Nutrition: The Nuts & Bolts of Eating Fresh Part 1

Shari (left) and Tina (right) from Crows Pass Farm at Michelle's Place.

At Michelle's Place, we are fortunate to be located in Temecula, California, where we have local farms (and wineries, but this post is not about the benefits of red wine!) that provide local-grown produce year-round. Tina and Shari from Crows Pass Farm delivered another Educational Seminar chock full of information a few weeks ago and I want to share some of what I learned with you in a series of blog posts.

Why eat fresh, or even (gasp!) organic? 
Essentially, you want to get back to basics. Basic, natural ingredients. Avoid processed foods. Insert more fruits and vegetables into your diet - 5 servings a day are recommended but I have read that if you are at risk because of family history, increase that to 8-10. "More is better" is appropriate here!

Organic vs. non-organic is a decision you will have to come to your own but this statistic says it all for me. "According to estimates by the Environmental Working Group -- the agency that developed the "Dirty Dozen" list -- you can reduce your pesticide exposure by 80 percent simply by choosing organic versions of these 12 fruits and vegetables:

• peaches
• apples
• sweet bell peppers 
• celery
• nectarines
• strawberries
• cherries
• kale
• lettuce
• imported grapes
• carrots 
• pears." (Source: CBS News) 

The Clean 15 are also good to know since you do not have to be as strict when it comes to buying organic which can save you money. The Clean 15 list is made up of:

• Onions
• Sweet corn
• Pineapples
• Avocado
• Asparagus
• Sweet peas
• Mangoes
• Eggplant
• Cantaloupe (domestic)
• Kiwi
• Cabbage
• Watermelon
• Sweet potatoes
• Grapefruit
• Mushrooms

 When you think of what average Americans eat, a move to increase the amount of fresh food in the diet is going to be extremely beneficial health wise. Eating organic is a personal choice but the benefits are even more far-reaching than just decreasing the pesticides/toxins that you are putting into your body. This link at MayoClinic.com has the basics laid out nicely for you.

When you are going through treatment for cancer, eating raw fruits or vegetables may not be an option for you. Chemotherapy can also leave things tasting very different, even metallic-like. Sometimes using citrus can help with the flavor and you can cook veggies and still get the nutrients you need. Fruits can also be stewed or prepared so you do not have to eat them raw.

Until next time...Viva la veggies!