How to put the brakes on impulse buys?

  • I went to the grocery store (hungry, I know, I know) to buy lettuce and tomato for tonight. I picked up bagels, fudge, a pepsi, and a pack of cookies. Each time I had to seriously think for a minute, "Who is going to eat this? Nobody but me!" I put it all back, except the fudge I hate that stuff, believe it or not.

    So, my question is, how do YOU stop yourself from buying the baddies at the aisle of temptation?
  • One of the ways I do it is I take only cash with me, and just enough to cover what I need, no more. That way if I want something, I have to really think about what I don't want to get - usually I end up (albeit crankily sometimes) buying what I came for and that's all.
  • Sherrie - that's an easy one: I SEND DH TO THE GROCERY STORE!!!!!
  • so.....what exactly are you going to do with the fudge???

    peach
  • LOL - I was wondering that one too!!!

    Kel
  • I make a list, I stick to the list. I have more will power at home so if I write my list before (or even type it on the computer and print it off) and if it ain't on the list it don't get bought! Oh and I hate fudge too--NOT!!!
  • don't go when you're hungry. and if you find that you have to... get some coffee and put some milk in it. in short, eat something before you go.

    and then, there's no rule that says you have to tour the aisles, especially the ones that have the yummy things you really don't want to buy. of course, this is where the list comes in handy, because i'm FOREVER forgetting little things because they're in aisles i avoid. things like splenda because it's in the same aisle as ghirardelli chocolate! i'm just gratefulk that the melba toast isn't in the same aisle as the cookies and other crackers!
  • The damn deli-bakery is at the front of the store and you have to walk through it to get to produce~I tried to avert my eyes but it was too much! The yeasty smell gets me every time. Oh, and as for the fudge, mom loves it. What were you thinking??
  • As my grocery cart from last week will attest, I don't resist!!! So I usually send ole Alvin with a list.
  • I was thinking maybe you were going to melt it, pour it over yourself and let BF lick it off? Sounds a lot more fun than a trip to the store.
  • Dyan, I like the way you think.
    I usually write out a list for a couple of days before I go grocery shopping and I do try to avoid the aisles with the goodies. Generally, I'm able to resist but if I'm in a "naughty" frame of mind, I will sometimes give in and buy a sinful treat. I really don't need to go out looking for them though. Yesterday I found an unopened container of chocolate frosting in the cupboard and went crazy. I'm paying the price in guilt and deprivation today.
  • I just get a list and stick to it, or if I dont have a list, just avoid all the isles with the tempting stuff in it. Its hard, I dont do the grocery shopping, but I go with my Dad on Saturdays to do it. Since we were both on Atkins, it was easy to miss the cookies and stuff like that. Then, my mom started complaining that there were no sweets in the house, and we started buying the stuff for her. Only problem is they werent put away, they were laying on the table, and I started taking a few here and there. Now, Im back on induction

    Bottom line for me is to take a list, and stick to it. If the "baddies" (used to say goodies..but not anymore!) come in the house, I immediately put them in my moms room so I dont have to look at them. If I shop by myself, Im so afraid someone is going to look at something like that in my basket and think "She really doesnt need those sweet rolls, or cookies" so I dont even bother. See, fear is what keeps me in check..lol
  • I have to buy some of the bad stuff - for my kids and DH, I just don't eat it. I used to have a hard time...but I decided I was just going to do it this time!!!
  • We dont buy it anymore either.....the grandkids were dissappointed, but knew there wouldnt be any dessert last night after supper. They had popcorn for snacks