When Not to be Thrifty

I consider myself & my family quite healthy when it comes to eating & exercising. That being said, I become tempted around this time of the year: triple coupons. As you know from following the blog, I am a bargain hunter & love to see the savings add up. I love it at the end of my grocery trip when I hear the register ticking away with my coupons & the dollars coming off! It is actually quite exhilirating to me!

However, I simply cannot bring myself to purchase items I feel are unhealthy, even if they are free. Call me crazy, but my conscience gets the best of me. Instead of hearing Dave Ramsey in my head, I hear Jamie Oliver saying "that has more sugar than fizzy pop!" or "that is a science experiment, not food." http://www.jamieoliver.com/campaigns/jamies-food-revolution

My family made the switch to organics 4 1/2 years ago & we have never looked back. For those of you who think you didn't eat organic & you are 'ok'--I want you to think back to what you did eat as a child--I guarantee you the majority of foods you ate were fresh & not boxed. Back in the 1970's & 80"s ketchup was water, tomatoes, salt & that was about it. Not so much these days, just go read your bottle.

I bet you also rode your bike, went rollerskating, played outside, etc. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed my Atari 5200 as much as the next kid, but I was outside more than I was inside. I realize I am REALLY telling my age now. I promise not to talk about how I walked to school uphill both ways in the snow.... On a serious note, Jamie Oliver & his Food Revolution is wonderful. I do not know if it is sustainable in schools for a variety of reasons, but I sure hope it is. I do believe healthy eating should come from home & the parents should set a good example of eating & exercising. If you have watched any of Jamies' Food Revolution or read a public school lunch menu, you will pack your kids lunches. I urge you to not let them eat lunch at school more than once or twice (at most) per week.

What can you do? Visit your local farmers market. This time of year the market is busting at the seams with lettuces, strawberries & a whole host of fresh goodness grown right here in your own community. Because it is locally grown there is no need for preservatives to be added to anything. You can also ask the farmers if they use pesticides & what kind do they use. I do this at the Raleigh Farmers Market & I have one particular vendor I buy our berries & peaches from.

You can also print out a new updated list of the Environmental Working Group Shoppers Guide to Pesticides: Dirty Dozen & Clean 15. I print out an updated list each year & put it in my purse. www.foodnews.org/sneak/?utm_source=shopperrelease&utm_medium=email&utm_content=second-link&utm_campaign=foodnews


Secondly, introduce organic products into your weekly shopping slowly. I do not recommend jumping in with both feet because you may feel overwhelmed & not continue. When we began incorporating organics the first thing was milk. I could go on & on about why this is SO important but you should do the research. It is scary. We also buy organic or natural (if I cannot get organic) meats & eggs.

When you want to go beyond milk, eggs, meat, & produce shop different stores & find who has the best prices for the items you like. Lowes Foods has a great selection of organics under the Full Circle brand.

Back to the triple coupons, yes I did use some, but I found myself leaving various yogurt coupons for others. After reading all the added sugar/fructose to the yogurt, I have decided to stick to organic or a couple of the greek style ones(not all of them--some have added fructose, etc).

Be diligent about what you are putting in your body & the little bodies you may have at home. I realize it may not be the most convenient way to pack your kids lunches or provide snacks, but it is what's best for them. Happy shopping!