If you prepare the list before going then you don't get to take advantage of sales. Also if what you "need" is not nice then what? I like to make the plan when I'm there. I get the best looking stuff at the best price.

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You don't "need" sales, they are there to create want for the consumer.

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Having a list reduces impulse buys, and keeps the spending to a minimum. You won't walk down the cookie aisle if cookies aren't on your list, and you won't end up with junk you don't need.

Also, going to the grocery store on an empty stomach will make you buy more. Going after a meal can reduce the grocery bills dramatically.

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I go shopping when I need something in particular, but besides what I needed when I went there I'll often look for inspiration while there. A store like TJ's where new things show up often you do yourself a disservice if you run though the isles looking at your list and not what's new or what other people seem to be interested in. Use a list for what you need so you don't forget to buy it, but don't go in with blinders on.

I knew the linked article was a crock when it started "Grocery shopping is a necessary evil." Obviously someone who doesn't enjoy food, admiring the new fruits and vegatables in season, the smell of a fresh batch of bread.

Oh, I tried the full stomach shopping bit, it works. Only problem is that I go to the store when I need to buy food, if I buy less because I'm full I'll only go back sooner.

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I try not to go on a Full or Empty stomach, at least not the extremes. If I'm full, I buy too little, and I want one of everything if I'm really hungry. It's a balancing act.

I definitely go at off-peak hours and enjoy having the store to myself. The only downside to doing that is that most of the time the deli, butcher and seafood shops are all closed.

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In response to the "I know that lots of folks don't see grocery shopping as pleasurable endeavor in the same way that I do" bit - I think I have a bit of an odd taste for grocery shopping. I like to go with plenty of extra time because I also really enjoy my food shopping. But I seem to have some magic cut-off point. I'm completely enjoying myself until all of the sudden I decide I have to be finished and want to get out of there ASAP. It's strange. Anyone else?

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Brian - I thoroughly enjoy grocery shopping. I look forward to it almost as much as shoe shopping. I will carve out 2 hours for the experience even when I don't have a full list.. I think it comes from going with my mom when I was younger and seeing how much she enjoyed it as well. I love clipping coupons... some of my friends think I'm weird, but I'm used to that :)

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I think the most important tip mentioned above was don't go at peak hours. I HATE shopping on Saturday afternoon, but going on a weeknight or early weekend morning is a breeze. I think a list is essential or I lose focus and end up with random expensive items that add up to stocking the pantry in general, not for the week's meals. With a list, you have at least a starting point, and if there are nice sales or features, you can change the list!

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Re: shopping while empty/full to limit impulse buys:

I get around many many impulse buys by carrying one of the little baskets, instead of the cart. I do this mostly because I try to bike to the store, and a bike can only hold so much, but I would guess it would work normally just by limiting what you carry.

Aside from that, if you start with 7 dinner meals to cook, and decide 4-5 in the store, you get the best of both worlds, shopping for deals and coming with a list. (in the winter I do that, in the summer I shop maybe two days in advance, as I love biking)

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