Healthy Couponing?

Is it possible to eat HEALTHY while SAVING? 

TLC's Extreme Couponing follows those deemed"savvy shoppers" as they stretch the limits of their dollars and their saving skills. This show has spawned a number of Couponing Clubs across the country where members meet to share tips, tricks, and strategies. While I am all for finding a good deal I often notice that the "great savings" is on processed factory food and healthy impostors. 

Is there any hope for those of us who enjoy REAL food AND savings? The good news is YES: There are ways to save we just need to be aware of the opportunities. It will take some work to get your system down but like with anything you need to prepare to be successful. So where can you start?

1. Invest your TIME

There is only so much time in the day but if saving money on your groceries is a priority for you you will find a way to work it into your week. Specify an amount of time to check out the newspapers, websites, and emails and to print and clip any coupons. It doesn't need to be a painstaking process just set aside whatever time you determine and work within that block. Thanks to the power of Facebook I have been found many coupons for healthy brands Silk, Ezikiel, Chobani, and more by going directly to the brand websites. Some grocery stores and percents like Target or Walmart offer "register rewards" at the end of your transaction to save on future purchases. I have found that target offers many coupons on their produce.  

 2. Get Organized

I often clip or save coupons only to discover them at home AFTER I return from shopping. Create your system and make it a habit. It could be an envelope you leave in your glove compartment or you can leave it in your reusable bags in the trunk so you make sure they go in the store with you. If you get coupons emailed to you flag or label them as they hit your inbox and send to a dedicated folder. Before shopping, check out what you've saved, print what you need,place them in your envelope, and off you go.

3. Use Your Smartphone to Save!

In addition to manufacturer and store websites and your local newspaper put your phone to good use with apps designed to help you save. Some apps I have found helpful include:

Grocery IQ- for your shopping list and coupons

Coupon Clipper- for local businesses

The Coupons App- access to coupons in a wide range of products and also has a price comparison feature which is especially helpful when stores honor competitors prices.

3. Consider Letting Up on your Brand Loyalty

Sometimes savings comes by way of shopping outside of your brand. Think of your list and where you are comfortable switching. I love Almond Breeze but if I had a 2 for one for Silk I would switch for the week. There are plenty of options in addition to moving towards the store brand.

4. Buy in "Bulk" and Save

You do not need adopt hoarding as a means to save money! Think about what you consume and buy quantities when keeping in mind how and when you will use those items, their shelf life, and your needs. As a general rule I stay away from items with a long shelf life since that often means it is packed with preservatives. When produce you need is out of season consider buying frozen or canned veggies. When buying canned items I am sure to check for sodium levels and but low sodium when possible. Stock up when something is a good price but don't buy what you will never use for the sake of a coupon.

5. Learn the Lingo 

In order to get the most our of your couponing be sure to be familiar with the couponing culture. "One coupon per purchase" generally means one per item where "one coupon per transaction" means one per "bill". Coupon stacking is another way to make a few coupons go a long way. Coupons come to you by way of the manufacturer or by the store. If you have one from the manufacturer and one from the store you should be able to use both because they are coming from two different sources. If you are interested in learning more many stores offer a coupon class near you. 

6. Think Outside the Grocery Store

Farmers Markets are a great resource for produce as are websites like amazon.com and Vitacost.com for dry goods. I have purchased many grains, spices, and other "ingredients" from Amazon who has a program that offers free 2 day shipping. I have seen some of the best prices in addition to finding some items I couldn't find at the grocery store. 

Bottom Line is that YES its going to be a little trickier to find EXTREME "DEALS" when you are eating clean BUT isn't really a deal when you are pumping your body with preservatives and who knows what? I save when I can and am comfortable with the fact that I am giving my body the fuel it needs for health and overall wellness.  Happy Shopping!