Monday, October 18, 2010

why is shopping fun?

I have thought a great deal about this, and I couldn't figure which 'category' to put this under, so I figured it could go here.

So, I have a lot of friends who have various incomes and lifestyles, etc. One thing I have noticed is that no matter which income level you're at, there is always a subset of people who think that shopping is great fun. Both men and women. Though women seem to do it more. (I am a woman, and I am not woman-bashing, fyi.)

I don't mean the addicted or the compulsive.
I am talking about those people who shop for recreation.

Shopping for the sake of shopping.

I know we're all different and we all find different things fun, but I shop to get the stuff I need to go about my daily business. I am not saying that I don't sometimes stop and pick out an extra item while I'm out getting groceries or whatever (just today I picked up a blu-ray at Costco while I was there getting cleaning supplies), but these people actually go out for the day or plan vacations with the purpose of going shopping for generally unnecessary items.

What really baffles me is when people do it when they really can't afford to. But that's a different topic for a different thread.

In any case...serious shoppers, tell me why you shop!!!


Read more: http://www.city-data.com/forum/shopping-consumer-products/873143-why-shopping-fun.html#ixzz12igoR04g
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Before Shopping

Here are two important tips before your shopping trip. Eat before you go and take a grocery list with you to the store. If you shop on an empty stomach you are more prone to make impulse purchases that may not be healthy. Having a list when you shop is also good because it keeps you focused on the healthy foods you need. When you make your list, plan the meals you want to prepare for the next few days, look around your kitchen to see what you have on hand, and write down all the healthy foods and ingredients you need.

Healthy Shopping at the Grocery Store

  • The healthiest foods such as fresh produce, unprocessed meats and dairy products tend to be placed around the perimeter of the store. The unhealthy processed, junk and sugary foods are usually in the middle aisles.
  • Choose fresh fruits and vegetables that are firm, ripe and unblemished. Look out for mold, especially on berries and and on produce packed tightly together in small boxes. Avoid potatoes that have a green tint to their skins. Buy only the amount of produce you need for a few days so your fruits and vegetables do not spoil in your refrigerator.
  • If you can't find the fresh produce you need, or you need to store your fruits and vegetables for a longer time, your second choice should be from the frozen fruits and vegetables rather than canned foods. Frozen foods may hold their nutritional value better, and canned foods usually are high in sodium.
  • When you shop for meat, poultry, fish and protein sources, choose wisely. Seafood and fish contain the healthy oils we need called omega-3 fatty acids. Fish should have a fresh smell and firm flesh. Read the labels of packaged red meats, some may be "enhanced" with injected water, flavorings, and preservatives that you don't need. Poultry is often a good choice, but remember that grocery store birds usually have a lot of fat. Choose skinless chicken and lean turkey. Legumes, nuts and seeds are also great ways to get protein into a healthy diet.
  • Meat color is not the best indicator of it's freshness. Pay attention to the aroma and the feel of the meat. Meat should smell fresh and it should not be sticky or slimy. Check the freshness date on the label as well. You may wish to check out the local butcher shops. Look for shops that carry organic meats, or at least meat from animals that were raised on grass or free-range, for the best quality meats.
  • Another tip for buying raw meat. Before you go to the fresh meat department, take a few clear plastic bags from the produce department. Even though fresh meat should be wrapped securely, why take a chance on leakage? Put each selection of meat into its own bag to be sure there will be no cross-contamination of raw meat juices onto the rest of your grocery items.
  • If your grocery store has a bakery, chose 100 percent whole grain breads, not white breads made with refined flours. Leave the high fat, high calorie pastries alone.
  • Avoid high fat and high sugar snacks. Choose whole grain crackers or baked snacks. Drink more diet soda, juice, water or milk and less sugary soft drinks.
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