As I continue on this journey of health and wellness living with a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes I am learning more about foods that are and are not good for me.

We all know that it’s important to eat fresh and to try and stay away from processed foods, but what happens when your fresh fruits and veggies aren’t good for you?

Now you guys know that I love my greens, whether they are Kale or Collards, but Spinach is another one of my favs, however, it’s listed as one of the dirty dozen but thankfully Cabbage is one of the clean 15!

​​​​​​​Dried fruits are also a NO-NO for diabetics however, we don’t have to give up fruit altogether. Sticking with low-sugar fruits like fresh berries or a small apple can provide health benefits while keeping blood sugar in the target range – but guess what an apple is? a DIRTY DOZEN!!!

Collard Greens
Collard Greens

Dirty Dozen

  • Strawberries
  • Spinach
  • Nectarines
  • Apples
  • Grapes
  • Peaches
  • Cherries
  • Pears
  • Tomatoes
  • Celery
  • Potatoes
  • Sweet Bell Peppers
Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 fruits and vegetables

Clean 15

  • Avocados
  • Sweet Corn
  • Pineapples
  • Cabbage
  • Onions
  • Sweet Peas
  • Papayas
  • Asparagus
  • Mangos
  • Eggplants
  • Honeydews
  • Kiwis
  • Cantelopes
  • Cauliflower
  • Broccoli

With all the reports about tainted foods, how do we keep the Clean 15 from becoming a Dirty Dozen?

I used Vinegar, and according to recent reports, “it is safe to soak fruits and vegetables in vinegar. Using a solution that’s three parts water and one part vinegar will be most effective at removing bacteria. If soaking fruit in the sink, be sure to clean the sink first and make sure you’re using enough vinegar to meet the three-to-one ratio.

Using vinegar, however, is not necessary because simply washing fruits and vegetables with clean water will remove 98 percent of bacteria”

Balance of Nature

Let’s Chat > How do you clean your fruits and vegetables?

8 thoughts on “The Dirty Dozen and The Clean 15

  1. Great post Sis. I am trying to keep up the pace and cabbage I love. But, collards and kale not so much. Lately I have been drinking a “Lean shake” for lunch from GNC. The flavor I love is Cookie Butter and it’s hard to find.

    1. What you don’t love collards and kale – boohoo, however, I do love cabbage too. I was going to make some collards tonight but the day got away from me, will do so tomorrow. I am not big on shakes because they leave me feeling hungry!

  2. I either grow my own produce in the Little Delaware Garden, or I purchase pesticide-free produce from Highland Orchards or Honeybee Market. I only rinse the produce with water!

    1. Yes, I think growing your own fruits and veggies is the only way to go these days especially with all the chemicals and pesticides the foods are sprayed with. Thank you for the tips and staying healthy!

  3. Avocados are a good food to eat before going to sleep because not only does it help balance hormones, but it helps you to avoid getting up in the middle of the night and going to the fridge b/c it makes you feel full from the natural fats the fruit has.

  4. I try to get as many veggies from local farmers as possible to try to avoid pesticides and residues. I have found that a large number of small farms are organic, without the certification because its too expensive for them, so I feel better about my produce. If I have to buy it from the store I use a veggie soak with essential oils.
    p.s. stopping buy from NE bloggers!!

    1. I love our local Farmer’s Market and love colorful fruits and veggies, however, we have to be careful with not only what we put in our body but what we put on our bodies as well. I am taking a closer look at lotions and potions too! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

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