What Are the Benefits of Eating Organic Foods for Weight Loss?

Weight Loss Basics                            

Eating the right number of calories in the form of a nutrient-dense diet is essential to both maintaining a healthy weight and promoting long-term weight loss. To lose a pound of fat, you must burn 3,500 calories more than you consume. Since you can safely lose up to 2 lbs. per week, you could conceivably cut up to 1,000 calories from your diet each day. A diet plan that promotes fruits and vegetables, whole grains such as rice, quinoa and oats, lean proteins, seeds, nuts and low-fat dairy can give you the variety of vitamins and minerals you need for optimal health, even when you restrict your caloric intake.

Benefits of Organic

The Environmental Protection Agency notes that 90 percent of fungicides, 60 percent of herbicides and 30 percent of insecticides are carcinogenic, or known to cause cancer. By definition, organic produce is free of chemical residues, making it a worry-free choice if you want to feature fruits and vegetables in your diet without increasing your body's pesticide load. Likewise, conventionally farmed animal products contain growth hormones and antibiotic residues.

Considerations

For weight loss, choose healthy, nutrient-dense foods first and foremost, and keep your calories in check. If minimizing your intake of chemical residues, growth hormones and antibiotics is important to you, opt for organic produce, grains and animal products that fit your diet, whenever possible.