I don't normally use coupons. Well, I did when diapers were on my list but now that my babies are big, I'm not really on the lookout for such savings. I'd use coupons, though, if they pertained to the foods I buy. But they don't. You know why? Because most coupons are for packaged, processed foods -- and that's just the stuff I try not to buy.

Ever notice how there's rarely a coupon for a head of lettuce or a bunch of bananas? But there are plenty for cake mixes, cheese-filled crackers and Lunchables? I wish it were the other way around. But it's not. Healthy foods just cost more -- financially speaking, anyway. Look at it this way, though: Nutritious foods won't cost you anything health-wise. Maybe you'll be short a few pennies in the check-out line. But you'll come out ahead in the long-run when you realize you aren't spending a fortune on diet gimmicks and doctor bills, when you're running and jumping and playing with your kids and when it hits you that without a pile of coupons, you get to live better and longer. Now that you can afford, right?

As much as I love the grocery store (and I do), it can be a pretty scary place. If you go in hungry, or without a list, you can end up buying a ton of stuff you don't need and probably shouldn't be eating. In fact, you might just load up your cart with some of the worst packaged foods available. Not the way to start off your healthy eating goals for the new year, right?

Of course, knowing what the worst packaged foods are would be helpful, right? Fortunately, the guys behind the Eat This, Not That! books have come out with a supermarket guide in which they list some of the unhealthiest choices available and then, of course, offer suggestions as to what you should have instead.

I'm feeling pretty proud -- I don't buy any of the things on the list. However, that doesn't mean I wasn't surprised at some of the things that made the list. Check out the gallery to see a few that made me think twice about what's in my pantry, and, for more tips on losing weight, click on the badge below. Also, check out this post to see 20 healthy foods that cost less than a dollar -- no excuse for poor food choices now!

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