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 17 (fruit infused water)

How to Make Your Own Fruit Infused Water

As you may already know.... your body is made up of about 60% water. (No wonder why it's so important to consume at least 8 to 10 glasses a day.) Most people don't drink as much water as they should for one reason or another. It's not only a good idea to drink plenty of water daily, but it's vital for good health and promotes beautiful hair & skin.

Top 3 reasons I hear from people who don't drink enough water:

1. "I don't like water."

2. "It doesn't taste like anything."

3." I don't want to keep going to the bathroom all day."

Hey!..... I'm with you on number 3! When I'm home it's cool, but I hate using public restrooms! (that's another blog... ha ha)

These are some of the tips I use to stay hydrated:

1. Don't Just Think More Water. Drink More Water!
I often find myself thinking "I need to drink more water," but thinking is where it use to end for me. Now I have a Brita filtered water pitcher (which is about 2 liters) and I fill it up every morning when I get to work. My goal is to drink the whole pitcher before I leave for the day. It helps to have a plan on how you will consume your 8 to 10 glasses daily. Try substituting your beverage of choice with water at least 1 once a day.

2. Drinking Water At Room Temperature.
I don't know about you guys, but I love me some room temperature water! (I drink fruit infused water cold :) Drinking warm water not only tastes better to me, but it's easier to consume, plus it helps with digestion and washing toxins from the body.

I know some of you "just got's to have yo' ice cold water".... so do what's better for you. (as long as you drink it : ))

3. Make It Pretty :)
We all get bored with drinking plain ol' water, at least I know I do.... so I look for ways to make it fun. I love drinking my water out of a wine glass and adding a bit of lemon. When I want to get really creative,  I'll make some  fruit infused water. 

Here's how I prepare it:

Step 1

Select your favorite fruit and slice it up.

Tip: If possible try to buy organic or just rinse your fruit really well to avoid high levels of pesticides.

For this batch I used:
Handful of frozen blueberries
4 strawberries
1 orange
1 kiwi
1 small lemon
1 small lime
2 mint leaves

Step 2

Place your fruit in a pitcher or mason jar (and ice if you like)

I used a regular pitcher this time, because I didn't plan on storing my fruit infused water for too long. Using a mason jar helps to keep your water fresher if you plan on storing it in the fridge for a couple of days.

Step 3

Add water and bring it all together.

Tip: Let  your water sit in the fridge for a few hours or over night for a delicious infusion.

I like to used spring water, but you can also use filtered water or whatever type of water you normally drink.


Step 4

Drink and Enjoy: )

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. I hope you find these tips helpful. Try it out and let me know what you think! Leave any questions or comments below.



Live Fit Be Free

Eboni :)

30 Day Fitness Challenge Day 8 (healthy snacks)

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Fruits & Veggies!

Well.... that's not exactly how I remember the saying go, but I believe fruits and veggies are worth a shout!

Picking healthy snacks can sometimes be a challenge. I love sweets and have to limit myself on when I can indulge! When I go grocery shopping I rarely buy sweets because I don't want to make it a habit. (Ice cream doesn't count lol ) Every now and again I'll get a craving for a peach cobbler or hot fudge brownies and I'll make them, but for the most part I'll stay away because I know the danger ha ha! I have quite a few healthy snacks I like to munch on when I have a sweet tooth or just want something in between meals.

My Top 5 Healthy Snacks

1. Fruit

My top 3 would have to be: bananas, strawberries and pineapples. Fruit is so easy to prepare and gives your body the nutrients and energy needed during the day.

2. Almonds

Almonds have amazing health benefits and not to mention they taste great!

3. Dried cranberries

Dried cranberries and almonds go hand and hand for me. I love this combo together.

4. Almond butter banana sandwich

Lately, this has been one of my favorite sandwiches to snack on. I usually have this on toasted, whole grain wheat bread. 

5. Greek yogurt 

Greek yogurt tastes great alone or mixed with fruit. I also like mixing it with almonds.

What are some of your favorite snacks? I'd love to hear about them!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today.

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 :)

30 Day Fitness Challenge Day 2 (Green Smoothie)

So….here we are! Day 2 of the “Live Fit Be Free” 30 day challenge. I started the day off right with a delicious green smoothie. I absolutely love these because they are so healthy and yummy! My brother makes fun of me because I have one almost every morning and whenever he comes over I force him to try it… ha ha! Green smoothies have so many amazing health benefits. In one serving, they can supply your body with all the nutrients you need for the day. The amount of nutrients you get will depend on the fruits and vegetables you decide to use.

Preparing my green smoothie. This smoothie consists of:

Kale- Helps with detoxifying the body.

Swiss Chard- Contains beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc and many other disease fighting antioxidants.

Blueberries- High in antioxidants and great for your skin.

Pineapples- Tastes great and is a good source for vitamin C.

1 Small Pear- Helps boost your energy level.

Flaxseed- High in omega-3 fatty acids (keeps your complexion looking youthful)

1/2 Banana- Delicious and high in potassium. The potassium in bananas can help prevent muscle cramps after a workout.

Unsweetened Almond Milk- Great alternative to milk for those who can’t have dairy.
2 scoops of Greens

5 Benefits of Green Smoothies

1. Shed Unwanted Pounds

Green smoothies are low in calories and very filling. If you’re trying to lose weight, green smoothies are excellent because they will help fight hunger and satisfy your food cravings longer.

2. Gives you energy

Since I’m not a coffee drinker, I need something to give me energy and a boost in the morning. Green smoothies do just that for me!

3. Easy to make

From start to finish I can usually prepare my smoothie in under 10 minutes.

4. They’re made-to-order

If you feel weird about the green color…. It’s ok. Try adding more fruit to start. Be creative and have fun with it!

5. They’re Convenient

 If you’re running short on time, but don’t want to skip breakfast, no problem. Make a smoothie! Most mornings I’m rushing out (need to work on that lol ) so I make my smoothie to take with me on the go!

Tip:
For more nutrients try adding  Greens to your smoothie. This will give you lots of energy and ensure you get your daily intake of fruits and veggies if you are running short on time. Add 2 scoops to water or orange juice.

 Greens

*Try making a green smoothie of your own. I hope you love it as much as I do :) Leave your comments below. Thanks for stopping by my blog.*

 

Toast to living a healthier life!

Eboni :) 

Live Fit Be Free