Four Ways I Avoid GMOs

It almost seems like, from those who I talk to about nutrition, that there is a consensus that most people feel that it is hopeless or impossible to avoid GMOs and other foods with harmful processed ingredients. It is in so many common foods and beverages.

It can be indeed difficult to know where to start. A rule of thumb to follow is to be aware aware of the main foods that are grown genetically modified. And note that many of these are included in ingredients in many food products. These include canola, soy, corn (including high fructose corn syrup) and it is estimated 90% plus of these are GMO. There are many other food products that may be GMO but not as high a % is GMO. Here are a few pointers that I use in my personal life.

1. I buy my largest percentage of food from Whole Foods and other organic retailers. This includes all my meats, baby items, butter, snacks, ketchup, and a percentage of our produce. I buy a organic brand of canola oil that has the label ‘non GMO verified’. If your store is not near you, you can do as I do and go less frequently and buy several weeks of supply.

2. A second way is by becoming familiar with name brands. Follow the money. There some specific companies who have donated large sums of money to support legislation that requires labeling of GMOs. These initiatives show that the company is willing to stand by their product as non-GMO. Many of these specialty organic companies have products that can be found in common supermarkets. One of these companies is Organic Valley. I purchase my milk and eggs from Organic Valley at my local supermarket. We also occasionally mail order online from specific companies such as Earth Best.

3. Our third way is buying food that is imported from other countries. Many countries ban GMO farming and use less harmful methods of growing food than most US commercial farms do. While it is not totally fool proof of not getting GMOs, it is generally reliable. My personal examples are bananas from Central America, and Jasmine rice from Thailand. I buy these at my local supermarket. I will patronize and support US companies who produce things the right way and shun all the others (the majority of companies) who produce things the cheapest way possible with no regard whatsoever to the well-being of the consumer.

4. The final way is by growing it myself. We grow a percentage of our produce, mainly leafy greens, tomatoes, and fruit. There is a personal satisfaction in growing your own food and you know exactly what you are getting.

Once you can find a reliable source for each of your go to foods and systemize it, the rest is simple.