So after my comprehensive and exhaustive research into how to eat organically on the cheap, I promised I’d post about the results I’ve had from eating organically. Given I”m not one to go back on my word (drum roll please), may I present;
10 Results of Eating Organically
Let me say upfront that I have absolutely no clinical research to back up my findings and as I find researching slightly less tedious than performing a stock-take on cupcake sprinkles at the cupcake sprinkles factory, I’m not about to go searching for any. Couple that with the fact that it is possible the placebo effect may have a part to play, it will be necessary to take these results with a grain of organic, aluminium-free salt.
Having said all that, the results have been noticeable and I for one am sold. So, without further ado (drum roll please), may I present (for real this time);
10 Results of Eating Organically
1. Less tired.Yes people, it’s true. I am definitely less tired. Tiredness was a major reason I wanted to try going organic especially as I have no excuse for being tired. I have no kids, very little stress, regularly get 8 hours sleep a night, eat well, drink water and exercise. How the hell is it possible that I am always tired?! My hypothesis was that perhaps my body was working overtime eliminating toxins. I figured, if I have less toxins, my body is healthier and therefore, working more efficiently and using less energy. Is my hypothesis correct? I have absolutely no idea but I do have a noticeably higher energy level and am much less tired.
2. Light speed hair and nails. Since going organic, I’ve noticed the speed at which my hair and nails now grow. I can’t keep up. Chris has started complaining that I really must cut my toenails as I inadvertently scratch him through the night! If I’m not careful my fingernails will end up looking like this;
Ewww!
And my hair like this, only blond…
3. Less moody. Instead of taking responsibility for mood swings, I will put it down to being a Leo. Don’t you realise we are a fire sign and are predisposed to volatility? Well, we are. We can’t help it. Really, we can’t. Anyway, I have found I am more chilled out (something Chris most definitely isn’t complaining about) and my short fuse has somehow lengthened. My hypothesis was, well, I really didn’t have one. This has come as a surprise. Don’t ask me how it relates to eating organically. Perhaps there’s a food colouring that enhances Leo’s less than virtuous side. If anyone can shed any light on this, then let me know.
4. Eating less. Chris and I have both noticed we are eating a smaller quantity of food than we used to. We think this could be because what we are eating is more nutritious and not full of chemicals and non-calories so our bodies are getting what we need, and are therefore satisfied, in a smaller amount of food.
5. Allergies are gone.Generally, when Chris isn’t sneezing he’s asleep. We had previously put it down to hayfever caused by pollen. It was so bad sometimes that not even analgesics would stop it. After a couple of weeks of eating organic food, it dawned on us that the “hayfever” had gone. Given there hadn’t been any change of season, all we could put it down to was the organic food. This was further confirmed when we stayed with friends for a weekend. As soon as he consumed non organic food and especially, non organic beer, he started to sneeze again.
6. Armpits not itchy. OK, now I’m getting personal (and weird) but seriously, my armpits used to itch like buggery. Even when I used “for sensitive skin” type deodorants my armpits itched. When scratching both armpits at the same time, I looked like a baboon. Since using organic, chemical free deodorant, I am baboon impersonation and itch free.
7. Effective products. I was a little skeptical as to the effectiveness of organic products, in particular, hair and skin care products. I’d used chemical free shampoo and conditioner in the past and ended up with hair more suited to a scarecrow. Times must have changed because I have found both the organic hair and skin care products I now use as effective (if not more) than the chemical laden alternatives.
8. We get the warm and fuzzies. A cool an unexpected result we’ve found from eating organic food is that we feel less conflicted and guilty. We both knew chemicals were bad for our body and the planet but kept brushing the guilt aside. We realised that we now feel more peaceful about what we’re consuming because we know our decision to go organic is better for our health and for the environment.
9. Environmentally conscious local companies. Many of the farms and producers of organic food and products we buy are local. Supporting local companies helps our economy. We’ve also noticed that because the companies are producing organic products, they are not only environmentally conscious, but they tend to also support fair trade, human and animal rights and social responsibility. A win-win-win-win-win for all concerned.
10. Our immune systems are rockin! Seriously, I haven’t even looked like getting sick despite living with a cold ridden sister and sister’s boyfriend and Chris working around coughing and spluttering work colleagues. We really do feel the healthiest we’ve ever felt.
So there you have it. My very unscientific and honest account of what I’ve found since eating organically. I’ll leave what you choose to take on board up to you but I’m interested to know;
Do you eat organically or have thought about it? If you are pro organic, what results have you found?
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I think it’s safe to say i don’t eat organically. Infact i did once, i accidentally bought organic ketchup. Does that count? It tasted exactly the same but just cost nearly a dollar more
@MartYn,
MartYn, you crack me up! And no, it doesn’t count!
