I realized about thirty years ago that, if I wanted to be healthier, I would have to incorporate more organic foods into my diet. Even back in the late 1970’s, when I was just entering college, scientific studies were available showing the dangers of many common foods. Fruits and vegetables were covered with carcinogenic pesticides. Meats and dairy products were filled with carcinogenic hormones and immune suppressing antibiotics.

So, it was time to say good-bye Purdue, hello Bell and Evans.

The world was a lot different thirty years ago. Only “hippies” ate organic foods. My father thought the whole organic concept was some sort of communist plot. About once a month, I would drive into Boston, MA. from my small suburban town, and stock up on organic dairy, dry goods and antibiotic/hormone free meats. Because availability was scarce, prices were exorbitant.

Fast forward to 2008. At forty-nine, I still try to eat healthy. How has fulfilling this goal changed? The good news is, now I can find organic, antibiotic free, and hormone free foods at almost any grocery store. No more driving to the Big City. What’s the bad news? The price is still higher. Cha-Ching.

Being the ever vigil frugal freak, I’m always looking for ways to reduce that organic pain in my budget. Here’s some examples:

1) I only buy organic products that are necessary. For example, organic bananas and oranges provide no added health benefits. However, any dairy, meats or certain fruits and vegetables like blueberries, spinach and lettuce, are certainly worth the extra organic cha-ching. If you’d like more information, read “When Eating Organic Pays Off and Doesn’t.”

2) I’ve joined a local organic CSA Farm. The cost is only $22 week for vegetables over the 5 month period.

3) Organic product coupons are hard to come by in the weekly ads. I have found several good websites offering printable coupons. Here’s some links:

Dairy:
Stonyfield Farm.
Organic Valley
Brown Cow

Cereals/Soups
Health Valley

General sites offering organic coupons
Organic Coupons
Living Naturally
Eating Well

4) I’ve made a commitment to eating to live to 100. Here’s a free life-expectancy calculator. See how you do.

I’m curious to know how others feel about this. Anyone care to comment?

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