To Buy Organic or Not to Buy Organic, OR Balance???
To Buy Organic or Not to Buy Organic: Finding Your Balance
A Guide to Help You Decide for Yourself and Your Family
Is buying organic the right choice for you and your family? This guide will help you decide by sharing my journey, insights, and the balance I’ve found after nearly a decade of navigating this lifestyle.
My Journey to Awareness
In 2010, my introduction to organic eating was not by chance but out of necessity. After undergoing ostomy surgery, I stumbled upon a book that would change the way I viewed food forever—The Maker’s Diet by Dr. Jordan Rubin. His story was both inspiring and eye-opening. A man who had battled Crohn’s Disease and healed himself within two years through an organic, holistic approach made me question everything I was putting into my body. Not just the food I consumed, but also the products I used on my skin and in my home.
That summer, my mom and I committed to eating 90% organic. We embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, filling our kitchen with organic produce, grass-fed meats, and natural alternatives to everyday products. We felt incredible, but soon realized the financial burden that came with it. Eating organic, while immensely beneficial, was not always feasible for everyone. Despite this, the experience left a lasting impact on me, planting a seed of awareness that would shape my health journey in the years to come.
Fast forward to 2016, when I had the incredible opportunity to work with a naturopathic doctor for three years. This experience took my understanding of clean eating to a whole new level. I was fully immersed in the lifestyle—not just eating organic, but learning, breathing, and even teaching others about it. I became acutely aware of ingredients in our food, body products, and household items. It was no longer just about avoiding processed foods; it was about embracing a lifestyle of mindful consumption.
Making extreme changes to what I put in and on my body was transformative. The results spoke for themselves—my skin cleared up, my clothes fit better, and I had more energy than ever before. I felt a deep connection between my health and the choices I made every day. It wasn’t just about healing; it was about thriving.
While I understand that eating completely organic isn’t always accessible or affordable for everyone, I truly believe that small, intentional changes can make a big difference. Even incorporating organic foods where possible, being mindful of ingredients, and understanding the impact of what we consume can lead to profound health benefits.
Looking back, my journey into organic eating has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It opened my eyes to the power of food—not just as nourishment but as medicine. I am forever grateful for the knowledge, the challenges, and the transformations that came with it. My hope is that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to take even small steps toward a cleaner, healthier way of living.
What Does “Organic” Actually Mean?
Before we dive in, let’s clear up what “organic” actually means. Organic food is grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. It also doesn’t contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). When it comes to meat and dairy, organic means the animals weren’t given antibiotics or growth hormones and were (ideally) raised in more humane conditions.
Organic Living Before and After Family Life
Between 2016 and 2020, I lived an 85% organic lifestyle. At that time, I had no kids in my life, and I could afford to buy mostly organic foods. It became part of my identity—I was the one who avoided certain foods when dining out or at parties.
Fast forward to today: I am now a stepmom to 13-year-old twins. When I met them at age nine, they were already accustomed to a conventional diet. I quickly learned that implementing my previous lifestyle into a blended family was a challenge. As much as I wanted them to eat 100% organic, I had to adapt.
Finding Balance in a Blended Family
BALANCE became our household motto.
Buying organic can be expensive, especially for a family of four. So, we chose balance based on our budget and what works for us. It took time to understand the kids’ food preferences and compromise in a way that still encouraged healthier choices.
Some of the ways we incorporate balance:
Dining out less
No sodas at home (but allowed when eating out)
Open conversations about food choices
Cooking meals they enjoy while including healthier options
How We Make Organic Choices Work
Example Meals in Our Home:
Noah (my stepson) loves hamburgers and tacos.
Organic meat
Regular buns & tortillas
Organic ketchup
Regular pickles
Homemade or frozen fries (depends on time & convenience)
Tacos: Organic meat mixed with mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers
Result: 70% organic, 30% balance
Natalie (my stepdaughter) loves stir fry and chicken alfredo.
Organic chicken
Prego alfredo sauce (haven’t perfected a homemade version yet!)
Organic rice
Organic frozen veggies
Result: 75% organic
We always serve a vegetable with meals, even if it’s not a favorite. The goal is exposure, not forcing them to eat it every time.
Drinks We Offer:
Organic apple juice
Organic milk
Simply Made orange juice
Regular grape juice
Gatorade & Body Armor (a balance choice with no artificial colors, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners)
Water (encouraged daily, reusable bottles for school)
Why Choose Organic?
Our food system is overloaded with hormones, steroids, pesticides, and artificial additives. Conventional farming prioritizes profit over health. Going organic is about reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and eating foods closer to their natural state.
The Pros of Going Organic
Fewer Chemicals – Organic foods have lower pesticide residues, which can be a win for your health.
Better for the Environment – Organic farming practices focus on sustainability, reducing soil erosion, and keeping waterways cleaner.
Animal Welfare – If you care about ethical treatment, organic meats and dairy products often come from farms with better animal welfare standards.
Nutritional Perks – Some studies suggest organic foods might have higher levels of certain nutrients, like antioxidants.
The Downsides of Organic
The Price Tag – Let’s be honest: organic food can be expensive. If you’re on a budget, buying everything organic might not be realistic.
Limited Availability – Depending on where you live, organic options might be harder to find, especially for certain products.
Is It Always “Healthier”? – While organic food avoids synthetic chemicals, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s more nutritious or significantly better for you.
Misleading Labels – Not all organic products are equal. “Organic” junk food is still junk food. An organic cookie isn’t magically a superfood.
The Dirty Dozen & Clean 15
The Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 lists help determine which produce to prioritize buying organic. Updated annually by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), these lists identify the most and least pesticide-contaminated fruits and vegetables.
Dirty Dozen: High in pesticides – worth buying organic (e.g., strawberries, apples, romaine lettuce, blueberries)
Clean 15: Lower in pesticides – safe to buy conventional (e.g., sweet potatoes, carrots, mangos)
Download the EWG app for the full list!- Click here for an image that shows the Dirty Dozen Clean 15 list, what the Non GMO label and organic label looks like to look for it next time you are in the store!!
My Organic Priorities
I don’t buy everything organic, but I have non-negotiables based on affordability and importance:
Always organic: Beef, chicken, eggs, wild-caught tuna, milk
50% organic: Produce and grains
When dining out, I prefer farm-to-table restaurants with fresh, local ingredients. At chain restaurants, I often choose vegetarian dishes like veggie fajitas or salads.
Ingredients to Avoid in Non-Organic Foods
Certified organic foods do not contain these harmful ingredients:
Artificial colors
TBHQ, BHT, BHA (preservatives)
Sucralose, Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium (artificial sweeteners)
Sodium Nitrate
Polysorbate 80
Tip: Check ingredient labels. If there are more than six ingredients, and you can’t pronounce them, reconsider your choice.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Balance
Going organic doesn’t mean being 100% strict. It means making informed choices and finding what works for your family. I challenge you to check the Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 list and decide which items you’ll buy organic this week.
What does balance look like in your household? At the end of the day, buying organic is a personal choice. If you can afford it and want to minimize your exposure to chemicals while supporting sustainable farming, go for it! But if it’s not in your budget or you don’t see the value, don’t stress—eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods (organic or not) is what really matters.
So, what’s your take? Do you go organic, or do you think it’s just a fancy label? Let’s talk in the comments!
Also, enjoy this Organic Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup- Gluten Free version or make it regular :)
With love,
Ashley ❤️
