Should I buy Organic?

Buying organic produce means that it is grown without pesticides, insecticides and herbicides.  Below is a list of when you should buy organic produce (most contaminated) and a list of when it is not always necessary to buy organic (least contaminated). Of course when it comes to availability, if organic is not available, then it is better to buy conventional than nothing at all.  In this case you can wash conventional produce with some diluted apple cider vinegar and scrub the outer skin with this mixture. This will help to remove any pesticide on the outer layer of the produce, although keep in mind that pesticide is still absorbed through the skin and therefore can still be found inside.

When it comes to dairy, eggs and meat, it is best to buy organic. This means it has been raised with a restricted diet, Bovine Growth Hormone Free (rBGH), antibiotic free and vegetarian fed.

12 Most Contaminated Produce

• Peaches
• Apples
• Sweet Bell Peppers
• Nectarines
• Strawberries
• Cherries
• Pears
• Grapes
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Potatoes

12 Least Contaminated Produce

• Onions
• Avocado
• Sweet Corn (Frozen)
• Pineapple
• Mango
• Asparagus
• Sweet Peas (Frozen)
• Kiwi
• Bananas
• Cabbage
• Broccoli
• Papaya

Some information from NEI Guided Nutrition Program

Steaming vs. Boiling Vegetables and Fruits

Steaming vegetable and fruits is a better way to cook them since less nutrients are lost with this method.  When vegetables and fruits are submerged in hot water, like they are when they are boiled much more nutrients are lost.  Therefore when making fresh baby food or when preparing vegetables as a side, steaming is preferred. Steaming times vary from vegetable to vegetable and fruit to fruit.  Baby food should be steamed until vegetable or fruit is tender.

– Welcome to Dr Patel’s Diet –

Welcome to my new blog. My wife and I are going to be sharing our daily diet with you. This will help others understand how easy it can be to eat well, save money and be healthy!

We are going to be sharing full recipes and pictures of our home made dishes.

Each week you will get a grocery shopping list for your meals and you will also be given the specific names and brands of the exact ingredients we use in our house

We will help you stock your pantry and also recommend the same appliances we use at home.

This is going to be so much fun! I can’t wait to help each and every one of you

Dr Sachin Patel