Organic Food

Q: When should I buy organic, and when should I not worry about it? 

A: The Environmental Working Group lists the “Dirty Dozen”, the top twelve produce items that carry the most pesticides. These are the ones to splurge on when you have the opportunity to buy organic: 

Peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, grapes (imported), spinach, lettuce, potatoes. (source: www.ewg.org)

Eating Habits

Q: Is it okay to eat red meat? 

A: Red meat is a great source of protein and iron. If you enjoy meat, I would recommend getting organic or labeled “no antibiotics or hormones”. Limit your red meat intake to once a week or less.

Appetite

Q: I am so hungry all the time. Do you have any suggestions for curbing my appetite?

A: One word: snacks. But snack smart. Check out the Healthy Snacks link (listed under the Nutrition link) on this website. Also, research shows that people who ate an apple before each meal reduced the amount of calories they ate overall. Choose fruits or vegetables with a high water content to fill you up. Try cucumbers, melons, grapes, tomatoes or berries.