Why go 100% organic?

I feel that it is, somewhat even more so than calories, carbs or fat grams, "going organic" is not just a fad, trend or something that is going to disapear. If i had my money on something, I would invest in the many organic farms that are making it big now, and in the future. I personally have experienced a major health turn around in only 2 weeks from changing my diet to a 98.5% Organic diet (the other % allowed for the times that are out of my control). I have been interested in researching this, as from my recent experiences going into the health food stores (which btw, are now becomming larger and larger, and more and more mainstream, and are always seemingly busy). Off topic: I had a funny experience this week at the health food store, where i shop in CT. I saw a police car on outside, and to my surprise, two big cops were inside, talking about testing for this allergy and that, and eating organic beef, and ordering sandwiches with cucumber etc. LOL- my husband and I thought it was funny- but also- we were both very happy- and somewhat surprised... (I dont think that will happen in the future, now that it is so mainstream, and people are being enlightened to the hard facts about the poor quality on many levels available in our grocers shelves, and just about everyone and anyone is now focusing on their health).. Even those (and i can say this b/c i have a good friend who is a cop) who might be known to eat fluffy doughy things with holes in the center. Good for them, and for all those making the switch!! It is vital for us all, no matter who we are- if we can do so- to try to make smart food choices, which thanks to health food stores, internet, forums -and as i always say- basic Supply and demand- buying organic food is now becomming easier and easier. I am so happy about that!

On a more serious note- I found an interesting study on Organic diets effects on health, see: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/03/050328182123.htm. I havent been extreme about much of anything, except for making sure most everything I eat/drink is organic most, if not all of the time. I have lost 5 lbs, and feel tremendously better. Here is a typical menu for me: Breakfast: Organic Eggs, Organic Coffee, splash of O. (organic) cream, stevia. Lunch: O. beef hot dog, O. soup, Dinner: *Rice Pasta, Organic vodka sauce, and even 1/2 c. **organic ice cream. YUM btw ... (*note about rice pasta: *I have been trying to eliminate gluten from my diet somewhat due to my husband detecting he has celiac disease-as we know he has rye, barley, wheat and oat allergies from a blood test. I tried Rice pasta for the first time this week, and i have to say- it was pleasantly good. It had very little taste, it took twice as long to cook (a mild inconveniece at around 15 minutes after boiling the water), but the texture was good, and it was not "mushy" just as they claimed on the package. It does pack quite a bit of carbs, but we were craving something like pasta, and this really hit the spot.
**My thoughts on organic ice cream: YUM! I tried Stonyfield creme caramel (i believe) today, and it was delicious (not extremely low cal or low sugar) but sometimes you just need that something sweet. A few spoonfulls were enough, and it was great. My husband, on the other hand, tried Ben & Jerrys Organic Vanilla- which for me was a bit on the plain side, but it was full, creamy and had a smooth texture. If one expects more of a vanilla bean, this might not be the one. But for a nice base, maybe to top w/ some O. fruit, nuts etc, this is a good choice. I plan to try the cookies & cream next time i have a craving ( i try not to keep much of it in the house ).

One final note on organic beef. It is important- when choosing organic beef- to purchase "grass fed" beef, over "grain fed" beef, because grass is a natural food source for cows/cattle NOT grains, which affects the ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6 fats. I will touch on that more at a later date. I had a delicious O. (grass fed) Rib Eye steak this evening actually, which was to die for.

The recipe:

1 good sized O. (grass fed) Rib eye steak with bone

Marinade:
Combine all in a small bowl:
a few bunches of fresh O. thyme (pulled from woody stems)
Sea Salt & Fresh ground black pepper
Favorite Extra Virgin Olive oil (i used a garlic infused kind) (2-3 tablespoons)
3 large, fresh garlic cloves, chopped

Open packaging for beef, and with a large spoon, slather the mixutre first on one side of beef, flip, coat 2nd side. Cover, and Chill for 30-40 minutes.

To prepare: Set oven to Broil.
Remove steak from fridge, and scrape most (not all) of marinade off of meat, leaving a few cloves of garlic to cook with the meat (if desired, for flavor). Cook according to size/thickness, at least 4 minutes/side (or to taste).

ENJOY with a nice bottle of organic wine (that is another topic.....stay tuned) :)