I must have been on auto-pilot when doing the groceries this week. Without really thinking about it I grabbed a bucket of “Christmas Crackle” ice cream and had to stop myself from putting it in my cart. It was a bit of a fight too. I don’t usually keep ice cream in the house, but you can only get this one once a year and I really like it so it’s become a bit of an annual treat for me. Resentfully, my inner spoiled-brat put the bucket back in the freezer and had a mental sulk – after all, who deserves a treat more than me! me! me?!?
That last part is marginally valid. Everyone deserves a treat now and again. In my case it’s the definition of the word treat that has to change.
I have some fantastically disciplined friends who hold out to meet their goals and get something big like, “after I lose 20lbs, I’m buying a new wardrobe”. I can’t wait that long. I need accolades. (me! me! me!) Also, no matter how much weight I lose, unless that winning lotto ticket turns up my budget will not allow for a new wardrobe in one big shop. So I got to thinking, the ice cream is $6.99 for the bucket. I know my budget allows for a $6.99 treat, so what could I get for about that much, that wouldn’t break my diet or take up too much extra time?
My first thought was that I could get 5 new itunes for my work-out play list. (Which seemed extra-disciplined to me and I was terribly impressed with myself about that.) Then it occurred to me that if there’s any place I’m going to get hit with a cheaty-treaty impulse, it’ll be the grocery store. So here it is, under the new definition of healthy living, diet friendly, grocery store impulse:
Top 5 Treats
#5 – Magazines
Most grocery stores have a surprising selection of magazines. They usually run between $3.99-$7.99. Personally, I like the holiday publications, anything political, Scientific American Mind is a favourite, but I can’t get too high-brow about that because I’d grab a copy of MAD first.
#4 -Flowers
There’s always a nice selection of seasonal flowers and little potted plants priced right. This time of year the pointsettias are really beautiful and super cheap. For $6.99 I got two really nice ones for my front hall.
#3 – Tea
I haven’t forgotten, I will still do a tea-post. There are dozens and dozens of varieties of tea to try. The little tins at the grocery store are so cheap, you can try 2 new ones a week for less than $6.99!
#2 – Lip Balm
This is a dry time of year. For $6.99 you can get a variety pack of 3 different flavourted lip balms. Which is handy because I never remember which pocket I left mine in until I’ve sent them through the washing machine.
And the #1 Diet Friendly Grocery Store Impulse Treat IS…
#1 – Barrel Of Monekys!
That’s right! And the best part is that you can have 2 for that price! That is 2 barrels and 24 monkeys for $6.00!! WOW! What couldn’t you do with all those monkeys? And since the grocery store only stocks a few toys and games this time of year anyway, it’s still a seasonal treat!
