organic versus non-organic | The Healthy Shift Worker

In my quest to become a ‘healthy shift worker’ and to inspire others to become the same, I’ve always tried to include lots of fresh fruit and vegetables into my diet because they’re quite simply, Mother Nature’s Golden Ticket when it comes to first class nutrition.

So whenever I’m compiling my weekly menu plan which incorporates nourishing, nutrient-dense and energizing meals (to help combat my “too tired to cook” theory around working 24/7), I always ensure my weekly shop includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Of course whenever I’m feeling totally exhausted and way too tired to cook (often after a string of early shifts), I often whip myself up a green juice or smoothie containing fresh fruits and vegetables as they’re easily digestible and the nutrients can be quickly absorbed into the bloodstream resulting in more energy for my tired, sleep-deprived body.

But when I read a report a few years ago on the pesticide levels which can be found in some fruits and vegetables, I was flabbergasted to discover such high levels had been detected in so many of those which I would consume every day.

The same can be said when you spray your fruit and vege patch in the backyard with chemicals to scare away those nasty bugs and insects, as well as using fertilizer to help enhance growth and make your fruits and veges “look nicer”, you have to remember that you’re going to be ingesting these toxic chemicals too. Chemicals don’t just wash off in water which is why it’s really important to buy organic wherever possible to help reduce the toxic overload on your body.

According to the US Department of Agriculture and Environmental Working Group, the biggest offenders and highest pesticide levels can be found in the below:

Apples
Potatoes
Strawberries
Spinach
Peaches
Nectarines

Closely followed by:

Pears
Raspberries
Kale
Celery
Blueberries

So don’t be perturbed by the funny looking certified organic fruit and vegetables usually found stashed in the back corner of most local grocers, it just means they haven’t been subjected to a plethora of toxic chemicals and substances. Not only are they incredibly good for you, but they taste how Mother Nature intended them too – that is, loaded with heaps of flavour!

Lindsey

2021-09-05

Too Tired to Cook: The Shift Worker’s Guide to Working (And Surviving) in a 24/7 World: Great book, great information! This book is great and an easy read. I finished it in one sitting in only a few hours. While most of the information makes common sense, it is nice to have it all laid out in one book and have someone who has actually done shift work writing about it for once. I would recommend if you are feeling the monotony of your shifts and throughout your life. The book gives tangible things you can do that might make shift work seem a little more bearable and is definitely something you can come back each time you are forgetting what should be your priorities (like sleep and nutrition). Here’s to hoping shift work won’t last forever in my life, but while it’s here, might as well make the most of it!

Amazon Customer

2021-03-01

Too Tired to Cook: The Shift Worker’s Guide to Working (And Surviving) in a 24/7 World: Healthy learning Perfectly written from one shift worker to another. This book has given me really good information that helped me understand how to change my habits which is a challenging aspect of our lives. Thank you Audra for sharing your knowledge on health and wellbeing.

NPCanada

2020-01-10

Too Tired to Cook: The Shift Worker’s Guide to Working (And Surviving) in a 24/7 World: Great Information I've worked shiftwork for years and I wish I had this book at the start of my career. There is so much good, science-backed information on how to approach shiftwork in a wholistic, healthy manner. I've recommended it to my co-workers!

Roger Sutherland

2019-11-09

Too Tired to Cook: The Shift Worker’s Guide to Working (And Surviving) in a 24/7 World: Shift working strategies written by......a shift worker This is a book written by a shift worker for shift workers.Shift work is demonized by all the "experts" for the impact that it has on our systems and rightly so, It's brutal, but with over 1.5 million shift workers in Australia alone, someone has to be there for those "in need" on a 24/7 basis.This is the book that doesn't demonize shift work but guides shift workers on how to best stay as healthy as possible through shift work.It's a book that ALL companies Health and Wellbeing departments that run a 24/7 operation should be recommending to their shift workers....insisting they read. .I highly recommend that ALL shift workers get hold of a copy of this book.It's such an easy, light hearted and humorous read with many "nod in agreement" moments you will definitely relate to.I guarantee that there are strategies in this book that you will take away personally that will benefit you greatly. .Well done Audra

