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In the Box
Packing an Organic Lunch
By Donna Smith
Anthony Zolezzi, author of Chemical-Free Kids (Kensington Publishing, 2003), says organic fruits and vegetables have higher brix (density of nutrients) and oric (antioxidant value) levels. "If produce is heavy on the pesticides, then the child's body spends all morning burning up the toxins instead of utilizing the nutrients in the food," he says. And although organic products have shorter shelf lives, they do not contain the trans-fats that have been proven to impact childhood obesity or preservatives or dyes, he says.
"There are just as many choices and possibilities with organic food as conventional food and the big plus – it tastes better," says Cooper. She says all types of foods – from fruits and vegetables to soups to crackers and cookies – are available organic.
For those who want to start off slowly with selected organic products for their child's lunch, Cooper says to "take baby steps" and buy products that the child consumes the most. Good items to start with are organic milk, juice, apples and carrots, she says.
And don't be afraid to ask for help. "Go to the local natural food store and ask for help, and you'll be amazed how easy it is," says Zolezzi. "Most of the staff at these natural food stores are very knowledgeable and friendly."
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