Sync Fitness

If you’re like me and you try to buy organic produce in Seattle, you may feel a little frustrated by the extra cost involved in making such an effort to be a healthier, more conscientious consumer.  Hello, should one really have to work overtime to afford good produce?  So here’s the nitty gritty on organic produce:  some of it is WELL worth the extra cost.  BUT, some produce carries such a low pesticide risk it is really not necessary to buy organic (although PCC and Whole Paycheck, I mean, Whole Foods, may try to convince you otherwise with their beautiful produce displays.)  Also, remember, especially at this time of year – it’s always better to BUY LOCAL!  In Seattle, we are super lucky to have so many local farmer’s markets to choose from.  Take full advantage of them!  Here’s your guide to the Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15.  PS – you can download this list as an iPhone app at: http://www.foodnews.org/.)

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DIRTY DOZEN (in order of highest pesticide levels):

1.  Peaches

2.  Apples

3.  Bell Peppers (a nurse practitioner friend told me pesticide levels are so high on peppers that if you can’t get them organic, you shouldn’t buy them at all!)

4.  Celery

5.  Nectarine

6.  Strawberries

7.  Cherries

8.  Kale

9.  Lettuce

10.  Grapes (Imported)

11.  Carrots

12.  Pears

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CLEAN 15 (these are so low in pesticide levels, you can save your money for cute shoes instead):

1.  Onions

2.  Avocado

3.  Sweet Corn

4.  Pineapple

5.  Mango

6.  Asparagus

7.  Sweet Peas

8.  Kiwi

9.  Cabbage

10.  Eggplant

11.  Papaya

12.  Watermelon

13.  Broccoli

14.  Tomato

15.  Sweet Potato