Prep for a Week of Healthy Eating With Me! | Meal Planning & Food Prep | Becca Bristow MA, RD

By Jessica Rogers May 28, 2023 14 mins read 11736 Views

Elevating the everyday is our mission. At Belovedsaffron.com, we think the world deserves more than conventional cuisines — and more than take-out from chains. Our goal is to celebrate cultural flavours through spices, herbs and organic food from sustainable farming.

Saffron is our love affair; a culinary crescendo that evokes a warmth of its own. But cooking is so much more than a single ingredient — it’s also about respect. It’s about respecting people from different cultures who dedicate their lives to creating something extraordinary with every dish they serve; family meals or five-star restaurants alike.

And that’s why we’re inviting everyone to join us – to share their recipes, explore new flavors and be part of something special. We know everyone has something delicious to offer!

For now, love yourself and enjoy this one ...

Prep for a Week of Healthy Eating With Me! | Meal Planning & Food Prep | Becca Bristow MA, RD

Frequently Asked Questions

Is organic food healthy?

There are two types. Those we grow or those we get from someone else. There are exceptions, but the majority of the time, both options will be available. Organic food is healthier because it doesn't contain any harmful chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, preservatives, or genetically modified organisms (GMO).

You can find organic foods in supermarkets across North America. Organic food is now available in most grocery stores, making it easier to find organic foods.

Organic food has higher levels vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which makes it more delicious and nutritious. Organics can be grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. This ensures that organics do not pollute our soil or water supply.

The USDA regulates organic farming practices. They require farmers to follow strict guidelines so that organic produce can be eaten safely. There are over 30,000,000 acres of US agricultural land that has been certified organic.

As an added benefit, organic food is often much cheaper than conventional food. The same amount of nutrients, calories, and protein is being offered by organic food, but consumers are often paying less. Organic farms don't have the expense of expensive chemical inputs, such as insecticides and/or fungicides. They can charge lower prices.

According to the Environmental Working Group Organic food is actually 10 percent more expensive per pound than conventionally grown food. Switching to organic food is a smart move if you care about your health and that of your family.

Organic food is becoming a popular option to the standard American diet. Many people believe that organic food can only be found in specialty markets or gourmet restaurants. This is false. You can easily purchase organic food in regular grocery stores throughout the United States.

The sales of organic food have increased dramatically in recent years. Organic food market value in the US increased from $21 billion to $43 billion in 2007 to reach $43 billion in 2012.

What are the top organic vegetables?

Organic vegetables are the highest quality and healthiest food source. They are the healthiest of all foods.

Organic produce is organically grown without pesticides. These chemicals can be dangerous to our environment as well as our health.

Organic produce also has more nutrients, vitamins minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients. They also contain more fibre, essential fatty acids, enzymes, fiber, and enzymes. Organic produce is more nutritious and healthier.

Not only do organic vegetables taste delicious, but they are also safe to eat. Organic produce is safe to eat.

You can find organic fruits and veggies at any grocery store. They can be labeled organic if they are grown according to USDA guidelines.

What is an organic food producer?

Organic food producers produce organic foods that are free from pesticides and other chemical fertilizers. These foods include fruits, vegetables and dairy products.

When crops are naturally nurtured, organic food production can be achieved. This includes soil preparation, pest controls, and crop rotation.

USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), has strict requirements for agricultural products to be certified organic.

These guidelines are designed to ensure consumers have access to safe, healthy and nutritious food.

Organic foods have higher nutritional content and better flavor, as well as lower pesticide residues.

USDA organic products must carry the USDA Certified Organic seal.

This certification indicates that the product meets the requirements of the National Organic Program.

As well as ensuring that we eat healthier, organic food also helps protect our environment.

Organic farming techniques preserve water and land. Organic farming also helps to reduce greenhouse gases emissions, which are responsible for climate change.

Organic agriculture is more sustainable and uses less chemicals.

It also improves air quality because harmful gases like ammonia and nitrates are less likely to build up in the atmosphere.

There are many forms of organic farming.

Conventional farming refers to the use of synthetic inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers.

Regenerative farming uses compost, cover crops, green manures, and other methods to improve the soil's health. It also encourages biodiversity.

Agroecology focuses on sustainable relationships between people, plants, and animals.

Permaculture promotes self sufficiency through the creation of systems that imitate nature.

What are organic products for beauty?

Organic Beauty Products are natural products without synthetic chemicals such as petroleum, parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, and artificial preservatives. These ingredients are present in all conventional beauty products including shampoos and cosmetics.

Organic beauty products are also free from animal testing and do not contain any genetically modified organisms (GMO).

The USDA defines organic food as "a system which fosters cycle of resources"; it has been used for decades by the USDA to describe foods that are grown without pesticides.

