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In Episode 96 of the Eat for Endurance Podcast, sports dietitian Brooke Czarnecki of Intentful Nutrition joins me on the pod to help me answer a listener question. 

This person asked to learn more about organic foods as a runner, and also mentioned that she tries to minimize processed foods surrounding her runs. This inspired me to do an episode on organic versus conventional foods and “processed” versus “unprocessed” foods for athletes. I added a quick GMO chat at the end because it’s relevant to this discussion. 

There’s so much confusion, fear-mongering, and extremism when it comes to making nutrition decisions, especially regarding organic, “processed” (in quotes because it's not clearly defined) and GMO foods. For example, there is a widespread belief that if something is labeled organic or non-GMO, it must be nutritionally superior. But that's not true. 

In reality, this conversation is nuanced and complicated, and cannot be approached with the black-and-white way of thinking that so many people in the health and wellness space love to adopt.  

Brooke and I did our best to hit the main points, though there are some gaps in what we cover (especially on GMO foods). We define some key terms, differentiate between opinion and science (while throwing plenty of our own opinions in the mix), and talk about how all of this applies to you, as an athlete, in your everyday eating and performance nutrition.

Our overarching message is that the right decision is the one that works best for you. If you want to buy organic, minimally processed, non-GMO foods and products, go for it. 

AND... 

There's s no conclusive evidence that organic food is healthier than conventional food. Highly processed foods, including sports nutrition products, have a place in an overall balanced diet, if you want to include them (most endurance athletes need to). Current evidence does not universally support GMO foods as harmful. 

YOU get to choose how you want to eat. We’re just here to tell you that you don’t HAVE to buy organic and swear off all “processed” non-GMO foods to be a healthy, worthy human and athlete. 

Links & Announcements:

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• Get in touch at claire@eatforendurance.com.
• Music Credit: Joseph McDade

Disclaimer – all information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is in no way meant to replace individual medical and nutrition recommendations

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