Organic Living

Despite the fact that I had some suspicion I was pregnant, it was still a shock when that little plus sign appeared. The excitement, joy, and overwhelming sense of responsibility incited me to learn as much as I could about protecting the growing baby within. Over the next few weeks, I'll bring you simple, attainable solutions to green your bump. If you're not preggers yet, don't tune out. Whether you're planning on getting pregnant, nursing a babe or a woman trying to achieve wellness, you'll likely find tips that will help you achieve greenness.

As one who has always been conscious about the food I eat, I was surprised to learn that I wasn't as "green" or as granola as I thought I was. Avoiding mercury and listeriosis was easy. Avoiding GMO's, hormones, and chemical additives in foods became a challenge.

Your baby depends on you to provide him/her with the nutritional foundation vital to sustaining sufficient growth and development. One of the choices I made was to start buying organic. Choosing organic food options can help eliminate your exposure (and your baby's exposure) to pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, nitrites, and artificial flavors and sweeteners. I used to think that organic was synonymous with expensive. Here are a few tips I've found that allow us to buy organic while sticking to the budget.

1. Dare to compare - Comparison shopping takes a few extra minutes but is well worth the additional savings overall. Greenpeople.org and Farmersmarket.com are invaluable resources for natural and organic food sources in your area.

2. Stay close to home - When it comes to fruit and vegetables, buying local makes cents. The produce is fresher, and in my experience, less expensive than organic options at chain grocery stores. Preserve the environment and invest in your community by getting local!

3. Bulk up - Costco and other wholesalers are "going green" and offering natural, organic options. Just be sure you're going to consume what you buy for the most economic benefit.

4. Brand "X" - Retailers are stepping up to the consumer demand for cost-effective organic products by offering generic brands. Check out Whole Foods' 365 brand and Safeway's O Organics brand.

5. Be a savvy saver - You can find a wide variety of coupons for natural and organic foods by going on your favorite brands' website (sometimes you have to sign up for their newsletter to receive coupons). Check outMambo Sprouts and healthesavers.com which are my top picks!

6. Ditch the dirty dozen - If you can't afford to buy all of your produce organic, at least consider consuming organic alternatives to these twelve fruits and veggies containing the highest levels of pesticide residue.

7. Do your homework - You may find that organic living is easier and more affordable than you think. Hereis a good place to start!