SavvyShopperDeals.com

Hey, first off I want to thank everyone on this forum.  It is so awesome!  I have learned so much and I get so excited about things you guys know. I think you are all brilliant.  I also can't live without the emails now, it saves so much time and money.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips or tricks for saving money and eating very healthy at the same time.  There are always great deals on things like canned biscuits, cold cereal (esp. that with lots of sugar), toaster pastries, etc.  I enjoy these, but I try not to eat these things too often.  It's tempting though, those frozen meals get pretty cheap with coupons and sales combined.  And they can be lifesavers. 

Does anyone know any tricks besides shopping sales for getting produce for a good price?  Eggs, milk, and cheese?  I wish they had more coupons for these things!   I am glad for the coupons I get though, especially for non-food items, it saves a bundle. We also enjoy those toaster pastries and sugary cereal when they are cheap. And we LOVED the oreos!

I guess there's probably no other suggestions besides sales, but I just had to ask.  The things people here know, are always amazing to me, so I couldn't help but ask just in case!

Does anyone else that get multiple papers (and coupons) find it worth it even without the processed foods and treat coupons? I can't seem to figure out that one for sure either!

Thanks again,
Lindsay

That Reams!  I am so envious of those close to it!  I guess I should feel lucky that we even have Smith's, Albertson's, and an associated food store in Cedar City!   

I always watch for the cereal sales on Mini-wheats, raisin bran, oatmeal (plain without the added sugar) and cheerios. Other than that I could use some help too!!  We are trying to cut down sugar and salt while still living on a budget. Are there any great produce . . . tips for those of us in North Utah county from any of you pros out ther? I wish that there was a Reams in NORTH Utah county!  I would love to hit more of those sales.

Thanks!!!

Yes the multiples are worth it and you don't have top buy all the junk. For example several months ago All & Wisk 50 cents with my coupons, Shampoo always free-50 cents, deodorant,shaving cream, razors-with 4 daughters-always needed and cheap, cheap! They have coupons for yogurt, beans, pasta. Cheerios-Dr. Oz says it is one of the best cereals out there- anyway IMO I love my coupons, I always save big. I can't pass up the brownies for 25-50 cents though, but they always come in handy for church functions, and baby meals which I do a lot of. Same thing with the fruit snacks they are great when I need non-perishables for the Zoo or Trips. As far as cake mixes go you can make them healthier without the fat by adding applesauce. I do not use many of the coupons I get though, but I always make back plus a lot more than I spend on newspapers.

Great Question!  I work in healthcare and see the true costs of too many "$1.00 Oreos"!

I look for coupons for whole grain pasta, breads, and cereals.  The freebies are fine for treats on special occaisions.  But most of our nutrition should come from whole grains, fruits, vegs, lean meats, and "good fats".  Very lean meat can cost more, but you aren't getting 30% fat from it, which is another kind of waste.  Buy a "cow" with a friend and stock your freezer with healthy local meat.  Similarly, buying local produce keeps our dollars here and keeps our economy strong (and local farmers in business).  

There is a community food co-op.  http://www.crossroads-u-c.org/cfc/index.html

They do an order once a month, and you can order as many shares as you want.  I usually order a harvest share in the summer and 2 in the winter.  Saturday mine had:

4 Brigham City Peaches
5 Utah Pears
5 Utah Golden Delicious Apples
4 Utah Vine Ripe Tomatoes
1 Sleeved Romaine Lettuce
1 5 lb.-bag Russest Potatoes
3 Green Bell Peppers
2 Bunches Radishes
3 Artichokes

1 lb. rice
Stone Grounds' Artisan Wheat Loaf.

It cost $14.  It seems like a good price to me.  You don't know what fruits and vegetatbles you are getting until you pick them up, which can make it a little harder to shop the sales.

They also have a full share, half share, and during the growing season a farmer's market share (local, organic).  They also have several things that you can add on if you order one of the shares.  They have pick up sites from Ogden to Nephi including some like Park City and Tooele.

This is a great article on this subject by a reknowned nutritionist.  I think I'm going to try the turkey trick.

http://www.zonya.com/health_budget.html

I'm huge on the low sugar thing, so I try hard to look for items that I'm willing to eat.  When something like warm delights (49 grams of sugar) go on sale at such a great price, I buy it.  I will put two together with a cute bow and give it away to my childrens teacher or as a gift for visiting teaching.  There is always something you can give out as a gift that you might not eat or is allergic to.

I love the organic spinach at Costco.  You can get a huge plastic container for less than $4.00.  For the people that love dark green leafy salads, I think that is the way to go.  Unless you have that great Reams next to you, of course.