| Get
clear on the facts - |
 |
| There
is so much talk about organic, whole and natural
foods that the information can get confusing. Food
purveyors take advantage of this by labeling their
foods with words like “natural” or “fresh”
– which bear no legal meanings. To get clear
on the facts, see our definitions below. |
|
| Once
you are clear, make a choice that fits well for
you and your family’s needs and budget. While
an all-organic diet is ideal, ideals are not always
attainable – and focusing on perfection is
downright stressful. Look at incorporating key organic
ingredients such as proteins and high-pesticide
products into your diet, so that you can make some
moderate changes. Stonyfield Farm offers a convenient,
wallet-size list that makes a great companion for
your shopping
tips. |
|
And
remember, the organic choice isn’t always
the healthier choice! When I need to choose between
organic potato chips or a conventional apple –
the apple wins hands down every time. Use whole
foods as an easy guide for best choices.
|
|
| Organic |
|
Organic
agriculture and food items are grown and produced
under strict government regulations and are stamped
with a ‘USDA Organic’ seal, certifying
that their ingredients are at least 95% organic.
Farmers and organic food and beverage companies
follow specific standards -- fresh fruits, vegetables
and whole grains are grown without the use of
pesticides or herbicides; free-range poultry,
wild fish and grass-fed beef are raised in their
natural environments without added hormones or
antibiotics; cage-free eggs and organic dairy
products follow similar suit. Mothers & Menus
meals are mostly organic meaning that we use only
USDA Organic proteins, greens and grains, and
organic whenever possible for the rest of our
produce and foods.
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| Whole
Foods – |
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| Whole foods
are foods that are minimally processed and as close
to their original form as possible. Whole foods
are especially helpful during and right after pregnancy
as they contain fiber, water, complex-carbohydrates
and minerals. Whole foods are easier to process,
alleviating you of the fatigue associated with digestion,
and supporting optimum energy and health. Mothers
& Menu’s basic menu is made up of a variety
of seasonal fruits and vegetables, whole grains,
proteins, nuts and legumes, that are minimally processed,
but maximally enhanced to ensure a feast for your
palate. |
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| Natural
– |
|
| “Natural”
foods bear no legal definition or federal requirements
as to production and processing standards. This
means that anyone, anywhere can call their foods
natural – not matter how processed or “un-natural”
their product may be. At Mothers & Menus, natural
means as close as possible to its original form
- fresh, wholesome, sustainable food. This is why
so many of our flavorful dishes are inspired by
the gorgeous, seasonal produce we find on our weekly
trips to the local greenmarket in Union Square,
NYC. |
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| GMO
– |
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| Genetically
Modified Organisms (GMO) means that the gene structure
or DNA makeup of a particular food item or crop
is altered. The most abundant GMO products are corn
and soy-based products, often found in high protein
flours and, therefore, low-carb snacks, treats,
and energy bars. To ensure that you are not digesting
GMO products, the effects of which are as yet unknown,
look for a non-GMO or organic seal (products labeled
organic in the US cannot contain GMO ingredients).
At Mothers & Menus, we don’t use any GMO
products on our premises. |
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