melissa

2019-10-17

Too Tired to Cook: The Shift Worker’s Guide to Working (And Surviving) in a 24/7 World: HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I highly recommend this book! It's such an easy read and is extremely relatable to shift workers. It's hard to find someone that really understands what shift workers go through and understands what's the most important factors we need the most. This is the first-ever book that I've come across that's specifically for shift workers and is written by one with experience. Audra wrote this book in a way that makes it easy for you to understand the science side without making you feel overwhelmed. I feel like this is the kind of book you can open and read a chapter at any time and can finish it within a week even after taking your time with it. Thank you for creating such an amazing piece of work Audra!

Colin Proctor

Too Tired to Cook: The Shift Worker’s Guide to Working (And Surviving) in a 24/7 World: Making shift work more survivable! It felt a bit odd to hold a book in my hand written by a long time Facebook friend, on the other side of the world. I've been witness to her journey from airline shift worker to health guru. The book is well written, and has lots of tips to offer the shift worker. I could have used these more when I was a chef for 25 years! I like the reminders at the end of each chapter, and the final checklist, very helpful in summing everything up. I've scanned the recipes and they look both healthy and tasty and not that hard to throw together. I've got 2 or 3 people in mind that would benefit from this book. A book you can keep coming back to and applying to your life. I get the impression this is just one of many books we'll see from this amazing lady. Definitely worth a read.

Helen

2019-09-26

Too Tired to Cook: The Shift Worker’s Guide to Working (And Surviving) in a 24/7 World: A must read for Shiftworkers I have been a shiftworker for over 30 years and to finally have Audra Starkey, who was a shift worker herself, write this book that shows that she fully understands and truly cares for the health of shiftworkers, is both a relief and a godsend. Audra covers the main struggles we may all encounter in shiftwork, regardless of the actual job or occupation and offers practical solutions to guide us to better health. The information that details what happens to our bodies and bodily processes, as we are impacted by shiftwork is invaluable in helping to make better decisions towards better health. I highly recommend "Too Tired To Cook" for any shiftworker.

Amy C

2019-09-23

Too Tired to Cook: The Shift Worker’s Guide to Working (And Surviving) in a 24/7 World: Best Shift Workers resource ever! As a long time shift worker, I have come across a number of well meaning tips through the years, but many were either impractical or simply not effective, but this book is the best, most comprehensive guide to surviving shift work I have ever encountered. From diet, to sleeping stratgies, to lifestyle management, this book has it all. The advice is sound, effective, and realistic. The authors passion for helping the stressed shift worker brightly shines through. I wish I could place a copy in every shift workers hands!

Ali

2019-08-31

Too Tired to Cook: The Shift Worker’s Guide to Working (And Surviving) in a 24/7 World: A must read for all shift-workers in this world A book written by a shift worker to a shift worker. Someone who really does ‘get it’ and understand the struggles of shift workers out there because she has been there herself. I loved the fact that Audra used some real life examples throughout her book of how she struggled too. I’m sure it makes people reading this feel better knowing it’s not just them and they’re not going completely crazy ... I’m not a shift worker myself anymore (used to be a while back) but needless to say I was gripped all the way through, an easy to read informative book with action steps at the end of each chapter, simple yet not overwhelming. This is an absolute must read book for every single shift worker out there. It will change your life and others around you. My phone is already out of the bedroom .. and it was much easier than I ever thought it would be. Here’s to better sleep 😴

Kim Ramsay

2019-08-11

Too Tired to Cook: The Shift Worker’s Guide to Working (And Surviving) in a 24/7 World: Finally! !!! This book is easy to read ( i read it in 1 shift ) but has so many nuggest of wisdom, a must for shift workers.Thank you xo

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Organic Versus Non-Organic: Which One Should You Choose?

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