Healthy Choices Review of Coupon Inserts 3-11-12

Since the Star News coupon inserts fell on their face yet again, I will be reviewing the Raleigh News & Observer today for healthy choices.  I am only listing coupons that are considered food or beverage items....I mean come on...soaps and deodorant just makes us SMELL good...not exactly feel or look good on the inside ;)

There are not an over abundance of healthy choices today as I've seen in the past...it's more of a 50/50 situation but leans more on the healthier side.  Several good and several not-so-good choices for your health.  Healthy choices depend on your own personal health needs...many people stay away from fats and cholesterol.  This is basically what I base my reviews on as this is most generally what I use in my own day to day...but, always remember to read the label for full nutritional information.

Red Plum food coupons....
Better Choices

• Quaker Yogurt Granola Bars
• Emerald Nuts (high in fat but higher in health benefits)
• Super Pretzels
• Eggo Waffles (they come in fat free and whole grain)

Questionable Choices

• Jimmy Dean Quesadilla or Fully Cooked Item (only consider the turkey types and read the label)

Wouldn't Recommend

• Nothing really qualifies here for this insert today

Smart Choice food coupons....

Better Choices

• Ken's Dressing (choose the light or fat free)
• Classico Pasta Sauce (most generally tomato based pasta sauces are fine...beware of creamy sauces)
• Yoplait in various forms (yogurt is always a great choice)
• Ocean Spray Fruit Snacks
• Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks
• General Mills Cereals (you can't go wrong with cereal...either for breakfast or for a sweet crunchy dry snack
• A-1 Sauce (great choice to substitute for butter or sour cream on baked potatoes)
• Caribou Coffee (coffee has no calories ... it's the stuff ya put in it that makes it fattening ;)

Questionable Choices

• Adkins Bars (there really isn't a good substitution for a healthy meal)
• Hamburger Helper (any boxed items are HIGH in sodium content but if it is fat and calorie control only for you, you can make these with 93-96% lean ground or choose the tuna types...read labels AND remember, just because it calls for butter or oil, you generally do not have to add it to your dish, just add a couple tablespoons more of water.
• Maruchan Noodles (1/2 the container of the chicken type has 280cal and 12g fat)

Wouldn't Recommend

• Johnsonville Italian Sausage
• New York brand Frozen Garlic products
• Fun-Da-Middles (special occasions only...but these are great fun for kids)
• Pillsbury (Love the products, but they're most generally killer for a diet)
• Kahiki Products

I'm still able to buy the healthy choices with coupons....I just have to dig down deep inside to conjure up the willpower again to ditch some pounds =)  I have a healthy stockpile, but will still turn around and buy junk LOL

Here's to your health!

♥ Manda