Eating Healthy while Couponing

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I'd say the biggest myth about couponing is that all coupons are for processed foods.  Completely not true.  Are there lots of coupons for processed food, sure.  But there are just as many for wholesome foods as well like salads, fruits, veggies, eggs, and occasionally meat.  You just have to do some searching and stay diligent about what you buy.  Ditch the processed coupons and only clip or print the healthy stuff.

In fact, today, another mom asked me how I'm able to coupon, but still serve my kids healthy meals.  I told her we just don't buy "junk", no matter the price.  Sorry, but to me processed foods like Chef Boyardee, Pop Tarts, and most frozen dinners are just junk.  Lots of preservatives, salt, and sugar that my family doesn't need.  Don't get me wrong, we have plenty of other snack foods and quick meals in our pantry, but for the most part, we stay away from junk.  

The weekly menu at our house includes lots of cereal, eggs, and grits for breakfasts.  Lunches are mostly peanut butter sandwiches, fruit, and pretzels.  I throw the occasional mac and cheese or ham and cheese rollups in there.  Dinners are a combo of chicken, pork, and beef thru the week with a starch.  We love Mexican foods, so taco night is a favorite.  And we can't forget Italian night with some form of pasta.  But everything is homemade and we freeze leftovers for quick meals. 

On an average week, I review grocery matchup sites and compare that with what I am running low on in the fridge or pantry.  Then, I am able to make my list up of what I need PLUS what is a great deal to stock up on.  I use a combination of printable coupons and the Sunday paper inserts.  Facebook is a great one for whole foods.  Industries like pork, eggs, milk, and more all have Facebook sites where they offer coupons throughout the year on their products, no matter the company. 

So, this week is Triple Coupons at Harris Teeter.  After reviewing grocery matchup sites like Southern Savers and Homemaking Mom, I came up with a small list of items I feel are the best for our family.  It includes eggs, sliced cheese, napkins, Lysol wipes, canned tomato and chicken noodle soup, and canned fruit.  Nothing crazy, just basics.

Then I'll run by BiLo for the produce, milk, bread, and meats on our list.  Its less than a mile from our house, so we are always passing it on the way to and from school.  I like to use BiLo because for items I don't have coupons for.  That way I can get Fuelperks for savings on gas.  And who doesn't need to save on gas these days!?

There are also plenty of savings to find on household items like paper products, personal hygiene, and cleaners.  Savings is savings no matter where it comes from.  So, if I'm able to buy the household items for 50% less, than I have more money in my budget for all the whole foods. 

So don't be discouraged.  The good stuff is out there.  Good luck and Happy Couponing!