Go to a local Farmer's market and speak to some farmers. One explained why he would never be organic. If one of his cows got sick, he could not use antibiotics. He otherwise can tell you the names of his cattle and is motivated to keep them healthy because they are his livelihood. I can also purchase beef and chickens from local farms. Many will let you check out their facility. A friend that works at a local Organic Market will call me and tell me the specials. I usually faint at the price of organic meat. Their organic turkey was $8.99lb at Thanksgiving. I usually try to buy local, seasonal foods, first and then organic for things that I'm not sure of. I love organic milk because the half gallons last longer than any other kind. Watch the prices because organic milks suppliers have already warned that they are raising the prices soon because of dwindling supplies. I like to attribute my good health and my daughter's to organic foods. When my daughter left for college and started eating in the cafeteria, she caught her first cold in years. She fought bronchitis for most of the first semester. She doesn't eat in the cafeteria as much and either goes to their farmer's market or makes her own food.

I buy organic everything – it was really hard at first to get into the habit, now it’s easy - – I eat a lot of the same foods like oats, lentils, raw food, fish, (non-farm raised), veggies, etc.  however, I have the occasional deviation which I always regret because I don’t feel as good – buying organic is expensive so I would take the approach of look at what your family consumes the most of and try to make sure that whatever those food items are, you are purchasing the most healthy form of that food that fits your budget - …..  you dont have to go 100% organic - even though that is best - any changes you make in your diet to make what you consume more healthy is better than nothing at all. 

Thanks for posting this Bethenny! And for those of you wanting to know which foods you should always buy organically,  Environmental Working Group releases a list every year called "The Dirty Dozen". The top twelve produce that contain the most pesticides. They also have a list of the "Clean 15" (fewest pesticides). Here's the link: http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/ .

Wow!  This is really an eye-opener for me!  I don't usually buy organic anything, but the antibiotics in the milk that Tina was talking about makes perfect sense.  Guess I need to do some research!  I've also never seen Food, Inc.  I'm going to watch that too!  And Jamila, thank you for the website--I've got some work to do.  I know organic costs more, but it's definitely worth it if it's better for my family.  I've just never thought about buying organic.  Do you guys buy the Horizon milk, or what organic milk do you buy?

@ UGA girl - I buy almond or rice milk. I found I had too many allergies, ear, nose and throat problems with cow's milk.

Ooo girl! i dont know if i could do goat or rice milk!  :/ I'm going to try organic cow's milk first, i think. Anyone have a brand suggestion?

For those who wish to affect positive change in the lives of farm animals, think about chosing products that are both "organic" (good for you) and "animal welfare approved" (better lives for the animals).

A little concerned that you have Sweet Potato on the list of foods not to be too concerned about if they are organic of not.  Watching this video might take that off your list! http://youtu.be/exBEFCiWyW0