Dreamstime
Without a doubt, you have seen organic foods while strolling through the grocery store. As a budget-conscious parent, you might have blown right past that section of the produce aisle, as organic foods tend to be a tad more expensive than conventionally-grown products. However, the positive impact organic foods can have on the health and well-being of your little ones, along with the money you’ll save by having them become healthier, are well worth it.
The term “organic” refers to the way products are grown and processed. For example, livestock that produce goods like meat, eggs, and dairy must not be given any animal byproducts, antibiotics, or growth hormones to be considered organic. They also need ample access to the great outdoors. Think free-range chickens or grass-fed beef. For organic fruits and veggies, this means the crop has not been exposed to synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides. So, what is the ultimate benefit of all this to you and your family?
Organic foods are ‘clean.’
Genetically modified foods are designed to withstand a higher intake of chemicals, meaning they are sprayed with a great deal of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. GMO ingredients that are ridden with these toxic chemicals are present in about 60 to 70 percent of supermarket foods! Harmful pesticides used to keep bugs away from crops are terrible for us all, but especially to vulnerable children whose bodies are working hard to grow big and strong. Besides affecting the bugs, pesticides also have a negative impact on things living near where they are sprayed—animals, humans, other plants, and more. Many of these pesticides have been linked to various types of cancers, as well as to autoimmune disorders, infertility, cardiac disease, and hypertension. Luckily, organic foods do not come in contact with pesticides, making food choices clean, healthy and easy to digest. Although the majority of health issues listed will not impact children in their youth, they could cause huge problems down the road. Laying the foundation of healthy, organic eating today can preserve your children’s health for years to come.
Organic foods are packed with added nutrients.
A study funded by the European Union found that organic fruits and veggies have up to 50 percent more antioxidants than those grown conventionally. They also contain more vitamins and minerals, like iron, which ensures oxygen is in the blood, and zinc, which ensures the body’s immune system functions properly. With many children having picky palates, knowing that the foods they are willing to eat are giving them as many nutrients as possible is invaluable.
Now that you’re armed with the facts, it’s time to hit the grocery store! But, what about those days when your child’s busy schedule simply does not allow for you to cook? Fortunately for Memphians, organic eating is no longer something that can only be enjoyed at home. Mama Gaia, the Bluff City’s first all-organic restaurant, recently opened in Crosstown Concourse, giving parents the opportunity to feel good about what their kids are eating while on the go.
Owners Philipp and Cru von Holtzendorff-Fehling and their children have enjoyed the organic lifestyle and its benefits for years. In fact, after being diagnosed with Lyme disease, Cru self-prescribed an all-organic, plant-based diet and saw a remarkable change in her health. Their children also reap the benefits, as they love diving into foods that they know are good for their bodies and the environment.
While you cannot limit all of your children’s exposure to toxins in the environment, the good news is that you do have a say in the types of foods they eat, so choose wisely. You’ll be glad you did!
Balsamic Quinoa Bowl with Veggies
Recipe by Mama Gaia
Ingredients
Quinoa:
- 1/4 cup quinoa
- 1/4 cup vegetable stock
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (less if your vegetable stock is salty)
Veggies:
- 1 zucchini
- 1/2 small eggplant
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 3 twigs of thyme
- 3 twigs of rosemary
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Balsamic Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon agave syrup
- 2 basil leaves
Instructions
Quinoa:
- Put 1/4 cup of quinoa into saucepan.
- Add vegetable stock and water.
- Add salt and put on stove over medium heat.
- Cook covered until water is gone (About 15 minutes). Note: Don’t stir. Reduce heat if boiling too strong.
Veggies:
- Cut vegetables into ¼-inch slices lengthwise and lay on baking sheet.
- Top with olive oil, herbs, salt, and garlic.
- Place on top rack and broil on high until vegetables begin to brown (About 5 minutes).
Balsamic dressing:
- Mix all ingredients together in Mason jar or other container with lid.
- Close with lid and shake well.
Combining all ingredients:
- Take 3 loose cups of greens of choice and place in bowl.
- Add 1 cup of cooked quinoa to bowl
- Top with dressing and vegetables.