Is Organic More Expensive?

Walmart vs Trader Joe's 

I'm constantly hearing people say they would love to eat organic food, but they don't normally buy it because it's too expensive. Well, if you shop at Walmart and you don't think you can afford organic fruits and veggies, you may want to think again.

I decided to do a little price comparison just for kicks. I wanted to see what the difference would be between the produce at Walmart vs Trader Joe's and here's what I found.....

(Walmart  left, Trader Joe's  right)

Walmart's spinach is about $1.00 more than Trader Joe's organic spinach. I always had a hunch that Walmart was not always the cheapest, but it was good to do a side by side to confirm.

Trader Joe's vs Trader Joe's

(Trader Joe's organic lemons vs Trader Joe's non-organic lemons)

Most people have at least heard that organic fruits and vegetables are more expensive, but the question is how much more? Well, based on my trip to Trader Joe's, there was only a 20 cent difference between the organic vs non-organic lemons....which is not that big of a price gap. I personally go for the organic when possible.

Hopefully this provides you with some insight for your next trip to the grocery store. The conclusion is that you may pay a bit more more for organic depending on what you buy. I know organic meats are usually always more expensive, but other organic items don't always have to be.

Thanks for stopping by... leave any questions or comments below. I'd love to hear from you!

Live Fit Be Free

Eboni :)

30 Day Fitness Challenge Day 23 (how to eat healthy)

How To Start Eating Healthy

As I mentioned in my other blog posts…. eating healthy has never really been a problem for me... (with the exception of sweets :)) the working out portion was my challenge! I justified not exercising by telling myself… “it’s ok …because you eat right and still manage to stay thin” ha ha! I know my story is quite the opposite from most people, but either way, incorporating both fitness and healthy eating habits is the key to optimal health.

Top five reasons people say they don’t eat healthy:

1. Convenience
let's face it. Trying to juggle family, work and all the other commitments we all have in life start to make fast food look pretty appealing. Driving up to McDonald's takes far less time and energy than preparing a home cooked meal. Eating healthy takes effort.

2. Healthy food doesn’t taste that great
Ah....... I just heard this the other day. Many people think healthy food is bland and has no taste. This is not even close to the truth! There are many ways to cook healthy meals that taste great....it's all in the way you prepare it. Try searching google, there are tons of healthy and tasty options out there.

3. It’s hard…. I can’t help it.
Hey! no one said it would be easy, but it will be worth it in the end. If you tell yourself it's too hard and "you can't help it" you'll stay stuck and never change your eating habits. Find a way to incorporate nutritious meals into your lifestyle. Read articles online, buy books, do whatever it takes to learn about healthy eating and start there. 

4. Its too expensive
Eating right can be expensive, but what is a poor diet costing you? High blood pressure? Unwanted extra pounds? Not being able to fit into those jeans? It's up to you to decide what living a healthy lifestyle is worth.


5. I’ll still be hungry

Most people think eating healthy means being hungry. What people fail to realize is that you can still have many of the same foods you love, but in moderation. Portion control is key. Over the past several years the portion sizes for the average American has more than doubled.  It's ok to have that chicken and mashed potatoes sometimes, but do you really need 3 servings? Like everything in life else in life there needs to be balance.

Making better food choices:

Realize making healthy choices it’s a process and it will not happen overnight. Be realistic with yourself. If you’re use to eating smothered pork chops and biscuits for dinner every night it’s going to take some reconditioning of your mind to change that. …. it’s best to consider lifestyle change opposed to a diet…. and that happens one meal at a time. Start off small. If you like fried foods, try a healthier alternative, like: baking or grilling, you still get the great taste without all the fat!

I hope these tips help!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.

Live Fit Be Free

Eboni :)

30 Day Fitness Challenge Day 6 (organic food)

Does It Really Matter if Your Fruit and Veggies Are Organic?

The other day I had the opportunity to pick fresh pears from my aunts' pear tree. These pears were so sweet and delicious that it made me want to grow a pear tree of my own, but until then picking pears from her tree should suffice :)

I recently had a conversation with someone about the difference between organic and nonorganic fruit and veggies. Does it really make a difference? 

The answer is YES! It does make a difference.

Here are 3 reasons organic fruits and veggies may be better for you:

1. Pesticides and toxins

Organic fruit and vegetables have much lower pesticides and toxins. 

2. You're helping the environment.

Buying organic helps to support farmers who practice organic farming techniques which are less harsh on the environment. 

3. They taste better.

I don't know if it's just me, but I eat with a clearer conscious and peace of mind when I'm eating organic food that comes from a garden or farmers market. Knowing exactly where my food came from helps me enjoy it a little better lol.

(Here is a picture of my picking some delicious carrots from my aunt's garden.)

I hope these 3 tips gave you some insight as to why organic fruit and veggies may be better for you.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Live Fit Be Free!

Eboni :)