Natural

Many products, like lunchmeats, use the word “natural” as a way to grab the attention of a conscientious consumer. Natural simply means the product is minimally processed without artificial additives. These items are less regulated than those with the organic label and the claim has nothing to do with farming processes.

Grass fed

You may have noticed or even purchased beef from the store with a label indicating “grass-fed beef.” This term, which only applies to beef, indicates the animal was fed a grass-heavy diet, similar to what the animal would seek out naturally.

Cage free

Cage free is a USDA-regulated term referring to birds housed without cages. The fowl are able to stretch their wings and lay eggs in nests as they would in nature.

So is sustainable eating necessary for optimal health? Not necessarily. For most Americans, a diet rich in a variety of fruits, vegetables healthy fats and lean meats is most important, and often these basic nutrition principles are not being met. Meeting these fundamental requirements, whether with organic produce or not, should be the first priority. However, if sustainable eating coincides with your values and your budget, it can be a wonderful choice.