Ways of buying organic in Northern Ireland
Sunday’s lamb, roast potatoes and root veg was, quite frankly, a triumph — everyone agreed the meat was tastier than the non-organic one we cooked alongside it (for volume rather than comparison, but it served that purpose too). We even knocked up an apple and raspberry crumble (apples freshly picked from a tree, so guaranteed GMO-free) with custard.
With careful planning and all the ingredients to hand it’s easy, but it did test my organisational skills. I had to be militant about packing the food and drinks I’d need throughout the day. A one week-only delivery doesn’t account for random 4pm cravings and my local Sainsbury’s — and vegetable boxes all over Northern Ireland. It offers vegetable boxes, salad bags and even fresh herbs and spices, as well as bespoke options. (www.mournemanor organics.org.uk)
÷ Causeway Organic delivers fresh local organic food to North Coast residents, including vegetables and herbs from Vance’s Organic Farm in Kilrea, bread from the Ursa Minor Bakehouse in Ballycastle, organic raw milk from Culmore Organic Farm and fresh flowers and herbs grown by June Brownlow in Kilrea. (www. causewayorganic.com)
even nearby Marks & Spencer (albeit a small one) — had surprisingly little organic food, unless I was willing to snack on raw veg at my desk. Plans to eat out with friends had to be pushed back a week because, no, Nando’s isn’t organic.
I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised that not one biscuit handed round the office happened to be organic either, and a day out with my family proved tricky too despite ample googling of ‘organic cafes near me’. It really depends where you live. Major cities might have some completely organic eat-out options, and there’s a growing number of gluten-free, vegan, fresh, ‘natural’ options, but organic? Not so much. Aside from one crisp packet-sized slip-up when I was hungry and ill-prepared, I ate and drank organically for just over a week. DID I NOTICE THE DIFFERENCE? The biggest eye-opener was the difference in taste of meat and fish. If you can afford it, it seems to make sense to eat meat produced in line with higher standards of animal welfare, for environmental, ethical and yumminess reasons. And now that I’ve read what’s allegedly added to non-organic milk (antibiotics and hormones), I’m a convert there too.
There have been conflicting studies about whether or not eating organic is healthier. In 2009 the Food Standards Agency concluded there was no significant difference in vitamins and minerals. However, in 2016, the British Journal of Nutrition found “clear differences between organic and conventional milk and meat, especially in terms of fatty acid composition, and the concentrations of certain essential minerals and antioxidants”.
Fran McElwaine, director of the UK Health Coaches Association, said I probably wouldn’t notice any changes from just a week of eating this way, although I’d say naturally making healthier choices — junk food simply isn’t organic — contributed to me feeling healthier overall.
“The cellular changes made by the toxins in non-organic food are subtle and incremental, likewise the benefits of avoiding them,” she says.
But McElwaine does believe chemicals used in industrialised farming methods have serious and compounding effects on our wellbeing.”
She says: “Our bodies are extremely efficient at managing toxins, but they are struggling with the increasing burden of man-made substances being ingested through our food.” Eating organic-only is more expensive. My total shop cost £189 (and there were some leftovers), including some household products and a couple of store cupboard essentials. For many people, like me, completely switching long-term just isn’t financially possible, but every food choice we make does help determine the kind of standards we want food supply chains to have.
I will be making a few small swaps in my shopping basket from now on, and cheers-ing with a glass of organic wine more often too (zero hangover, thank you very much).
For more information visit the Organic UK website www.feedyour happy.co.uk and find out about their campaign Feed Your Happy Yes, I love walking and have a dog which needs regular exercise. Last year I joined the National Trust and I have been making the most of my members’ pass by regularly walking in the stunning Mount Stewart which changes with every season. I also recently purchased a bike and am now enjoying exploring the cycle paths near my home. I don’t really feel confident enough to cycle on roads yet by myself. If there were more dedicated cycle lanes, it would be great.
What’s the worst illness you have had?
When I was a teenager I had a very severe form of glandular fever — I was unable to swallow as my throat was so infected. I was admitted to the Belvoir Park ‘Fever Hospital’ for three weeks and it took more than six months for me to feel well enough to return to school on a fulltime basis. I was just 16 and being admitted to hospital was quite frightening as my parents were away on a touring holiday. In those days there were no mobile phones so my parents didn’t know that I was in hospital until they returned home. Fortunately, it was my lower sixth year and even though I did miss a significant amount of school, I managed to catch up. I eventually ended up having my tonsils removed when I was 18 — I wish that I’d had them removed when I was a lot younger.
How healthy is your diet?
Being married to a vegetarian, I think my diet is fairly healthy as we eat lot of vegetable-based curries using quorn, dhal and chickpeas. I also tend to cook a lot of pasta-based meals. I enjoy cooking and would never buy commercial jars of pasta sauces. I do also enjoy eating meat and my favourite roast would be leg of lamb. I also really enjoy fish and, whenever we go out for a meal, fish would be my first choice because my husband doesn’t like me cooking it at home. I don’t have a very sweet tooth and would generally choose a starter over a pudding — unless of course pavlova was on the menu.
Any bad habits?
Yes — when the grandchildren are home and I have the excuse to stock up the sweetie jar, I have a tendency to raid it when no one is about. I cannot resist the odd Haribo!
Do you drink and/or smoke — if so, how much?
I like red wine with food but tend to drink white wine at the weekends or on social occasions.
Do you take any health supplements?
No, I don’t believe in them. I think that if your diet is healthy you should be getting all the nutrients you need from your food and not from a jar.
How do you take time out?
Last year I completed an eightweek mindfulness course which I found extremely helpful in managing my stress levels. I also enjoy reading, gardening and watching television.
How well do you sleep?
Very well. I generally have a few books beside my bed which I dip into before turning off the light — a novel, a biography and a book of poetry. Then, depending on my
Do you worry about getting old?
No. I would be more concerned about failing health rather than wrinkles. I feel that I live a much healthier lifestyle than my parents’ generation did at a similar age. However, there is always the unexpected waiting around the corner and I never take a day for granted because of that. Within our family circle I have experienced the loss of two brothers-inlaw to cancer in their early 40s, so I am a big believer in making every day count and utilising our excellent health screening services.
What is your go-to product/ habit that keeps you feeling healthy?
I’ve always loved spinach. As a child my father used to grow it and for some reason, whenever I eat it, I think it must really be doing me good. Fitness-wise, it’s my dog Treacle who guilts me into a daily walk. I really enjoy setting off with her to explore the fantastic local walks around Newtownabbey. Having been born in London I feel very lucky to live within reach of such accessible and beautiful countryside.
❝ Plans to eat out with friends were pushed back for a week as, no, Nando’s isn’t organic
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