We all know that shopping when you’re hungry can lead to blowing it through your grocery budget and too many impulse purchases; but a new study indicates that it is even worse than we thought!
In fact, the study found that people who hadn’t eaten all afternoon chose more high calorie foods (even in online shopping) than those who’d had a snack just before. The hungrier you are, the more high calorie items you’re likely to pick up.
“The body is always trying to defend its state and it makes very logical sense that if you’re going for a period without food, and you’re wanting food, you’re more likely to go for the food that’s high-calorie. If we’re needing energy, we’re not going to go out for lettuce.”
-Dr. Tony Goldstone, Imperial College London
Tips for Smart Shoppers
- Don’t go shopping without a list; it will keep you on track and on budget!
- Try to go shopping earlier in the day, when you’re less stressed and more focused.
- If you haven’t had a meal like breakfast or lunch recently, have a small snack.
- Think carefully about everything you put in your basket; ask yourself if it is something on your list or if you really need it, rather than just wanting it.