Organic vs. Natural: What Are They Anyway?

By Jamil Donith
While it might seem like they are the same, natural and organic are two different things. Natural refers to being lightly processed and does not contain any synthetic preservatives such as food dyes, growth hormones and other artificial products. Unlike organic foods, the government is not required to monitor natural products outside of health code regulations that apply to all foods, except with meat and poultry.

Organic not only refers to the food, but also the process that goes into producing the food. The National Organic Program must certify organic foods. Farming methods must promote recycling, biodiversity and cannot use hormones, pesticides, bioengineered genes and fertilizers that include petroleum or sewage sludge. For livestock to be considered organic, animals cannot be given growth hormones or any type of antibiotic and must be able to roam freely outside.

To get more information about organic certification you can visit the United States Department of Agriculture Web site on Agricultural Marketing Service at www.ams.usda.gov/nop/

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Top ten reasons to eat organic food!

By Harris Feibischoff
10. It helps your organs.
9. Because going green is the cool thing to do these days.
8. You might be able to pass organic chemistry.
7. The economy can’t get any worse.
6. Its better then being vegan.
5. It could help stop childhood obesity.
4. I watched a special about it on Food Network
3. St Patrick’s Day is a green holiday.
2. Did I say going green is the cool thing to do these days?
1. It protects the environment.

http://www.foodnews.org/EWG-shoppers-guide-download-final.pdf

“What is organic food? Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations.  Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones.  Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation.  Before a product can be labeled ‘organic,’ a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards.  Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.” Consumer Brochure, USDA National Organic Program, http://www.ams.usda.gov/nop/Consumers/brochure.html

That is the "official" definition of organic food by the USDA. Organic to me, is food in it's most natural, pure state. Food that is not highly processed. This website is about all things organic-whether it is food, health/fitness, gardening, household, self-care, or shopping.

We have been given one body and one planet. We can take care and preserve them both with a vegan diet. Eat as close to nature intended as we can in this modern world we live in. We can wholly nourish our bodies, our souls and our planet by eating a diet rich in veggies, fruits, beans and grains.

In the popular press as of late, there has been a lot of buzz about organics. The first lady, Michelle Obama, planted an organic garden at the White House. Organic advocate, Kathleen Merrigan, was appointed Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.  And Matthew Kenney's, Oklahoma City-based 105degrees is the place for living cuisine, featuring a café, an academy, and a boutique retail shop. In 2008, 105degrees was created to fill a void in the culinary world.Their mission is to share and advance cutting-edge living cuisine in an inviting environment with adept service, creative education and superior dining. There is a lot of hubub a' happenin' that I will try to keep you updated on.

There is an awakening slowly happening across our country, and throughout the world. There are a lot of messages. Buy organic, buy local, go vegetarian, go vegan, go raw vegan, the candida diet, the akaline diet-yikes! It is all so confusing. Being a fairly practical girl, I choose to take the middle of the road and not go to any extremes with any diet. I don't want to feel restricted. I don't even want to call them "diets". Healthy living is a lifelong pursuit, not a "diet". The word "diet" to me indicates something temporary, something to help us lose weight perhaps, or fix an ailment. We suffer from our ailments however, from following an unhealthy lifestyle. That has to change. So follow me on this journey, as we uncover the newest ideas in living green, living health fully, and living organically.