[LNdolls]

Raw is great, so keep trusting your own experience and keep eating raw. When you can, sure choose organic - but overall look for the freshest, most vibrant colors with your produce and you won't go wrong!!

[Raw Angel Mom]

Find a chart of pesticid content for each food.

One i know the worst food to buy none organic is stawberry.
I only buy frozen Mango from Costco and rarely banana when i cannot find them ripe enough in organic and need them now, but over all, i only buy organic. The year that i agree with the universe to buy organic, i got a 5% raise. Somehow, the money will come.

Buying from your local farmer, would save you so much and it will help your farmer in your area. Plus, i trust that food more then supposed organic food. But i always by organic or locally grown.

Will all the money that you will save for not buying the bad stuff or any junky food, you could use that instead.


Fruits and vegetables wtih the highest and lowest pesticide levels
These 12 popular fresh fruits and vegetables are consistently the most contaminated with pesticides—buy these organic.

http://www.helpguide.org/life/organic_foods_pesticides_gmo.htm

Highest in Pesticides
Apples
Bell Peppers
Celery
Cherries
Grapes (imported)
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Potatoes
Red Raspberries
Spinach
Strawberries



These 12 popular fresh fruits and vegetables consistently have the lowest levels of pesticides.

Lowest in Pesticides
Asparagus
Avocados
Bananas
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Corn (sweet)
Kiwi
Mangos
Onions
Papaya
Pineapples
Peas (sweet)

[Eva]

No!? Where are these!?!?

http://www.uncooking101.com/arizona-raw-food-restaurants.html

I hope this helps. :)

[MrsJ]

http://www.uncooking101.com/arizona-raw-food-restaurants.html

I hope this helps. :)

Omg omg omg. Thanks! Can't wait to go to Sedona!