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Are Coupons Making You Fat?

Sometimes saving pennies on your grocery bill can shortchange your health. Find out how to maximize nutrition without breaking the bank
By Angela Kwan fitbie
 

Attention Shoppers

Are Coupons Making You Fat? // woman reading over shopping list at a table covered in coupons © Eyewire

Image: Eyewire

Americans used to clip their coupons from the Sunday circular before the arrival of the Internet. Now all it takes is a few clicks and a printer to score major discounts valid at retailers from Seattle to Miami. But basing your purchase decision on savings alone may leave you shortchanged nutritionally—especially if the “deal” of the week is a packaged food loaded with empty calories.

Let’s say you can save $1 on cereal, but you have to purchase two boxes. It’s likely that the cereal is loaded with sugar and, to your surprise, sodium, as well. So you leave the store with four extra quarters in your wallet, and now you’re stuck eating a high-calorie breakfast devoid of any healthy nutrients. Doesn’t sound like much of a bargain.

When you’re trying to eat well and lose weight, it’s best to think about food in terms of nutrient density—which foods will feed your body the most nutrients for the fewest calories. (Fruits and vegetables are the reigning champs of nutrient density.) Now apply the same logic to grocery shopping. Focus on how many nutrients you’re getting for every dollar you spend. It’s a radical idea that just might change the way you eat—and how much you weigh.

Sometimes you’ll need to shell out a few extra pennies for more nutritious groceries, but consider it an investment in your health. (And remember, good-for-you foods also go on special!) To help you distinguish the real deals from nutritional scams, we scoured the Web and uncovered 10 coupons that may be making you gain, and tracked down healthier alternatives to add to your list.

Related: 10 Smart food swaps that help you beat bloat

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