When to Buy Organic

Every time you visit your local grocery store, you are likely faced with a decision: organic or conventional?

You may want to “go organic” to reduce your exposure to pesticides or toxins or because you're concerned about environmental impact. Or maybe you think organic foods just taste better. Whatever your reason, though, you've probably noticed organic foods are often more expensive than standard fare.

It is possible to eat organic and stick to your budget by prioritizing your organic choices. Here's a rule of thumb: buy organic if you plan to eat the skin. Foods with edible skins — apples, grapes, strawberries, lettuce, and tomatoes — tend to absorb more pesticides. Foods like bananas, onions, and pineapples have very little pesticide residue to begin with, so buying organic might not make much difference.

No matter what you choose, be sure the food in your grocery cart fits into an overall healthy diet that helps you stay well.

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