Choloclate, Part Dos

So after contemplating my chocolate episode the other day, I read today about one psychologist’s reason for my indulgence: “each instance of self-restraint weakens us a little more.” In other words, every time I passed up chocolate in the past, it was like adding helium to my burning chocolate desire. The quote came from Roy Baumeister, a social psychologist at Florida State University, c/o Laura Rowley’s recent article on understanding and controlling emotions during this tough economy. I think the moral of the story is that it’s difficult, if not impossible to go “cold turkey” when it comes to giving up wants. Instead, the article says, focus on cutting costs in a few specific areas or giving up a few “wants.”

Mmmmmm...Chocolate

When I go to the grocery, I rarely buy anything more than essential food, occasional toiletries and cleaning supplies. In other words, I almost never buy any dessert/candy or drinks (except for some cheap wine here and there). However, the other night I had a big craving for some chocolate. I really didn't want to have to make a trip to the grocery just for chocolate (my natural reactions against unhealthy food, wasting gas and wasting money on unnecessary food were kicking in pretty well). After several hours of contemplation, I finally decided to go and I ended up not feeling too badly about it. At least I got my chocolate on special.

I often find myself (at least trying) to make financial/food decisions as rationally as possible and I sometimes have a hard time relating to people who act clearly against their own self-interest in financial matters. I recognize that a lot of the personal finance blog world is built around bloggers supporting other bloggers as they decide to live frugally, invest and otherwise make healthy financial decisions; though again, it is hard for me personally to get into the "cheerleading" spirit. I generally believe that with enough good information available, people can and will make the right decisions for themselves, which is where I see the value of many PF blogs. However, like everybody else, I recognize that I'm only human and that it is OK to make irrational decisions sometimes.

Beans

I just got back from the grocery store after scoring one of the best finds in several weeks. I am a big fan of black beans. They taste great, hardly ever expire (in a can), provide decent protein with low fat, can be mixed with some Mexican cheese and cumin and chili powder for practically a meal in themselves, or can be added to virtually any Mexican dish (and I love Mexican). Perhaps the best thing about black beans is their price- 69 cents for a 15.25 oz. can of store brand beans (and I've never tasted any difference between the generic and branded beans). Sixty-nine cents is pretty insane to me. Well today, my beloved beans were on special for an almost outlandish 2 for 1 (50 cents per can!). I bought at least 10 cans. Oh, the simple joys in grocery shopping.