Diet
Nutrition
Clean eating focuses on the quality and type of food you eat
– consuming a variety of whole foods and avoiding processed
foods containing trans fats, preservatives, color additives, refined
grains, and added sugars. How do you navigate the clean eating
options available to you? Use these tips below:
Genetically modified (GMO) vs. non-GMO – GMOs
are living organisms that have been altered in some way, with
growing evidence linking them to health problems. A Non-
GMO label ensures that the product does not contain GMOs.
Best advice? This one is easy! ALWAYS go for non-GMO.
Locally sourced vs. organic – Organic foods are grown
using environmentally friendly agricultural methods and
renewable resources, meeting the standards verified by the
USDA. Any animal products you buy, such as organic meat,
poultry, eggs and dairy products, will be hormone and antibiotic
free. Organic vegetables will be free of harmful pesticides and
fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or bioengineering.
Locally sourced organic options are even better, allowing you to
ask farmers directly about their practices.
Best advice? It’s best to buy locally sourced organic food
whenever possible, but when that’s not, stick to organic.
Wild vs. farm-raised – Wild fish are caught in the wild and
feed on a natural diet, but are often higher in mercury, and some
fishing methods can harm the ocean habitat. Farm-raised may
have more contamination from toxic chemicals and are prone to
higher rates of bacteria and pesticides from crowded conditions.
Yet conditions for farmed fish are improving, with some being
sustainably farmed.
Best advice? Make your decision based on the type of fish you
are purchasing. Your local fishmonger will be able to provide you
with valuable insights.
WEST COUNTY
❘
WINTER 2018
27