Healthy Begins Here

By Janelle Sorensen

Like many other consumers, I used to think that if I shopped at the local co-op or in the natural section of the grocery store, I couldn’t go wrong. I could relinquish my fears of GMOs and pesticides and breeze through my grocery shopping without an eco-care in the world.

Not so true.

Now, I know that just because a product has pictures of baby animals or leaves, or is sitting on the shelf next to an organic product, or says “natural,” it does not mean it’s healthier or more eco-friendly than other conventional options.

According to the latest report from the Cornucopia Institute: “There are no restrictions for foods labeled ‘natural’ (very basic standards exist only for meat products). The term often constitutes nothing more than meaningless marketing hype promoted by corporate interests seeking to cash in on the consumer desire for food produced in a genuinely sustainable manner.

“Unlike the organic label, no government agency, certification group or other independent entity fully defines the term ‘natural’ on processed food packages or ensures that the claim has merit.”

Cornucopia’s report compares organic cereals and granola to their “natural” counterparts and finds that the foods marked “natural” often contain ingredients grown on conventional farms that use pesticides and genetically engineered organisms. Furthermore, the “natural” products are frequently priced higher than the organic cereals!

When you can, control what goes into your family’s bodies by making breakfast. You can find plenty of fast, easy, healthy recipes here.

Does your family eat cereal? What kind? Any other easy breakfast ideas?

Learn more:

●     What Does “Organic” Really Mean?