This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Annie’s and Acorn Influence. All opinions and thoughts expressed are 100% my very my own. #AnniesSpring

Finding natural and organic foods when my oldest first started eating was very difficult, you either resorted to specialty stores or chose from the minuscule selection at your local grocer. Ten years later and I am ecstatic by how much we have been educated on eating healthier and being more aware of the ingredients found in our every day foods. You no longer struggle to find natural and organic food and they have quickly been integrated into all grocery stores for your convenience. Eating organic has never been easier and we have such a variety of selections. In addition to sharing just how simple it is to shop organic, I am also going to include some of the benefits of eating organic food!

Annie’s has always been one of favorite brands and I have recently noticed that their products are popping up all over the grocery store! Years ago I would find their products in the cracker section, now I can find them in just about every aisle I shop! From macaroni and cheese to cheddar bunnies…. from biscuits to cinnamon rolls, you are sure to find several products that your family will love!

As a mom of three I know all too well how crazy and hectic life can get. I so want to be that A+ mom cooking Pinterest worth meals each not. Well the truth is… I am far from super mom and sometimes I need a quick meal to feed our family. Annie’s allows me to prepare quick meals with shelf stable natural and organic foods without the guilt! I can feed my children knowing they are enjoying real ingredients and products that are free of artificial flavors, synthetic colors and preservatives.

So why exactly is eating organic foods so important? Is it just the latest fad or is there actually a benefit to making the switch? Well my friends, I can tell you with much confidence that there are an overwhelming amount of reasons to choose organic foods. Let’s first discuss what makes organic foods different than the rest! Organic crops must be grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, bioengineered genes (GMOs), petroleum-based fertilizers, and sewage sludge-based fertilizers.

Something else to take note of is that organic livestock that are raised for meat, eggs, and dairy products must have access to the outdoors and be given organic feed. Most importantly in my opinions is that they may not be given any antibiotics, growth hormones, or any animal by-products. Have I mentioned how important this is? VERY IMPORTANT. Not something you want your children ingesting.

What makes food Organic:

• Grown with natural fertilizers (manure, compost)
• Weeds are controlled naturally (crop rotation, hand weeding, mulching, and tilling).
• Pests are controlled using natural methods (birds, insects, traps) and naturally-derived pesticides
• Livestock are given all organic, hormone- and GMO-free feed.
• Disease is prevented with natural methods such as clean housing, rotational grazing, and healthy diet.
• Livestock must have access to the outdoors.

There are also SO MANY health benefits to switching to organic foods because they often have more beneficial nutrients (such as antioxidants). People with allergies to foods, chemicals, or preservatives very often discover that their symptoms lessen or go away entirely when they eat only organic foods.

I hope this post was helpful and gave you a better idea of why organic and natural foods are so beneficial. Let me know in the comment section down below if you have any questions or advice for those thinking about integrating more organic foods into their household.