I hate going grocery shopping on a full stomach because absolutely nothing looks good, and I can't think of a thing that I want. When my wife is along with a shopping list, we still end up spending a bunch of money but I have nothing that I like. A few hours later, I'll wish I had gotten some blueberries, some dates, or something else.
That is the reason you go shopping on a full stomach, Ken. You are less susceptible to the displays in the store. There was once something called the "Prevention Diet" that was developed by Prevention Magazine. On that diet, you reversed your meals, small dessert first (containing fats and protein), puddings were the suggestion, followed by small portions of meats and vegetables (the more veggies, the better), and lastly salad, of which you could eat until full and sated. Part of the diet protocol was to always go shopping on Saturday morning after a big non-carb breakfast (bacon/sausage and eggs were suggested) because you could easily resist the marketing ploys, and you shopped with a list and didn't purchase anything not on the list. You were allowed to purchase anything of which you could eat one and stop. If you could eat one potato chip or pretzel and stop, they were allowed, if not you were not to have them in the house.
I used to have a subscription to both Prevention and Organic Gardening (Rodale); but I don’t remember reading about the Prevention Diet. It sounds like a good plan though. I try to go shopping somewhere in between full and hungry. I only shop along the outside aisles of the store, where they keep fresh food, unless there is something specific that I have to have from the processed food section (middle aisles) of the store. We don’t have much money to spend, so treats are seldom on the list of things to buy, anyway. BUt shopping when you are not hungry is definitely a good plan.
I truly dislike grocery shopping for numerous reasons. Like you Ken, a full stomach does not help, but neither does being hungry. I make a list, and plan a menu for the week-however I vary off of the menu depending on my mood.I know all the ploys of retail grocery shopping, having worked that retail for many years, but still am sure do not buy correctly. Takes me forever to buy grocery, mainly because I feel compelled to read all the dang labels! Also, I like trying new items, therefore I have to read about it first. Ordering grocery and then just pick them up from store, is good option and have done several times, but i have need to get out of here so shopping is about the only outlet for me. I TRY to go semi hungary, other wise i find myself strolling over to the bakery dept. for things i clearly do not need
How to speed up your shopping, @Gloria Mitchell .......... do not buy anything that needs a content label !
Oh I know...I don't buy much boxed or can stuff...but like on any new items...I have to read about ..even if I dont buybit. Weird..I know.
Yeah, the reverse is also true. I have gone to the store hungry for a particular thing, such as citrus, and come home with way more of it than I could eat before it went bad. Maybe I just suck as shopping. I tell my wife that, when trying to decide between one brand or another, it's best to... look for something you recognize and pick that, unless you recognize it for the wrong reasons; look for the one with the best label; or pick the more expensive one because there has to be a reason why it costs more. I used actually do that, pretty much.
The diet was published in the late 70s or early 80s, and I cannot find it in the files online. I just remember it because it was unique and as much a lifestyle change as a diet. I think Prevention was a new publication when it was developed.