Week 3: Food for Thought...What are you eating?

One of the biggest things I am trying to change this year is the fact that it is sooo easy with couponing to eat processed food. Don't know what processed food is? It's the stuff in the middle of grocery stores, down the aisles. Things that sit on the shelf and don't spoil in a matter of days/weeks.

Couponing last year allowed me to get a lot of things for free or next to nothing, 90% of it processed. Popcorn, Chips, Crackers, Cereal, Coffee, Tea...etc. Processed food in case you didn't know, is NOT good for you The additives and the way they process the food to keep it from spoiling is not to be desired.

Due to this and the fact that I will still ALWAYS buy processed food I decided to research healthier alternatives. I am in the process of switching out my entire pantry for organic, all-natural processed foods. I thought this week I would share some of my favorites, some I already use and some I can't wait to try.

Pasta Sauce: Newman's Own (Walmart, Safeway, Save On Foods, Superstore). The best price I have seen this sauce on for is $2.00 at Walmart. There are $1.00 coupons that do appear every year, making this all-natural pasta sauce a steal for only $1.00 a jar! The other thing I love about this company is all profits go to charity. (They also make all-natural Salsa, Salad Dressing and Extra Virgin Olive Oil).

Tortilla Chips: QuePasa (Save On Foods, Coopers, PriceSmart and Superstore). I score a bag of these chips for $3.50 when they go on sale. Made from 75% organic corn that is stone ground and cooked in Non-GMO canola oil. Haven't seen any coupons for this product yet.

Snack Chips: Hardbite (Save On Foods, Superstore). Kettle-cooked potato chips with all natural ingredients, Non-GMO, no trans fats, no MSG and the best yet they are made right here in BC! At only $2.00 for a 150g, you won't feel so bad about eating the entire bag yourself!

Yogurt: Olympic Organic Yogurt (Superstore, Save On Foods). Pretty pricey, but nothing beats the taste. There is NO potassium sorbate, gelatin, gluten, preservatives, fillers or artificial sweeteners in any of their products = 100% natural ingredients. You can buy a large tub of this yogurt for under $3.50. There are lots of coupons for this yogurt, making it pretty cheap when you can find it on sale.

Milk: Earth's Own Fresh Almond Milk (Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart). Our favorite flavor in this house is Chocolate. I always keep at least 2 cartons on hand. Regular price is $3.97 and again there are lots of coupons out there for this product. I typically never spend more than $1.99 on any 2L carton I buy making it essentially the same price as milk, yet way healthier!

Baking: Wholesome Sweeteners (Costco, Save On Foods, Pricesmart, Coopers). LOVE this line of sugars and sweeteners. Cane sugar, agave, honey, syrups, molasses. All natural and organic. We use nothing else. Prices range from $5.99-$12.99 depending on the size of the bag/product.

Pasta: TruRoots (Save On, Costco). This line of whole grain products are completely made from quinoa and brown rice. All of their products are natural, most are organic and gluten free as well. I can't wait to try their pasta. Costs range from $3.99-$9.99 depending on the size of the bag/product you purchase. Sorry folks, no coupons for these products.

Cereal/Granola Bars: Nature's Path Organic (Walmart, Save On Foods, Superstore). The name pretty much says it all. Healthy, all-natural and organic grains. They make cereal, granola bars and oatmeal. Prices range from $3.99-$9.99 depending on the size of the bag/product you purchase. $1.00 coupons have been seen from time to time.

The more I switch out my pantry the more I realize that it isn't that expensive to healthy. You buy less since its more expensive, but you don't need a lot of unhealthy processed foods in your house to feed a family. Healthy processed foods are also more filling, since they don't have a lot of msg and additives, making the need to buy more of it not necessary.

My challenge to you this week is to pick 1 unhealthy thing in your pantry and find a healthier alternative to purchase.

Total Spent Week 3: $155.96
Total Coupon Used Week 3: $21.50

YTD Grocery Total: $351.76
Coupons To Date: $53.53
% Savings to Date: 13%