Great!
I loved the fact that you were able to see such great differences, which you can attribute to going organic.
I think the one big thing I found, other than just feeling better about my choices, was that I wasn’t as hungry as often! Oh joy–less money for groceries, and more time to do things other than eat!
The other side observations are 1) We have very healthy hair, given the fact that I swim often (in both salt- and chlorine-base pools) 2) We rarely (if ever) contract the flu or colds and 3) We were able to determine my husband is allergic to any wine other than organic wine.
[P.S. Wow with the monkey-scratching, pit-smelling thing! I'm glad you got that taken care of! ha]
Again, great post and topic!
@Lori
Hey Lori, yeah, it was pretty cool to see the results and the not being so hungry thing is awesome! I used to eat anything not nailed down but I don’t find that anymore. It looks like you have had very similar results to us. Finding out your husband is allergic to wine is freaky seeing as we found out the same thing with Chris and his beloved beer! And yep, no more baboon impersonations for me. Woohoo! Thanks Lori.
Hey there Baboon-lady friend,
I know you can’t get mad at me…you’ve been eating organic, and now you’re always a happy person! Really though, as weird as you are (and I mean this in only a very awesome way…don’t ever change that attitude and “spunk” I love) – I love what you’ve shared here. It’s not your typical list of reasons to eat organic – it’s real and your take from personal experience. And that’s so good to read!
Personally I can’t see you as being moody anyway, so I’m not counting that one! The others, though, how awesome the changes that you’ve seen – that make your life so much better.
You rock Sami! I love how you make this all so “real”…
Wow, this sounds great! I eat organically from time to time, but not nearly as often as I should (are RedBulls organic? haha). This post has inspired me!!
I’m not sure I believe it when foods are sold as organtically grown. I would if it were a farmer’s market and I talked to the people personally.
However we’ve been sold too many lies with the words natural, healthy on boxes and labels. Who is over looking the products and farms to make sure they are what they say they are. And we’ve learned especially over the last few years even the watch dogs can’t be trusted.
Oh me of little faith!
I love this post! I eat and use some organic products now but this definitely inspires me to step it up-thank you!
@Lance
That’s about as real as it gets. It was very cool to notice the changes. It makes the extra expense and inconvenience worth while. Thanks Lance!
Hey there bloke who’s friends with a baboon lady (glad you don’t discriminate). Seriously, your comments always make me laugh!
Yep, I suppose there aren’t too many people who’ll talk about their itchy armpits.
@Positively Present
Glad the post helped!
Hi PP, Red Bulls are probably slightly less organic than Coca-Cola which is slightly less organic than nuclear waste.
@Tess
Hey Tess, you raise a very good point. It’s not always easy to know if what you’re eating is actually organic. In Aus, we have a “certified organic” symbol you can look for which helps (there are apparently rigorous processes companies have to go through to be able to use the symbol) but you never really know. Mind you, you never really know just how toxic the chemicals are in the everday, non-organic stuff we consume either. Short of becoming a chemist and stealth visiting farms and factories to test their wares, all you can do is trust that the majority of organic companies and farms are doing the right thing. After all the BS we’ve been fed, I don’t blame you for being skeptical though.
@Brandi,
Hey Brandi, thanks very much! Glad it helped.
Heya – very inspiring post. I don’t eat organically at all, partly because I’m lazy and too busy to shop around, and also the cost factor is a big one for me as a lowly public servant. I think the disappointing thing for me is realising how I’ve all fallen prey to the marketing of my favourite brands – you trust in the brand and value the product as being safe and good for you, when in reality it’s just as bad as all the rest (in terms of its impact on your body and the environment). Time for me to change I think!
@Katie
). As you get better pay cheques, you can gradually add more organic stuff to the list. It’s better than nothing. You’re still helping your body and it’s still better for the environment. Coles is the way to go if you don’t have much time. They have a much better organic range than the other major supermarkets.
Hey Katie, a good tip is to start going organic with whatever you consume the most of first (eg bread/milk/alcohol
Yep, it’s unfortunate but true, the big corporates don’t much care if you’re slowly poisoning yourself so long as you pay up. The more we boycott chemical alternatives the sooner they’ll look at organic versions. Power to the people!
@Natalie
Thanks Natalie. We’ve found the same here in Aus. It’s definitely cheaper to get organic produce from organic farmers markets (albeit slightly less convenient). There aren’t heaps of them around yet but I’m sure it won’t be long before there are. Thanks muchly for the link – appreciate it. I checked it out and it’s a fantastic site. It’ll really help my US readers a lot.