Looking up a simple definition of organic is anything relating to or derived from living matter In food or farming it is produced without the use of chemical fertilizers pesticides or other artificial ingredients
When we take care of our whole self our whole body is rewarded Healthy sleep leads to better cognitive and emotional behavior along with physical care for our heart and mind Exercise fads go in waves with the newest and shiny trends attracting our attention In January we all sign up for cycling class Zumba or aerial fitness But what goes into our bodies is where we need to start
According to the US Department of Agricultures National Organic Standards Board organic is a labeling term that denotes products produced under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act For USDA certified organic foods soil quality animal raising practices pest and weed control plus additives are addressed Organic producers rely on natural substances and physical mechanical or biologically based farming methods to the fullest extent possible
The USDA organic standards require strict regulations on multi ingredient food without artificial preservatives colors or flavors According to the USDA processed organic foods may contain some approved non agricultural ingredients like enzymes in yogurt pectin in fruit jams or baking soda in baked goods
Jaclyn London a registered dietician provides a helpful look into decoding USDAs labels in an article from Good Housekeeping For a product to carry the USDA organic label a third party must verify at least 95 of the ingredients as organic The phrase made with organic ingredients means at least 70 of the ingredients used counted as organic Again it goes back to the production of the product versus the food itself that makes it organic
Follow SMART Goals
First look at your grocery budget to make certain you can swing an organic food budget It costs more for organic choices because it costs more on the production side Set goals why you want to make a change
Look for the green USDA Organic seal on products Without this seal it is not considered organic You can then review your recipes to see how organic fits
After reviewing your budget and taking inventory of the USDA Organic selection at your local grocer see if you can make an attainable plan Ease into organic living without starting from scratch Spices are a good way to phase out when empty with a shift to organic
You cannot eat organic 100 of the time If you are invited to a family or friends house do not bring your own food unless you have strict dietary restrictions Instead embrace the opportunity to teach others by complementing the host and asking for their recipe Try it at home using organic ingredients
Time sensitive There is no easy way to change your entire eating and drinking habits Start small and set goals along the way If you are eliminating dairy to start out celebrate the win and move on to the next group like meat or grains
Your first natural step in switching to organic food is to make a grocery list and menu plan for the week Take the time to plan everything out so you are not overbuying It also is wise to not waste your current pantry items so try eliminating what is in the cabinets first
Move On to the Bedroom
The Sleep Foundation states to qualify as an organic mattress the bed should contain organic and or natural materials with reputable certifications The Global Organic Textile Standard GOTS and Global Organic Latex Standard GOLS are considered the leading certifications for organic components
How long ago did you purchase your mattress Pillows Sheets It may be time for a fresh beginning So where do you begin searching
A popular mattress choice when trying to become healthier is looking for natural materials like latex or cotton However Our Sleep Guide suggests mattresses like Avocado Green Mattress They not only use natural materials but are also organically certified Crib mattresses are available as well with Avocados product line
Pillows can be a tricky choice because there are so many options and so many types of back or neck issues There is a choice for all sizes and sleep ailments with organic materials including latex birch and charcoal
Weighted blankets have been all the rage for anxiety and 2020 left a lot of anxiety to carry over in 2021 Organic weighted blankets are made of velvet hand knitting cotton or glass beads Though the materials may sound strange each is made with the highest quality certified organic products in mind Same with sheets with satin and cotton options
For now the safest bet is to do your research Take this guide and start reviewing what is in your cabinets and in your bedroom to shift towards a healthier lifestyle for your whole body Make a budget follow SMART goals and journal what changes you notice
At the Alaska Sleep Clinic we diagnose and treat thousands of cases of sleep apnea every year For a free 10 minute phone consultation with a sleep expert click the link below and be on your way to getting quality sleep every night so you feel energized everyday
