Coupons are not just for junk food!

Lots of people think that it’s not worth finding or using coupons because there are only coupons for junk food. I’ll admit that the ratio of coupons for junk food compared to more nutritious products is not equal, but there are still plenty of coupons for the good stuff. I always have coupons for healthy foods on hand: Yogurt, eggs, milk, whole grains, frozen veggies and even fresh produce.  

After my last blog, I went to Meijer to get groceries for the week. In my last blog I mentioned that you could “stack” coupons to save even more money.  That means you can use one store coupon (a coupon distributed by and only redeemable at a specific store) and one manufacturer coupon (distributed by the manufacturer of the product) per a product. Lots of stores allow "stacking" including: Meijer, HEB, CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, so check out your local store's policy.

I did some stacking of coupons with the store sales and stocked up on some healthy staples for an unbeatable price.I wanted to highlight some of my deals to show you just how much money you could save on healthy products by using coupons I found both online and in the Sunday paper.

Smart Balance Milk (64oz) -- Regular Price: 3.99

Sale Price: 2.59

Manufacturer Coupon: $1.50 off 1

Meijer Store Coupon: $1.00 of 2

Final Price: $0.50 each (when you buy 2)!

I bought a couple because it was such a great deal. I freeze the milk and thaw it out when I need it. 

Starkist Tuna Creations Pouches (4.5oz)  -- Regular Price:  $1.79

Sale Price: $1.43

Manufacturer Coupon: $0.50/1

Meijer Store Coupon: $1.00 off 2

Final Price: $0.43/pouch!

Love this stuff! It’s predrained and makes quick and delicious tuna salad or tuna burgers (I’ll share those recipes soon!)

Splenda Essentials (80 packets) – Regular Price $4.59

Sale Price: $3.44

Manufacturer Coup: $2.00 off 1

Meijer Coup: $1.00 off 1

Final Price: $0.44/box!

We’ll save the discussion on artificial sweeteners for another day. I have one packet with my coffee every day, so I’m stocked up for a while!

 Mrs. Dash Salt Free Seasoning – Regular Price $2.99

Sale Price: 2 for $4

Meijer Coup: $1 of 2

Final Price: $1.50/each!

Flavorful salt-free seasonings that I use to spruce up my  veggies and  lean meats.

 Smart Balance Spread – Regular Price $3.29

Sale Price: 2 for $5

Manufacturer Coup: $1 off 2

Meijier Coup: $1 off 2

Final Price: $1.50 each!

There's nothing wrong with a little trans-fat free spread on my whole grain toast or steamed veggies! These spreads also freeze well.

These are just a FEW of the many awesome deals I’ve been able to score, and you can see that none of these products were junk food. So why don’t you use coupons again?!

For those of you that still think using coupons is too much effort, stay tuned for my next lesson: How to get a great deal on nutritious products without coupons.

Coupons are Everywhere!

One of the easiest and best ways to save money is to use coupons. Yes, I'll admit I have a coupon binder. My mom made it for me for Christmas a couple of years ago and it is one of my most treasured gifts! I fill it with little pieces of money (aka coupons) and tote it with me to the grocery store to save some mad cash. Yes, mad cash. So where can you find this free money? Check it out below. 

Disclaimer: This is my first video so be nice! I am very camera shy! 

Summary

Easy Places to Find Coupons:

• Sunday Paper - Coupon inserts are only on Sundays! Consider buying a newspaper from a larger city (if available) for more high value coupons.
• Your Mailbox - Be on the look out for local flyers and store coupons
• Magazines - Consider subscribing to All You for lots of great coupons! Lots of magazines have ads with coupons too so keep your eyes peeled..
• Online - Coupons.com Redplum.com Healthy&Organic Coupons and check the website of your grocery store Meijer  Target HEB Whole Foods Jewel-Osco
• At the store - Check for peel off coupons on products and coupons that print out at the register. 

Using coupons is smart! Don't be embarrassed to use them because saving money is always cool.

Save Money. Eat Well.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when people use the excuse “It’s too expensive to eat healthy.” Although I could make a list of why that is largely incorrect, I think I must prove it. My actions will speak louder than those words.

I grew up in a pretty frugal household. I helped cut coupons, went to discount grocery stores and dollar stores, and saw how creativity helped my mom feed 3 hungry kids and my picky dad on a limited income.   If I ever have to buy something at full price it’s usually because I am DESPERATE!  My menu is largely based on what’s on sale and what is in my pantry.

I am NOT a crazy coupon lady! I buy what I need and stock up wisely. I’m currently in my last year of graduate school pursuing my PhD in nutritional sciences, so I don't need to explain the lack of money and free time I have to work with. Nutrition and fitness is a lifestyle and a serious interest of mine, not just a career I’m pursuing. What’s the point in learning all this stuff if I can’t share it with people that need this information to have healthier lives?!

I’m starting this blog for a couple of reasons: 1) To serve as an outlet for some of the nutrition knowledge that is crammed in my brain and 2) Help people understand that eating healthy on the cheap is not impossible. I want to share what a little creativity and couponing can do for your health. Let this be a blog to help disband yet another myth about how it’s too hard to eat healthy. No more excuses!

What this blog will include
·         I will regularly share my daily intake and cost of groceries.  I will give the nutritional breakdown and cost of each meal/snack.
·         Share some of my cheap recipes and links to coupons and deals
·         Videos of my grocery shopping trips and my magical meals that I can whip up in less than 30 minutes!
·         I’m a nutrition scientist, so there may be science and nutrition facts thrown in for good fun!

Disclaimer:  I have no dietary restrictions and love all foods (minus olives)! However, I will still try to show how you can still get great discounts on organic foods and other products for people with dietary restrictions.

I hope you'll tune in regularly and together we can save money and eat well!