Impulse buying and cash register sweets
Leana088
Posts: 581 Member
I'm an impulsive person. That means I sometimes do things on the first thought without thinking first. I do things on a whim.
And sadly, this includes buying sweets at the cash registers without thinking.
Any ideas on how I can stop myself from impulse buying stuff?
And sadly, this includes buying sweets at the cash registers without thinking.
Any ideas on how I can stop myself from impulse buying stuff?
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Replies
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Are there any lines to the cash register that don't have sweets? In the UK most supermarkets don't have sweets at the register anymore. It really helps - don't see it don't want it.
OR I guess you could put the sweets in your basket.... Then take them out and put them back!0 -
I make a list and shop with cash. Can't buy it if I don't have the money in my pocket for it.0
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Are there any lines to the cash register that don't have sweets? In the UK most supermarkets don't have sweets at the register anymore. It really helps - don't see it don't want it.
OR I guess you could put the sweets in your basket.... Then take them out and put them back!
Wouldn't that get me some strange looks...
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Make a list. Buy what is on the list. Exercise self control.0
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cwolfman13 wrote: »Make a list. Buy what is on the list. Exercise self control.
Simplicity itself...
Now if only I can actually do it. But, try try again. Hopefully I'll get there one day..0 -
I'm an impulsive person. That means I sometimes do things on the first thought without thinking first. I do things on a whim.
And sadly, this includes buying sweets at the cash registers without thinking.
Any ideas on how I can stop myself from impulse buying stuff?
Yep. Simply tell yourself no and walk away. That's all it takes.
You have power over those cash register sweets, they do have power over you.
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Maybe... but it's better than eating them though? I honestly do this sometimes. I'll just go and hold a 500g bar of galaxy chocolate or a huge pasta dish. Then read the calorie info. Then put it back and get something smaller/better.0
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cwolfman13 wrote: »Make a list. Buy what is on the list. Exercise self control.
Simplicity itself...
Now if only I can actually do it. But, try try again. Hopefully I'll get there one day..
Oh my goodness these messages need changing!
Tell yourself:
I can do it.
Just for today I choose not to buy cash register treats.
You can do this!
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I only allow myself one sweet a day. So at the moment I buy them, and then give them away. It's a solution, but kind of an expensive one.
At least the people I give them to like me a lot now...0 -
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cwolfman13 wrote: »Make a list. Buy what is on the list. Exercise self control.
Simplicity itself...
Now if only I can actually do it. But, try try again. Hopefully I'll get there one day..
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I'm an impulsive person. That means I sometimes do things on the first thought without thinking first. I do things on a whim.
And sadly, this includes buying sweets at the cash registers without thinking.
Any ideas on how I can stop myself from impulse buying stuff?
I shop with cash now and have every dollar accounted for, before I step foot into the store. This leaves no room for impulse purchases My main grocery store is Meijer, which also has a large non-food section (like a Walmart Super Center, but way cleaner lol). Before I started using cash I'd go in with a grocery list and walk out with new shoes, clothes and other random stuff I didn't need. Starting to pay in cash took care of the issue.
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Lol, I got my daughter to stop asking by buying her stuff she didn't like to eat. She hates mints, so that's all I bought till she stopped asking.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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I only get one if I'm seriously craving one (like right now a Skor bar sounds great)...otherwise? I remind myself that I have better quality stuff at home.0
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cwolfman13 wrote: »cwolfman13 wrote: »Make a list. Buy what is on the list. Exercise self control.
Simplicity itself...
Now if only I can actually do it. But, try try again. Hopefully I'll get there one day..
Yes - may the force be with me. LOL0 -
Lol, I got my daughter to stop asking by buying her stuff she didn't like to eat. She hates mints, so that's all I bought till she stopped asking.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
I should start buying olives...0 -
I find I am less likely to do that when I am shopping with other people, my husband, my kids, my best friend. Maybe I don't want them judging. Can you bring anyone with you? Obviously not forever, but just to help you change the habit.
You can choose the less offensive stuff too like the sugar free gum is tasty, won't ruin your day and might curb your need for sweets.
I sometimes distract myself with my phone, while in line, so I won't start looking and wanting that stuff. I stay busy answering text, or get on Facebook.
And I have a healthy snack before I go, so I'm not shopping hungry.0 -
I only allow myself one sweet a day. So at the moment I buy them, and then give them away. It's a solution, but kind of an expensive one.
At least the people I give them to like me a lot now...
Sounds like you already solved your problem. I personally think that going through the process (and money) of buying them, and then giving most of them away, shows some pretty good discipline.
For me, it's easy to walk away at the store. Unless I'm starving...then, I just want to buy everything. The real struggle is at home.0 -
Those candies and crackers get to me too.
I saw the term "rage shopping" on another thread and laughed because it decribes me exactly. I loathe grocery shopping. The whole time I'm in the store I'm angered by the other shoppers' inconsiderate behavior and the screaming tantrum children. I swear, I may end up on the evening news one day.
