Detox Your Grocery List

I know many of my patients have expressed that they sometimes have difficulty navigating the grocery store, including figuring out what is worth the extra spend to get organic and what isn’t. 


In today’s world where more pesticides and chemicals are used than ever before, it’s important to be vigilant as to what we are bringing into our bodies and the cumulative effects that may have. 


Because of this, I wanted to put together a guide on how to detox your grocery list, including what to buy organic, and what to steer clear of altogether. 


Always Buy Organic


The Dirty Dozen 


The dirty dozen is a list of produce that contains the highest amount of pesticides. If you buy nothing else organic, I recommend doing so for these 12 items at least: 


  1. Strawberries

  2. Spinach

  3. Kale

  4. Nectarines

  5. Apples

  6. Grapes

  7. Peaches

  8. Cherries

  9. Pears

  10. Tomatoes

  11. Celery

  12. Potatoes


Avoid Altogether 


There are some types of foods that I recommend steering clear of all together that contain too many chemicals that are harmful for your health. 


  • Processed Foods: Pretty much all processed foods contain one or more of the below. They may be convenient, but it’s best to stick to foods in their most natural form. If you are buying anything packaged, be sure to check the ingredient list to be aware of what may be hiding inside. 


  • Food with Artificial Colours or Flavours: Artificial food dyes have been linked to many health conditions including hyperactivity, allergies, and possibly some cancers. There are plenty of natural alternatives that are a safer bet. 


  • Foods with Artificial Trans Fats: These are plant-sourced fats that have been artificially turned solid and are being linked to heart disease. 


  • Foods with High Fructose Corn Syrup: High fructose corn syrup is an artificial sugar that is linked with diabetes and heart disease, as well as a higher risk of fatty liver disease. 


  • Foods with an Ingredient List Longer Than 3 Items:  Especially if you don’t know what they are.


Eat to Your Heart's Content


The Clean 15

The Clean 15 is a list of conventionally grown produce that has the lowest amount of pesticide residue: 


  1. Avocados

  2. Corn on the Cob

  3. Pineapple

  4. Cabbage

  5. Peas

  6. Onions

  7. Asparagus

  8. Mangos

  9. Papayas

  10. Kiwi

  11. Eggplant

  12. Honeydew

  13. Grapefruit

  14. Cantaloupe

  15. Cauliflower



When in Doubt 

A good rule of thumb is always to go with the closest something is to how it came from the earth. This “whole food” way of eating is a surefire way to maintain a healthy diet and detox your grocery list.