Due to the adverse effects of chemicals on our bodies, there has been a growing demand for eco-friendly cosmetics in recent years.

These include cancer, allergies, skin irritation, hormonal imbalance, and premature aging.

Organic beauty companies are committed to creating healthy and safe products for consumers while protecting the environment.

What are organic products good for skin?

Organic skincare products are free from synthetic chemicals, such as parabens and phthalates, petroleum jelly, mineral oil, petroleum jelly, propylene glycol, sodium laurylsulphate. Talc, triclosan. titanium dioxide. triethanolamine. Vitamin A palmitate.

Organic skincare products can be free of artificial colours and fragrances as well as preservatives, emulsifiers GMOs, Petrochemicals, animal testing (except for cosmetics tested on animals), pesticides hormones, antibiotics, heavy metallics and other contaminants.

They also help to preserve healthy skin and prevent premature aging.

Here are some common terms you might encounter when searching for organic products

Paraben Free- These are chemicals that help to keep certain cosmetics stable. But, they can also be toxic if taken in large quantities.
Fragrance-Free: The product is free of essential oils or fragrances.
Cruelty Free - No animals were injured during the manufacturing process.
Natural Ingredients - the ingredient is naturally derived from the plant or animal.
Vegetarian/Vegetarian- The ingredients are either vegan/vegetarian.
Gluten-Free - This means that gluten has been removed from the formulation.
Non-Toxic – The product is free of toxins, carcinogens and other dangerous compounds that can harm your health.
Biodegradable - The product will eventually be broken down into harmless parts when it is disposed of.
Pesticide Free - No pesticides were used during the growing or harvesting processes.
GMO-Free refers to the fact that no ingredients in the product contain genetically modified organisms.
Certified Organic means that all the ingredients have been grown using methods that protect the soil and water as well as wildlife and farmers.

Organic meat is better

If you have been paying attention for long enough, you will probably know the answer. The problem is that organic food is increasingly popular, but conventional food continues its decline.

Organic foods are more appealing because they are healthier. Organic foods are also safer for our overall health and reduce pollution.

There are two sides to the coin. Organic produce takes longer to grow, and it requires more resources. This means that organic food costs more money than its non-organic counterpart.

Organic meats are typically higher priced than conventionally raised animals. However, there are ways to reduce these costs without sacrificing quality.

One way to save money is to buy locally. Buying locally grown fruits and vegetables helps keep prices low because farmers receive incentives to grow healthy crops.

You can also look for deals to reduce costs. Organics often come with discounts.

You can also save money by eating less meat. The feed required to raise cattle can make meat production expensive.

While there are many reasons organic food is better for our bodies as well as the planet, we must not forget the cost.

Statistics

As for organic meat, regulations require that animals be raised in living conditions that accommodate their natural behaviours (like the ability to graze on pasture), fed 100% organic feed and forage, and not administered antibiotics or hormones. (usda.gov)
When packaged products indicate they are “made with organic [specific ingredient or food group],” they contain at least 70% organically produced ingredients. (usda.gov)
Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids were up to 50 percent higher in organic meats and milk than in conventionally raised products.[3] (en.wikipedia.org)
Brands participating in this challenge are committed to using 100 percent sustainable cotton by 2025.[5] (en.wikipedia.org)

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How To

5 Reasons to Buy Organic Products

Organic foods do not use pesticides or synthetic fertilisers. They don't contain any genetically modified organisms or irradiated foods. They are not made with sewage sludge, industrial solvents, or any other chemical substances. During the growth process, food is kept clean from any contamination. It is completely free from artificial preservatives, additives, and other harmful chemicals. There is no use hormones or anti-biotics. They are also produced in conditions that preserve their nutritional value and freshness over longer periods.

Health benefits. Nonorganic produce has more chemicals than organic. Organic produce is healthier. This means that it is less likely to cause allergies. This means you're also consuming less toxic and carcinogens.
Eco-friendliness. Produce grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizer needs very little water. Organic farms are often located far from areas with high levels of pollution because it takes so much energy for conventional agriculture to grow. That helps reduce air pollution.
Sustainability. Organic farming relies less on chemical fertilizers and more on soil fertility. This results with healthier soils with greater organic matter. Rotating crops and allowing the soil to rest between harvests improves soil health. Farm animals that eat only grasses, grains and no antibiotics develop strong immune systems.
Taste. The taste of conventional fruits and veggies is often bland. This is because they are picked at the peak of ripeness. They then get shipped long distances to their destination. Because it was picked while still unripe, organic produce is richer and more flavorful.
Nutrition. GMOs are harmful chemicals found in many conventional processed foods. If you want to avoid these, stick to whole foods such as meat, eggs, fish, nuts, seeds, beans, fruit, veggies, and herbs.