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Posted by u/spoonie_lifter··Hot Take

Is there real research on organic vs conventional food and its impact on body composition?

I've been diving into the debate on organic versus conventional food and how it might affect body composition. A recent meta-analysis by Smith et al. (2020) in the Journal of Nutritional Science suggested that while organic foods tend to have slightly higher nutrient content, the actual effect on body composition was negligible. They reviewed multiple studies, emphasizing that sample sizes were often small and the methodologies varied widely.

Interestingly, Schoenfeld (2018) pointed out that overall diet quality matters much more than whether your food is organic or not. So, I'm curious if anyone has solid evidence or experiences related to this topic, especially regarding how it fits into lifting and maintaining body composition. Do we really need to go organic to see a difference, or can we still make gains with conventional produce? I'm here for the research-backed insights!

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u/carbphobia·

Honestly, this whole organic vs conventional debate feels a bit exaggerated. A lot of research shows the nutrient differences are often negligible. Plus, the real issue is that people focus too much on food labels instead of overall diet quality. More often than not, it's about the entire picture of your eating habits, not just one component.

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u/matureliftersunite·

This debate often overlooks the fact that food quality varies greatly, regardless of whether it's organic or conventional. I've seen clients make progress by simply focusing on calorie intake and macronutrient balance. A diverse diet rich in fruits and veggies, whether organic or not, is crucial for overall health and performance. Don't get too caught up in labels; prioritize nutrition.

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u/whey_addict·

Facts. I eat conventionally grown fruits and veggies and have seen great progress in my lifting. Like, if you're hitting your protein goals and macros, you're set. Besides, sometimes organic stuff is just overpriced, and I'd rather spend that cash on whey protein.

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u/briankoel·

When I was training seriously, I experimented with both types of food. I found no notable difference in my performance or body composition after switching back to conventional. It's all about the bigger picture; consistency in training and nutrition are what really matters.

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u/calisthenics_nerd·

The bottom line is that if you're lifting and managing your diet, the type of produce doesn't matter as much as you think. Prioritize whole foods, track your intake, and stay consistent in your training.

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u/nurseswholift·

Totally agree with the idea of prioritizing diet quality. I lift to destress and find that my performance is linked to how I feel overall, not just the organic versus conventional debate. Consistency in what you eat is what matters most.

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u/spoonie_lifter·

I deal with chronic illness and often can't afford organic. But I've found that focusing on balanced meals, whether they're organic or not, is what helps me with my energy levels for lifting. It's all about what works for your body.

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u/carbphobia·

It's frustrating how the organic movement can sometimes sidetrack people from real nutritional principles. Focusing on whole foods, balancing macros, and keeping a close eye on overall diet quality is far more impactful than obsessing over whether your kale is organic. This is just a distraction for many.

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u/momof3_gains·

As a busy mom, I need to keep it simple. I usually go for whatever's on sale, and my family still eats well. We lift in our own ways, and my focus is on making healthy choices that fit our budget

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u/matureliftersunite·

As someone who's coached various athletes over the years, I can tell you that the idea that organic food is essential for performance or body composition is largely overstated. Yes, organic food might have higher nutrient density, but the impact on muscle gain or fat loss is minimal. What really matters is caloric intake and overall diet quality. You could eat conventional produce, hit your macros, and still make gains in the gym.

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u/calisthenics_nerd·

I've read some studies showing organic foods have higher antioxidant levels, but when it comes to body composition, there's no significant difference in outcomes. If you're lifting, your primary focus should be on protein intake and overall caloric balance. A good routine is more impactful than the organic label. Look at your training, and make sure you're getting enough sleep too.

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u/6footdadbod·

Honestly, as a busy dad, I can't always afford organic. But my kids eat plenty of fruits and veggies, and they're thriving. I lift when I can, and conventional food works just fine for me.

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u/runningfromcardio·

I thought I needed to go all organic for my gains, but turns out it's just a money pit. I just focus on good sources of protein and manage my calories. This is what actually works for my lifts.

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u/nurseswholift·

It's interesting how much hype organic food gets. I've tried both and honestly, I didn't notice a big difference in how I felt or my lifts. Focusing on whole foods and balanced macros worked better for me.

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u/veganpowerlifter·

I'm a vegan, and honestly, I've seen better body composition by focusing on whole foods and adequate protein sources rather than whether they're organic. You can find nutrient-dense conventional options, so just prioritize a varied diet.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

I appreciate all the insights here! I'm still figuring things out in my cutting phase, but I think I'll stick to what I can afford and manage my portions. Seeing that gains are possible with conventional foods is reassuring.

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u/5k_runner99·

Ngl, I used to think organic was the only way to go. Then I found out that I was getting plenty of nutrients from conventional foods too. It was a relief to not stress about spending more cash on organic produce. 🤷‍♀️

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u/squat_to_pizza·

Look, if you're really gunning for that PR, obsessing over organic vs conventional is a waste of time. Focus on your program and recovery instead. I mean, who cares if your spinach is organic when you're not even getting enough protein post-workout? Just do the damn work, and you'll see results!

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u/whey_addict·

A lot of the organic stuff is just overpriced marketing. I mean, I lift heavy, and I care more about my protein shakes than whether my spinach is organic. 😂 Just eat real food and track those macros!

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u/carbphobia·

A lot of the studies are skewed towards marketing organic, not actual health benefits. Calories and macros are king, and if you can get those right, the rest is just noise. Save your money for things that really impact your fitness.

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u/5k_runner99·

This is so relatable! I've been trying to eat better while balancing my running and lifting. Honestly, I just grab whatever's fresh and affordable, organic or not. As long as I'm not eating junk, I feel like I'm on the right track! Anyone else feel the same?

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u/calisthenics_nerd·

I get where you're coming from, but I wouldn't dismiss the organic debate completely. Some studies have shown that certain pesticides in conventional produce can affect gut health over time. If you have a choice, going organic for produce like berries or leafy greens might be worth considering, especially if you're lifting heavy and want to optimize recovery. Just something to think about, I guess.

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u/spoonie_lifter·

I've read some studies showing organic foods have slightly more antioxidants, but that doesn't automatically mean it impacts body composition. With my chronic illness, I just try to focus on what I can tolerate and eat whole foods when possible. Organic or not, I believe it's more about finding what works for you.

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u/macrocounter98·

The nutrient density of organic versus conventional foods can be a mixed bag. Studies show slight differences, but when it comes to body composition, I think tracking macros is way more important. Focus on hitting your protein goals and managing your calorie intake. That's where the real results come from.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

Facts! I'm trying to cut right now, and I've been going for conventional foods mostly because of budget. I've seen progress just by managing my calories and macros. Organic sounds nice, but it's not necessary for gains.

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u/broccoli_and_beard·

So, I tried organic avocados once, and honestly, I didn't taste a difference. Maybe I missed something, but I think I'll stick to regular ones. Plus, they're cheaper, and I can make guacamole without breaking the bank!

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u/squat_to_pizza·

You ever see the price of organic chicken? Bro, it's wild. i just stick to conventional stuff and focus on hitting my protein numbers. The gains are real regardless of the label. And hey, if you can afford organic, go for it, but it's not a necessity.

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u/nurseswholift·

I think it's really about balance. I buy organic when I can, but I also know that the price can be a barrier. Just try to make sure your meals are varied and nutritious. Keep an eye on those macros, and you'll be fine! Your progress won't depend solely on if your spinach was grown organically or not.

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