Single Parenting and Going Green

Most of us are becoming more conscious of what we feed our children, a new baby, as well as ourselves. The Green Movement and how we treat our planet is a step in the right direction, however, it will raise your food expenses a few notches. With well thought-out meal planning and more awareness of where to buy, especially local, it's a greener world for your wallet. Here are a few tips for getting started with an organic lifestyle:

One Step at a Time

Going green doesn't mean going crazy for every organic item you find at the market. On produce, this is the perfect time to enjoy the harvest from your local growers. Still, wash everything thoroughly when you get home. If you're not making your own baby food for your newborn, jarred foods like bananas, mangoes and oranges are good. In many ways, you can start out with a mix of organic and conventional.

Organic is wise when it comes to dairy, meat and poultry. Animals raised on factory-style farms are loaded with antibiotics and hormones. This keeps them healthy, but is not necessarily safe when passed on to the consumer.

Do Your Homework

Shop around for the best deals that conform with your budget.  Many high-end markets are making high-end profits with organic foods. Low-end stores offer most of the same green brands for less, but be selective and know what you're buying. Some of the major department store chains across the United States are offering organic products, but Trader Joe's is becoming the place that most green consumers recommend. Check out http://TraderJoes.com for a location near you. Again, pay close attention to what you are purchasing before you place it into your shopping cart. Look for the USDA organic seal, which means that what you're buying has been certified as an organic product, after in-depth testing.

Keep it Local

Some of the very best in organic foods are available right there in your own back yard. It's the closest thing to strolling through the garden and picking the tomatoes yourself. If you've ever tasted fruits and vegetables right off the vine, you know what I mean. Take advantage of what is in season. The savings from the soil to your table really add up and there are no middle-men or distribution costs included. You may even try tilling up your own garden. Don't be afraid to dig your hands into the soil and enjoy the thrill of watching the seeds grow. You can do it!

Simplicity is Key

You may be accustomed to pre-packaged and processed food and snacks that have become a staple in your diet for most of your life. It might be time for a change and change is good, especially if it prolongs your life and keeps you and your family healthy. Think of it this way- more calories, more sugar and more salt add up to more dollars you have to spend. Why do we have to spend more money to do possible damage to our hearts?  Think grains and vegetables first, meat and poultry second. Soy products, such as milk and yogurt are heart-smart nutritional goodness  for our bodies.

Get to Know Your Grower

Many organic foods and products are now putting the growers information on the label. You can find their code on the product you buy and visit their website to learn exactly where your food is grown, right down to the latitude-longitude location. Kind of like your green GPS link.

Be safe, be wise and you'll save green as well as enjoy the harvest from your local growers.