I've jumped on the clean eating bandwagon. That means no processed foods, no refined sugars, heavy on the whole grains, meats, and veggies. And let me tell you, being an "extreme" couponer does not facilitate this way of eating! Yes, I'm constantly writing that coupons are NOT just for the junk food and that's 100% accurate but they're also not for the picky. You can use coupons on things other than food if you're on a really strict diet or have some food intolerances (like my momma, who has Celiac Disease). I seriously haven't paid for toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, feminine care products, or dryer sheets in years. Also, I've only once or twice paid more than $.50 for shampoo or $1.50 for laundry detergent. But part of my coupon class talks about throwing away the idea of being brand loyal. You just can't be if you're going to save the huge amounts like some couponers do. It's not possible.Clean Eating Shopping List
So how would one be frugal and use coupons while trying to eat healthy and lose weight? Ah, that is the question! Here's a few tips. I've been trying it since coming home from Idaho and while I haven't completely made it fully there yet (as you can see from some of my shopping trip photos on Facebook! But much of that goes to my brother and his roommates, church, and food pantries), my pantry is looking much nicer than it did before the summer!
1) I shop at Sprouts and Whole Foods. They both allow coupons. In fact, both have store coupons on their websites that you can pair with manufacturer coupons to get double savings! Mambosprouts.com has several organic/natural product coupons that pair well with these two stores' coupons. Plus, Sprouts has double Wednesdays. On Wednesdays, the stuff that was on sale last week is still on sale with the coming week's sale prices.
2) I shop at Asian Pacific Market for meat. That's a local Asian grocery that has really good prices on meats and veggies. I don't think they allow coupons but even if they did, they don't have any national brands that I've seen. But boneless, skinless chicken breasts are consistently $1.77/lb there.
3) When you do see good sales on things that are in your eating lifestyle, STOCK UP! Sales are fewer and farther between for these types of products.
4) Join a food co-op. I know there are some out there. Bountiful Baskets is one here in the Springs. We joined Miller Farm's produce co-op one summer and got locally grown, organic produce delivered in huge crates every week all summer and fall long. It was awesome!
5) Be creative with what's on sale! I get coupons for Chex cereal all the time. Most of Chex cereal is gluten free which is what my mom needs. We use corn Chex often for breading on chicken. It stays crunchy when baked! Also, I make my own Chex mix for her because the bagged kind has a bunch of preservatives in it to keep it shelf stable and has wheat in it in the form of their wheat Chex, bagel chips, and pumpernickel chips. I substitute gluten free pretzels and nuts in instead. She loves it!
So, there you go. I hope this helps. Pinterest is my absolute inspiration for meal ideas if you need some! Do you have any tips for eating healthy on a budget?
