Are Coupons Making you Fat?
Eating healthy is easy. Eating healthy on a budget is not. I was with a good friend last week who has become an “extreme couponer” :o) and she asked me if I knew of ways to eat healthy on a budget. This got my wheels turning and I figured that most of you would like to save a few extra bucks here and there, whether you are saving for something you want, saving for retirement, saving for a new baby, saving for that much needed vacation, or saving for any other reason. It is always nice to see money in your wallet instead of money going out of your wallet, but you do not want to compromise your health for those saved pennies. Sometimes you have to spend a little bit more on fresh fruits and veggies as opposed to fruit snacks, but you are really getting more bang for your buck……or more nutrients per ounce (which will keep you fuller longer and keep your body healthy on the inside). If you use those coupons on processed foods, you WILL end up having to pay more in the long run if you do not take care of your health……..hello hospital and doctors bills! Remember, invest in your health too!
Learn how to save money on healthy foods and avoid those coupons that allow you to buy 10 bags of dried soup for $1.00. I am going to give you some tips to saving money and still having healthy food in your house.
- Eat local. Go to your local vegetable/fruit market to buy fresh fruits and veggies. These are usually half the price that they are sold at your grocery store. Plus, they are fresh and taste soooooo much better!
- Look in your grocery store circulars (or online) for weekly specials on lean meats, frozen vegetable, veggie products, milk, and eggs. These items are hard to find coupons for and the grocery stores usually put them on sale once a month. Stock up and don’t be afraid to freeze everything (except the milk and eggs…….wouldn’t suggest that one!)
- Buy in bulk and make your own 100 calorie snack packs. The more you buy in bulk, the cheaper it is……usually! (make sure to check the unit pricing and compare to the smaller containers) You can make your own 100 calorie snack packs by buying small sized baggies and portioning out things like dried fruit, nuts, teddy grahams, animal crackers, fruit salad, pretzels, etc. These are so easy to make and only take a little bit of extra time.
- Be your own cook. Instead of buying already cooked foods, make the meal your self and then put the food into containers and freeze. Then you have your own healthy lean cuisine and you know exactly what is in it and it actually tastes homemade!
- Eat grains and legumes. These could not be any cheaper for the amount you get! Whole wheat pastas, whole wheat rice, whole wheat cous cous, dried beans, etc. It just takes a little bit of extra time for preparation, but it is totally worth it.
- Eat Seasonly. Seasonal foods not only taste better, but they are more nutritious and don’t have to be shipped from another country.
- Grow Your Own. Yes! Learn to garden. Grow your own fruits and veggies. It can save you tons of money, and time from having to go to the grocery store so much.
Websites I’ve found that have a few good coupons for healthy eating:
http://www.moneywisemoms.com/2011/04/coupons-for-healthy-foods.html
http://silksoymilk.com/
www.stonyfields.com/coupons
http://www.coupons.com/couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=15046&zid=uw18&nid=10&bid=alk0407060416986c6ac0f21819
Local Farmers Markets In Charleston, SC:
Corner of Folly Road and Fort Johnson Road (on James Island)- Tues-Sat. until 6pm
Corner of River Road and Maybank Hwy (on Johns Island)
Corner of Hwy 17 and Main Road (West Ashley)
Vegetable Bin- next to Harris Teeter (downtown)
Moultrie Middle School on Coleman Blvd (Mt Pleasant)- Tuesday’s
Farmers Market at Marion Square (downtown during the summer/spring)
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