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 What do you mean by “whole foods?”
When we say “whole foods” we are referring to those foods that are in their natural state, minimally processed, and unadulterated with additives or preservatives. Any food that is highly processed and taken out of its whole-food environment is limited in nutrition (like enzymes, vitamins, minerals and fibers). Highly refined foods like white flour, white sugar or white rice have been stripped of their nutritious outer shell or husk and become concentrated carbohydrates. Naturally balanced foods like seeds, whole grains, cereals, fresh fruit and vegetables tend to have more fiber while providing vitamins, minerals, protein and high-quality fats which are necessary for optimizing overall health.
Marz. Russell, Medical Nutrition from Marz, 2nd Ed, Omnivite Publishing, Portland, OR, 1999.
How do I know what foods are “whole foods?”
On February 15, 2006, the Food and Drug Administration defined what whole-grain foods are to help protect the consumer. Whole-grain foods “should contain the three key ingredients of cereal grains -- bran (the fiber-filled outer part of the kernel), endosperm (the inner part and usually all that is left in most processed grains) and the germ (the heart of the grain kernel).” In order to ensure that manufacturers to not add only small amounts of these components and then call highly refined foods “whole grain”, these three ingredients need to be present in the same relative proportion as they exist naturally.
Pitchford, Paul, Healing with Whole Foods, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, CA, 1993.
Whole Grains Council
Washington Post article
There is so much hype around “organic” these days. What does it really mean?
Organic refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed. Organic farming prohibits the use of chemicals that can contaminate our water supplies. In the case of livestock, antibiotics and GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) are prohibited. The USDA Organic seal assures consumers of the quality and integrity of organic products. Organic-certified operations must have an organic system plan and records that verify compliance with that plan. Operators are inspected annually in addition there are random checks to assure standards are being met.
Organic.org
 Are organic foods more nutritious?
Yes - organic foods are more nutritious for myriad reasons. Organically grown crops are of higher quality and do not pose the same health risks that consuming pesticide and herbicide-laden foods do. Organic farmers use a crop rotation system and composting to replenish these essential nutrients. Conventional farming tends to rely on synthetic fertilizers (which generally only replace nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and pesticides because the mono-crop is more susceptible to infestation. Chemical sprays like pesticides and herbicides are designed to kill living organisms and many were put into use before research was done linking them to illnesses such as cancer.
Weintraub, Skye, Minding Your Body, Complementary Medicine Publishing Co, Portland, OR, 1995.
Does organic food taste better?
Another point for consideration is taste. Organic foods tend to have more intense flavor, more nutrition and a firmer texture then their conventional counterparts. Because conventional foods tend to be less satiating to the palate and the body, people tend to eat more of these foods to compensate for what the food is lacking. We tend to take larger portions and actually consume more food than we might if we made more whole foods-based choices.
Food Reference
Is eating organic-based diet affordable?
There is a popular belief in our society that eating an organic, whole foods-based diet is cost-prohibitive. While some organic products can be more expensive, there are some “tricks” to making things more affordable. Utilizing local farmers markets can be a great resource for less expensive, seasonal produce because it cuts down on transportation and overhead costs. Shopping in the bulk foods section can save money because you’re not paying for packaging and marketing. Health food stores often carry their own “generic” organic lines, making prices more competitive. Some items, such as coffee, cereal, bread and hamburger may cost the same or even less than their conventional match. There are hidden costs paid for with our tax dollars that go to conventional farmers: federal subsidies, pesticide regulation and testing, hazardous waste disposal and clean-up, and environmental damage. Organic farmers don’t receive federal subsidies like conventional farmers do. Therefore, the price of organic food reflects the true cost of growing. As the demand for organic foods increases, the cost will continue to go down. Because you and your family are healthier, you may also save money in doctor bills and time-off due to illness.
Farmers Markets Map
Local Harvest
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