Tips to a Non-GMO life

One of the big things that has changed in my life over the past few years, is the way I eat. My family decided in 2007 that we will not choose to eat GMO's. This means that restaurants are out (for the most part). It means that we will spend more at the grocery store. It means that we make a lot of our foods from scratch at home. It also means that we grow a lot of our own food, so that we truly know how our food has been grown.

I know how blessed we are. We have time that we can make our foods from scratch. Many families are so strapped for time, that a drive thru McDonald's meal feels like the only option. I also know that many families are strapped for cash, and going to the grocery store, and seeing the prices of organic/Non-GMO foods, deters many people. We have been able to balance the extra cost, with a organic garden, and preserving those veggies, can save us enough to allow to spend a bit more at the grocery store.

Tips to a Non-GMO life

• Grow your Own: By having a garden you can ensure that you are an active particpant in the food you feed to your family. You can ensure the exposure that your garden has to GMO seed, pesticides, processing, etc. Plus getting outside, and playing in the soil is good for the soul, and a great family bonding activity. 
• Preserve your Harvest: If you garden (or go to farmer's market), preserve your harvest, in season, by canning, freezing, or dehydrating.
• Choose Non-GMO: As discussed in an earlier post, looking for the Non-GMO project verified lable, or the USDA Organic seal is the best bet for avoiding GMO's. 
• Limit eating in restaurants: There are more and more restaurants that offer Non-GMO and Organic options. Go to those that offer Non-GMO options, and make sure to thank them for their commitment to their customers. 

Not only is living Non-GMO possible, it is doable. I have a lot of friends ask "how do you live without treats". I have treats. In fact, far too many. Just because something is Non-GMO, or Organic, does not meat it is a twig and berry. There chips, pizza, burgers, soda... all that are Non-GMO. Just look around at your local store, and you will start to see all the options you have. You will be pleased. I live in a teeny-tiny town and I have so many options. I have never gone hungry.  Let me know what you find, and what you wish you could find. I am sure you will be pleased. 

Image courtesy of Carlos Porto at FreeDigitalPhotos.net