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Several months ago I came across a book by James Duigan: 'Clean & Lean Warrior'. Aside from the fact it's author is health-advisor to undoubtedly the most attractive woman of her age-range, Elle Macpherson, it probably doesn't differ greatly from every other healthy-living/starvation-guide/parade-raining book flooding the shelves of retailers. For one reason or another this particular one caught my attention, and the advice within resonated strongly enough that four months later I'm still sticking to one of it's most pivotal points of advice - that organic is better.
Duigan outlines that the pesticides, preservatives and various other synthetic toxins that are pumped into our food to keep them looking unnaturally-fresh for months are what keep our bodies from looking quite as fresh. Along with stress and over-exercising (hallelujah), toxicity inhibits us from reaching our best "clean and lean" bodies. Duigan goes on to explain that much of the potential nutrient-value in food is lost when coupled with everyday toxins the food industries use to keep food visually appealing.
Mind you, the book hasn't had me reaching 'my best body' quite yet...that's a work in progress. It did however leave a lingering impression about the toxicity of the foods that are most accessible and affordable. No longer do I think of the fruit and vegetables at my local supermarket as fresh and healthy - despite the shiny, spot-free, and most notably - pest-free stock tiering the shelves at your local supermarket. Now, when I am obliged to buy non-organic produce it's as if these foods are poisoned. I can't help but feel like a sheen of invisible poison is laced on our 'fresh food'. And whilst the idea is horrifying, it's not too far from the truth. According to Food Standards the amount is below 'international standards', but it makes one wonder what affect even these small amounts of pesticides are having on the body in the long-term.
As there are many different opinions on this topic I prefer to go au-naturale. The closer to the foods original form, the better. Whether or not the amount of chemical residue left on the fruit is safe for consumption under international standards, for peace of mind I'd rather not risk whatever that small amount is capable of doing. And who indeed is brave enough to rule out all the risks.
Mind you, my bank account is feeling the sting of this conversion to chemical-free produce; and it's sad to think that in order to buy without the added health-cost of pesticides, one must dig deep into their shallow average wage. Mind you - it's a cost that is undoubtedly balanced in peace of mind, the investment of health and what one can only hope will amount to a few less medical bills.
