This list is always changing based on changes in regulations and , in my opinion, differences in opinion and knowledge, but it does give you a good idea when trying to determine where to invest in the pricier produce and what not to worry about.

As a general rule of thumb, purchase produce organically where available that are thin skinned or known super-sprayed produce like bananas and strawberries. For example, new regulations passed in California allow California strawberries to be sprayed with substances that some scientists refuse to test for because of toxicity.
Oh, try to avoid purchasing imported produce because many countries use pesticides such as DDT which have been banded in America for decades.

Local produce is usually best though it may not be certified organic, you can speak with the farmers at your local stands to find out how their produce is raised and what has been used in the soil and on the fruits and veggies. Chances are they are chemical free or lightly sprayed since they are being sold locally and not shipped 1/2 around the world which requires more chemicals for preservation and appearance.

This list is from the current Woman's Tribune:

1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Lettuce
9. Grapes (imported)
10. Pears

Top Ten Food Groups to Consume Organically
I used this list from http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2008/02/nutritional-eating-what-is-most-important.html as we made the transition to a healthier lifestyle and it helped so much in prioritizing my purchases.

This link is consistent with what I learned from Dr. Colbert's book, Eat This and Live.
I lived by this guide for months as we made changes. It is an invaluable source -- simple, easy information, not at all wordy, lots of pictures. I literally took it with me to the grocery for weeks as I learned to read ingredient labels.

Organic meats and dairy were actually one of the most difficult transitions for us because of the price of those things in this area -- especially chicken and milk. I just learned, over time, how to create menu plans using less expensive organic or wild caught meats and fish, around what I happened to find on sale, and around what the local market or my friend Priscilla had available. Eventually, I learned my route and my sources.

This whole thing can be utterly overwhelming. I was not Lindsey Edumnds who was born and raised into this or Dr. Colbert who had devoted the better part of his life to this. I am just me, and I had to start somewhere. As such, I learned that we had to transition -- that we couldn't do it all at once but needed to work into it. Taking it bit by bit and piece by piece, we eventually transitioned most things over to the healthier choices, which I will explain in another blog.

Obviously, the more organic foods you consume the better. However, not everyone's budget is able to sustain an all organic diet. During the summer months I purchase tons of fresh produce to consume each week plus plenty to freeze for winter months when I know those foods are scarce or the price of gold. I also regularily purchase organic bananas, carrots, lettuce, dried beans, and baking ingredients all year long. In the winter months I purchase what produce I can find organically, not usually citrus fruits, though, because of their thick skin. The next best thing is to become educated on making the wisest decisions for your family.

That is why I have included some frugal-budget recipes on this blog -- I totally understand that making the transition into healthy eating can boost your grocery budget in a big way. Hopefully some of these recipes can help you ease into it in a more budget-friendly manner.

Most people want to eat healthy and just about everyone knows they should but where do you begin? There are insurmountable piles of information, do's and don'ts, and conflicting resources. Then, they find that if they want to provide healthful, whole foods meals for their families they must sell their soul to the kitchen for 5-7 hours/day, "hunt" for food through multiple stores and sources, and tackle the ingredients lists as they comb through the food racks looking for something that doesn't contain nitrates, nitrites, glycerides, Red #40, and multiple other ingredients I cannot spell or pronounce.
That is exactly where we were 3 years ago. My body was reacting to the poor diet it had been fed and the exercise it had been starved from over the previous ten years. My back was riddled with arthritis,  my legs were breaking out into rashes, I was way overweight, and I was so tired. I couldn' even lift  my 2 year old out of her crib.
Early one AM I had a wake-up call, literally.
I had a dream and I truly believe God told me that enough was enough and I needed to change. I woke up and flipped on Kenneth Copeland and the guest speaker of the week was Dr. Don Colbert, beginning a 2 week guest appearance on nutrition and the ill effects of poor diet. It was exacly what I needed to get started making life changes that have brought about radical changes in our entire family's quality of life. The arthritis is gone, I can carry my now almost -5 -year old anywhere any time, I have lost some weight and a whole lot of cellulite but gained a lot of muscle and dropped 3 clothing sizes. I can run, jump rope, hike with my family, and confidently wear a swimsuit to the pool. I have energy without the need for energy drinks, soda, coffee, and massive amounts of vitamins, though I do take a multi plus a couple extries.
My goal through this portion of my blog is to provide simple, straightforward options, recipes, and information to assit those who are looking for a way to navigate the maze toward a healthier, fuller life while avoiding some of the pitfalls, expense, and extremes along the way.