Organic food is everywhere—from grocery store shelves to wellness marketing. But is it truly healthier, or just more expensive? In this episode, Rachel Fine takes a closer look at what the organic label actually means, the science behind pesticides and additives, and whether organic produce offers real advantages over conventionally grown foods for dancers.

You’ll learn:

✅ What “organic” means according to USDA standards

✅ The truth behind labels like “100% Organic,” “Organic,” and “Made With Organic”

✅ Whether organic foods are more nutritious than conventional foods

✅ What research says about pesticides, glyphosate, hormones, and antibiotics

✅ Why eating more fruits and veggies—organic or not—matters most for dancers

📅 Perfect for: dancers wondering if organic food is worth the investment, parents navigating food marketing for their dancer, and educators who want clarity on food safety and performance fueling.

📖 Read the full blog: https://dancenutrition.com/is-organic-food-healthier/

📲 Follow on Instagram: @ToThePointeNutrition

🔔 Subscribe on YouTube: Nutrition for Dancers

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Rachel Fine, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Sports Nutritionist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and Certified Counselor of Intuitive Eating works with dancers to help them build supportive relationships with both food and body. 

Disclaimer: This is produced for informational purposes only. This information is general, not specific to you. The information in this podcast does not substitute for medical advice. The viewer assumes full responsibility for consulting a qualified health professional regarding health conditions or concerns, and before starting a new diet or health program.

Timestamps ⬇️ (Skip to the section you need!)

0:00 – Are Organic Foods Better for Dancers?
Unpacking the hype around organic foods and GMOs in the dance world.

0:32 – The Problem With Clean Eating Mindsets
How “all-or-nothing” thinking about food turns into guilt and restriction.

1:20 – Organic Foods and Dancer Guilt
Why the higher price tag can leave dancers feeling anxious about their choices.

2:28 – What Organic Certification Really Means
How foods earn the organic label and what regulations actually cover.

3:42 – Food Labels Explained: 100% Organic vs. Made With Organic
The difference between labels and what they actually guarantee.

4:10 – Is There a Health Benefit to Organic Foods?
What the current research says about organic vs. conventional produce.

4:52 – The Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen Lists
Why lists from the Environmental Working Group can fuel unnecessary fear.

6:12 – Understanding Pesticide Safety
EPA regulations and why residues on produce remain well below safety limits.

7:15 – Glyphosate (Roundup) and Your Health
What the science says about this controversial weed killer in our food supply.

9:04 – Environmental Impact of Organic vs. Conventional Farming
The truth about pesticide use, sustainability, and farming practices.

10:19 – Meat, Antibiotics, and Hormones
Clearing up misconceptions about animal farming, safety, and marketing claims.

11:49 – The Real Issue: We Need More Fruits and Vegetables
Why produce intake matters far more than whether it’s organic or conventional.

12:27 – What About GMOs?
How crops are genetically modified, regulated, and tested for safety.

13:44 – Are GMOs Actually Safe?
What research and major health organizations say about GMO foods.

15:17 – Final Takeaway: No Guilt in Your Food Choices
Why conventionally grown foods are just as safe—and how dancers can eat without shame.