What’s on Your Plate Matters More Than You Think

We’ve all heard the phrase “you are what you eat,” but I’d take it one step further: you are what your food has been exposed to. That’s the foundation of why I encourage my clients to choose organic whenever possible. It’s not just about avoiding pesticides—it’s about supporting the body’s ability to heal, thrive, and function at its best.

When I first started focusing on nutrition and wellness, I didn’t fully understand the difference between organic and conventional food. It all looked the same on the outside. But as I dug deeper into the science—and saw the changes in my own health and my clients’ health—the connection became undeniable.

Choosing organic isn’t a trend. It’s a lifestyle rooted in reducing toxic exposure, restoring nutrient density, and reclaiming food as medicine.

Conventional Food Is Not What It Used to Be

Decades ago, our grandparents grew up eating fresh, seasonal, minimally processed food. Fast forward to today, and much of our food supply is contaminated with synthetic pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial preservatives, and hormones. Even fruits and vegetables that appear vibrant on the outside may carry invisible burdens on the inside.

Here’s what conventional food is often treated with:

  • Pesticides and herbicides, including glyphosate (linked to hormonal disruption and cancer)

  • Antibiotics, given to livestock to prevent disease in overcrowded conditions

  • Growth hormones, especially in dairy and meat, which interfere with endocrine function

  • Synthetic fertilizers that degrade soil and deplete trace minerals

  • Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) designed for resistance to chemicals, not nutrition

The problem with these chemicals isn’t just theoretical. They accumulate in the body over time, contributing to inflammation, immune dysfunction, hormone imbalances, and chronic disease.

The Organic Advantage: What It Really Means

Organic food is grown and processed without toxic chemicals, GMOs, synthetic preservatives, or artificial flavours. But to me, it’s more than just a certification—it’s a return to real food, grown in harmony with nature.

Benefits of eating organic:

1. Lower Toxic Load

Organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides, which reduces your body’s daily exposure to harmful residues. This is especially important for children, pregnant women, and anyone with autoimmune issues or chronic illness. Your liver and detox pathways already have enough to handle—why burden them more?

2. Better Nutrient Profile

Several studies show that organic crops contain higher levels of antioxidants and essential nutrients, like vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and omega-3s. This is largely because organic farming practices enrich the soil rather than depleting it.

3. Support for Hormone and Immune Health

Avoiding synthetic hormones in meat and dairy protects your endocrine system, particularly the delicate balance of estrogen and progesterone. A cleaner diet also supports the immune system, reducing inflammation and promoting resilience.

4. Improved Energy and Mental Clarity

When you remove chemicals and additives from your food, your digestion improves, your energy stabilizes, and your brain fog lifts. I see this shift in clients all the time—often within just a couple of weeks of switching to a cleaner diet.

Organic Isn't Just About You—It's About the Planet

Choosing organic doesn’t just benefit your body. It’s a vote for a healthier planet and a more sustainable food system. Organic farming practices support:

  • Soil regeneration

  • Water conservation

  • Biodiversity

  • Animal welfare

  • Reduction of pollution and chemical runoff

I truly believe that food is a form of activism. Every time you support organic farming, you’re investing in a cleaner, more ethical food supply—for yourself, your family, and future generations.

Not Everything Has to Be Organic—But Some Things Should Be

I understand that eating 100% organic isn't always practical or affordable for everyone. That’s okay. Start where you can, and prioritize the most important swaps.

I often recommend using the EWG’s “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” lists as a guide. These lists are updated annually and help you identify which fruits and veggies carry the highest and lowest pesticide residues.

Top items to always buy organic:

  • Strawberries

  • Spinach

  • Kale

  • Apples

  • Grapes

  • Peppers

  • Dairy (especially butter and cheese)

  • Meat and eggs (pasture-raised and hormone-free)

On the flip side, produce like avocados, onions, and bananas tend to carry lower pesticide residues and are safer to buy conventional when needed.

Practical Tips for Eating Organic on a Budget

Many people think organic eating is out of reach—but with a little planning, it can be surprisingly affordable. Here are some tips I share with my clients:

  • Shop local: Farmers’ markets and CSA (community-supported agriculture) programs often offer organic produce at lower prices than grocery stores.

  • Buy in bulk: Stock up on pantry staples like organic oats, rice, beans, and frozen produce.

  • Cook more at home: Processed organic food is still processed. Home-cooked meals are more cost-effective and nourishing.

  • Prioritize: Focus your budget on high-impact swaps, like organic animal products and “Dirty Dozen” produce.

  • Grow your own: Even a small herb garden or windowsill planter box can provide fresh, chemical-free food.

Remember, every organic choice makes a difference—even if it’s one ingredient at a time.

The Bigger Picture: Food as a Healing Tool

When we fuel our bodies with clean, vibrant food grown the way nature intended, we don’t just avoid illness—we promote deep, cellular healing. I’ve seen people transform their digestion, hormones, skin, energy, and mood just by upgrading their food quality.

You don’t need to count calories or follow extreme diets. You just need to give your body real nourishment, free from chemicals and artificial interference. That’s the heart of what I offer through my practice at Living Balance Wellness—simple, sustainable steps toward whole-body wellness.

Ready to Upgrade Your Nutrition?

If you’re curious about how to build an organic, anti-inflammatory diet that supports your personal health goals, I’m here to help. Whether you're navigating fatigue, hormone shifts, food sensitivities, or just trying to eat better—I’ll meet you where you are and guide you forward.

Email me at livingbalance180@gmail.com to book a 1:1 session or ask your questions.

Let’s create a lifestyle that supports your vitality—one organic choice at a time.