Anyway, by the time I get to the checkout line I'm very irritated and I begin to think I deserve a treat. So now, I plan ahead for a reward for having run the gauntlet, but I don't get those candies at the checkout line. I usually pick something out from the produce department to eat on the way home. My grocery store has some ready-to-eat cut up fruit in small plastic bowls. I may get a bowl of watermellon cubes or pineapple. Messy, but I have plenty of napkins in the car.
Edit: Oh, and the bowls of fruit have the weight on the label!0 -
I find I am less likely to do that when I am shopping with other people, my husband, my kids, my best friend. Maybe I don't want them judging. Can you bring anyone with you? Obviously not forever, but just to help you change the habit.
You can choose the less offensive stuff too like the sugar free gum is tasty, won't ruin your day and might curb your need for sweets.
I sometimes distract myself with my phone, while in line, so I won't start looking and wanting that stuff. I stay busy answering text, or get on Facebook.
And I have a healthy snack before I go, so I'm not shopping hungry.
I need to try the phone distraction thing. I LOVE reading online forums or browsing Deviantart for drawing inspiration. They capture my attention.
I usually take my friend with me too sometimes, but I'm quite generous and I always get an urge to spoil her when she's with me. So I still buy them. She's also the one I give them to if I buy them "by accident". So that doesn't help too much. 0 -
I tell myself it's not worth it. I look, I think, then I say "nope". Trust me, took a long time to get there - I was that person that would grab a Reeses PB Squared EVERY shopping trip, not even think about it. It only tastes good for seconds. Then it says on my hips, forever.
Oh, and NEVER go hungry. Even if you have to carry a pre-approved granola bar with you. The Grocery store is a dangerous place for someone who's hungry!0 -
I pick them up and look at the calorie info and then I put them back. I do this every day when I go to the store to get my water for lunch. I'm pretty sure the people that work there think I'm crazy. I haven't bought one yet but if one day I feel it is worth the 250 calories then I'll buy it, most days it isn't worth cutting back whatever else I have planned to eat for the day.0
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Figure out in your head how many miles you would have to run to 'earn' the candy bar. ~1 mile = ~100 calories. Ask yourself if you're willing to run that far today. If not, put it back.
Another technique is to buy the sweets that you REALLY want. So, instead of falling into the trap of the king size snickers at the register, get a bag of funsize snickers when you're shopping. Keep a sweets shelf in the pantry (and/or freezer) and on days you have enough calories to spare, eat a treat. It'll be easier to fit in funsize/single serving treats. All things in moderation makes it easier to say no to temptation on the fly.
Never go shopping hungry/with low blood sugar. You're more likely to buy chocolate and stuff it in your mouth before you've left the car park. You can also try chewing minty gum while you shop/some other flavor that doesn't go with chocolate/candy.
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I probably won't help. I buy candy in bulk which usually makes it cheaper than what's at the check-out. I'm also pretty cheap, so it's got to be a really good bargain (Pipers has candy bars 2/$1 this week) or something I really want to spend $2 (regular size bar).
I guess I go with willpower and self-discipline, not meaning that as a knock against you because I could never give away my candy to friends.0 -
Lol, I got my daughter to stop asking by buying her stuff she didn't like to eat. She hates mints, so that's all I bought till she stopped asking.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
Genius!
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I'm an impulsive person. That means I sometimes do things on the first thought without thinking first. I do things on a whim.
And sadly, this includes buying sweets at the cash registers without thinking.
Any ideas on how I can stop myself from impulse buying stuff?
My approach to sweets/candy has changed drastically since I started this. I've become a snob.
I look at it like this: I can have a mediocre Hershey's bar, or I can save a bit and have something decadent - like gelato or high quality chocolate or a salted caramel brownie.
Calories are like money for me. I could buy the cheap costume jewelery, or I could work a little harder/wait a little longer for something that I'll enjoy so much more.
I've never had a single regret waiting it out a bit. I can't even remember the last time I had a candy bar. 0 -
OP, read the nutrional info, start doing the math, and odds are it won't seem worth it. One candy bar = half my supper.0
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What about buying a pack of gum instead? There are a lot of interesting flavors and they hardly have any calories. Usually if i'm out shopping and get the urge to buy a snack or chocolate, I buy gum and it works like a charm!0
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Calories are like money for me. I could buy the cheap costume jewelery, or I could work a little harder/wait a little longer for something that I'll enjoy so much more.
That gives me an idea. If you are buying it and giving it away, why not start a candy jar? Every time you don't buy it, throw $2 in a jar and save up for something you really want. A new dress, concert tickets, etc.0 -
for me it is more than 1 hour of walking to negate the effects of that 300 calorie candy bar. In most cases I say it simply is not worth it and move on. But then again, If I have the calories, I might splurge. ;-)0
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