Approaching couponing in a new way

[soliver]

I used to be an avid couponer years ago - had a coupon club and group trips to the store. We had a blast.

I eventually got out of coupon because my diet changed and I found that I was getting stuff that I shouldn't or wouldn't use or consume just because it was free, like medicines, junky/sugary cereal, cookies/crackers, margarine and other unhealthy/processed foods.

I want to pick up couponing again with our current healthy diet that doesn't revolve around animal products, processed foods (we still use some but not a lot) and centered around a lot of whole plant foods. For the most part I follow the Dr. McDougall diet.

Does anyone else coupon this way?

[jakobandevelyn]

i do... And I go in waves. For the most part, sale cycles are the handiest. There will be an occasional coupon, and coupons for things like toilet paper and such. But, with as little deals that I can get with the balance of family time, couponing isn't worth it to me like it used to be when we ate almost anything.

Price matching produce and finding manager specials are my MM

[mnm'z]

You can still use coupons for non-grocery and non-perishable items that you DO use. H&B items take a good portion of anyone's grocery budget and if you can get those for free or next to nothing, it free's up a good chunk of change for your healthy and/or organic items.

I also find that since there aren't many coupons for fresh produce, I take advantage of catalina's that the stores offer to help offset that portion of my bill.

[floridaclipper]

I combine the 2. I'm vegan so I watch the sales and price match. For DH meats I do the same but I'm trying to find the time to get to a butcher in the next city over that has organic/no antibiotic meats for DH. I'm told his prics are similar to the oones in the stores. I'm cooking a lot more with the staples I get on sale as well as make many of my own cleaning products. For the health and beauty items, paper products, and some conviencience foods I do pair sales with coupons. I find I'm passing on many "deals" now unless I can immediately donate it. Would rather have healthier choices close at hand.

[Desert Debbi]

You definately can coupon for organic and healthy foods. I have found though, that it involves emailing, calling or writing into companies to get coupons for products you like and use. I would start by making a list of all the manufacturers you like. Then tell them about how you have changed your diet from unhealthy processed stuff to eating THEIR products. Let them know specifics.. what you like about their product. How it has benefitted you or a family member ( be specifis like wieght loss, lower cholesterol, diebetes under controll ect). Then let them know that it is getting harder to manage with prices constantly going up, and the economy tanked. Nicely ask them if there are any coupons available for their products and even throw in something like.. we would eat this every day for breakfast if we could afford to!

I am about to start a writing campaign myself for organics and vegan friendly products as my mother is going to be coming to visit. While I myself am not hooked on tofu, boca burgers, smart dogs and the like, I know she loves them and I would rather use a coupon to buy them than buy them at full retail. So my letter will look something like this:

Dear Boca Burger,

While I myself am not a Vegan, my mother is. She has been one for over 30 years! So I am sure you can imagine my panic everytime she comes to visit, especially since it is a month long at a time! My biggest concern this year is our 4th of July party. What will I feed her? What is healthy that also tastes good? What will she eat, that I can also get my family and friends to eat? Boca Burgers are an obvious solution. They are so versatile and so tasty! My 4 year old son loves nibbling on them with just ketchup on top. I like them as a burger, topped with fresh guacamole, lettuce and tomato on a whole wheat bun. My hubby has yet to come around, but I am going to try him on a hickory barbecue sauce and swiss cheese one this year! My friends who are meat eaters are also intrigued by trying them, and have agreed to bypass meat this year out of respect for her.

Now, as much as I think Boca Burgers are the solution to my problem, they are not inexpensive. I was wondering if you would have any coupons for your products available? I would really appreciate any help with party planning because I will be feeding about 12 people!

[bnkkey]

We eat mainly fresh produce here.I do alot of pm at wm and it has saved me lots of money.I also have a big garden that is just now starting to get veggies on it.I use most of my coupons on paper products or stuff I will donate.Writing companies is also a good idea.

[happysmileylady]

There are not a LOT of coupons for fresh produce, but don't write off couponing for these things completely. Companies that provide some produce items, like dole bananas, driscolls berries, etc, there ARE occasionally coupons out there for these things. Mostly they are either online printables or you have to write the companies for them. Online, you can most often find these coupons on the companies websites or through coupon databases as well as facebook pages.

In addition to brands websites, don't forget about store coupons for fresh produce, and using general cats for produce. Like, if you get a $4 OYNO cat for buying pet food, turn around and use that to buy your bananas and tomatoes. Or, Meijer regularly puts out e-coupons for things like mushrooms or apples. Check the stores in your area.

[Nic]

I used to be an avid couponer years ago - had a coupon club and group trips to the store. We had a blast.

I eventually got out of coupon because my diet changed and I found that I was getting stuff that I shouldn't or wouldn't use or consume just because it was free, like medicines, junky/sugary cereal, cookies/crackers, margarine and other unhealthy/processed foods.

I want to pick up couponing again with our current healthy diet that doesn't revolve around animal products, processed foods (we still use some but not a lot) and centered around a lot of whole plant foods. For the most part I follow the Dr. McDougall diet.

Does anyone else coupon this way?

Yes , I do. Im really familiar with Dr. McDougall.
I have to say that the way im able to save is by couponing for the cleaning items and toiletries, pet foods , etc. This just frees up the $ needed to purchase what i cant grow myself. I also subscribe to the local Health Food store coupons for sales on certain grains, etc.
Some Q's im able to use on food would be can goods , like diced tomatoes, beans, soups, rice, and some ww or veg. pasta.
Good luck!
Nic