Sensei Talks  

Since we're on the topic of grocery shopping this week at Sensei Talks, I found this article 'Do Shopping Lists Promote Healthy Choices' both timely and fitting!

Now there’s even more evidence out to support the importance of planning ahead when it comes to making healthy choices. A study from the Journal of Consumer Research found that having to select options at the grocery store without a shopping list lead people to make more ‘impulsive’ decisions (meaning you might choose a yummy looking dessert like cheesecake instead of fresh fruit salad, or select a higher priced item, with the expectation that higher price means better quality).

Researchers found that consumers making “stimulus-based” decisions (deciding what to buy once you are at the store) were “more likely to select fun, hedonistic, and sinful options over sensible options or ‘appropriate’ options”. Whereas making a list at home before heading to the store (“memory-based” decisions) requires the consumer to “attempt to recall the items available at the store before planning out meals for the rest of the week”.

Planning ahead has always been a cornerstone of successful weight loss and positive lifestyle change. Although I’ve never been much of a planner (I promise I’m working on it), I try to always take stock of what I’ve got at home and make a list before I shop. It not only prevents me from buying the 'hedonistic and sinful' things, but also saves me time too! So take a few extra minutes to make a shopping list, remembering to include whole grains and lots of colorful fruits and vegetables!

- Lauren