Focus on what you can control. A good friend sent me this one day, which helped put many of my thoughts into perspective. Dwelling on things so far in the future or the past are things you can’t change or control. This causes mental and emotional stress, which isn’t great for the body. Thinking about things you can’t control will happen, but try to minimize that today and stay present. Be where your feet are.

DIRTY DOZEN

Here is a list of produce items on the Dirty Dozen list. The Dirty Dozen list contains fruits and vegetables with the most pesticides in that year.

1. Strawberries

2. Spinach

3. Kale, collard & mustard greens

4. Peaches

5. Pears

6. Nectarines

7. Apples

8. Grapes

9. Bell & hot peppers

10. Cherries

11. Blueberries

12. Green beans

EWG’s report states, “More than 90 percent of samples of strawberries, apples, cherries, spinach, nectarines, and grapes tested positive for residues of two or more pesticides.”

It’s important to be aware of these items so you can grocery shop accordingly. This shouldn’t stop you from buying these items, but help you stay aware of which items need more attention when washing your produce.

How to shop accordingly-

1. Buy Organic: Consider buying organic versions, if possible, for the items on the Dirty Dozen list. Organic produce is grown with fewer synthetic pesticides, making them a better choice to reduce pesticide exposure.

2. Wash Thoroughly: Whether you choose organic or conventional produce, always wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water. This can help remove some of the pesticide residues.

3. Peel or Remove Outer Layers: For items like apples and potatoes, peeling or removing the outer layers can also help reduce pesticide exposure, but remember that you may lose some nutrients.

4. Support Local Farmers: Consider buying locally grown produce when possible. Small-scale farmers often use fewer pesticides and chemicals than large commercial farms.

5. Use the Clean Fifteen: In addition to the Dirty Dozen, the EWG also publishes the "Clean Fifteen" list, which includes produce items with lower pesticide residues. These are safer bets for buying conventionally grown. 2023, the Clean Fifteen might include items like avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, and onions.

Clean 15

1. Avocados

2. Sweet Corn

3. Pineapple

4. Onions

5. Papaya

6. Sweet peas (frozen)

7. Asapargus

8. Honeydew melon

9. Kiwi

10. Cabbage

11. Mushrooms

12. Mango

13. Sweet Potatoes

14. Watermelon

15. Carrots