Top Organic Foods Worth the Money

Top Organic Foods Worth the Money
by Michelle Jones, Founder of BetterBudgeting.com

"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." - Martin Luther (1483-1546)

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For organic foodies around the world, this may come as a shock. Shopping for organic foods can be a novel idea for many frugal families. First, fresh produce is often expensive. Second, there are rarely coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables, let alone organic varieties. And third, many grocery stores and discount stores may not carry large quantities of organic foods; making it easier for shoppers to overlook.

As consumers become more educated about the safety of our food supply and pesticide residues, it is certain the value of organic foods will continue to grow.

General nutritional guidelines for good health recommend including 3-5 servings or cups of fruit and vegetables each day (aim for 2 cups of fruit, 3 cups of vegetables). A nutritious diet may also help prevent cancer and other serious diseases. Consult your doctor if you have any questions or health concerns that should be considered.

Our family loves fruits and vegetables and would be delighted to buy all organic if we could. The few things we've tried over the years have been wonderful.

The good news is, we don't have to buy all organic if it's not in our budget. Regular frozen fruits and vegetables are a great choice, for nutrition and cost. Non-organic produce can be washed thoroughly before serving.

Grow your own.

Shop local farmer's markets.

If you'd like to try organic at the grocery store, start small. Consider choosing organic for foods that are at highest risk for contamination.

An annual list of the most contaminated produce is provided by the non-profit EWG (Environmental Working Group). Their list, referred to as the "Dirty Dozen," is based on annual tests from the USDA and FDA. Fruits and Vegetables on the current list are as follows...

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Strawberries
4. Peaches
5. Spinach
6. Nectarines (imported)
7. Grapes (imported)
8. Sweet Bell Peppers
9. Potatoes
10. Blueberries
11. Lettuce
12. Kale/Collard Greens

These foods are considered safe for us to eat, or they wouldn't be in our supermarkets. Would they?

Maybe organic is the best choice for the "Dirty Dozen" list.

At the very least, a good place to start.

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Sources:

US Dept. of Agriculture

EWG.org

Copyright 2012 by Michelle Jones. All rights reserved.
Founder of Living a Better Life®
Visit BetterBudgeting.com for your free membership and ebook gift.

The Joy of Books

The Joy of Books - Click Play to View One of the COOLEST Videos I've Ever Seen!

"Books are delightful society. If you go into a room and find it full of books - even without taking them from the shelves they seem to speak to you, to bid you welcome." - William Ewart Gladstone

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Just had to share this video with fellow booklovers, and our children, enjoy! :o)

Video by...

crazedadman on Jan 9, 2012

"After organizing our bookshelf almost a year ago (see first video at http://youtu.be/zhRT-PM7vpA), my wife and I decided to take it to the next level. We spent many sleepless nights moving, stacking, and animating books at Type bookstore in Toronto (883 Queen Street West, (416) 366-8973). "

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Shared by Michelle Jones
Founder of Living a Better Life®
Visit BetterBudgeting.com for your free membership and ebook gift!

Unemployment: Month 19 - Not Finished Yet

Not Finished Yet
by Michelle Jones, Founder of BetterBudgeting.com

"Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: If you're alive, it isn't." - Richard Bach

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This month my husband and I will be celebrating our 26th anniversary. We have been through thick and thin together, many times. We have experienced joy and heartache, every season of life, all to the fullest.  
Life has been good, even when it wasn't.  
But it's not over. God is not finished with us yet. As individuals, as a community, as a country.
When everything around us seems to be falling apart, we always manage to get through it. We pick ourselves up and get back to work. No matter how hard it is, no matter how long it takes. One day at a time, until we can look back and say, "Wow, we made it."  
We can't rely on governments or other people to take care of us. We have to make a way for ourselves, and anyone that we can help along the way.
Knowing that the world is suffering, in so many ways, weighs on my heart every day. It is hard to complain of anything when the number of people without food, water, or a home to live in, continues to grow. By the millions. If we have food, water, and a home to live in (whether we own, rent, or share), we are very fortunate.  
Here in the U.S., massive job cuts continue each year. In every state, except North Dakota, the number of new jobs being created are not enough to keep up with the population growth (kids graduating from high school or college, immigrants and refugees, all coming into the workforce looking for a job--in addition to our unemployed).  
North Dakota is growing due to a new oil boom in part of the state. My husband has applied for jobs there, even though it's 1,600 miles away from our home in Atlanta. We have relocated many times over the years for his jobs, 7 moves and 7 different states, to be exact. Relocating is not an issue for us; I think, deep down, we even enjoy the challenge. However, ND is experiencing a new set of problems to deal with as well. They do not have adequate resources for the influx of new workers and it is putting a strain on the state.
For all the other states who don't have natural resources to create jobs... we must be more creative. We've done it before, and we can do it again. Our grandparents grew up during the depression.  Families and communities worked together to get through hard times.  
Now, after decades of hard work to end poverty in our own country as well as others, we are going backwards. The middle class is fading away and the number of families living in or below current poverty levels are increasing every year. This effects every business, and every family.  
It's simple economics. When people don't have jobs, they cannot spend money. Businesses suffer, and more jobs are lost. When people have jobs, they are able to spend money. Businesses grow, and more jobs are created. 
So what is our purpose? What can we do, while our country works to resolve these dire economic issues that may or may not be solved?
With God's help, we can continue to make a difference in our families, and in our world. He's not finished with us yet.
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Copyright 2011 by Michelle Jones. All rights reserved.
Founder of Living a Better Life®
Visit BetterBudgeting.com for your free membership and ebook gift.

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