Non food "treats" after goals ideas

kaysday
kaysday Posts: 256 Member
edited November 24 in Motivation and Support
Hello all. I have over 100 pounds to lose. It seems a little overwhelming. Every time I think about it, it seems like I have so far to go. Someone told me to set little goals for myself such as 10 pounds at a time or so. I find that kind of interesting, and it seems like something that's doable. They also said to treat yourself when you reach those goals. I just want to know some ideas of non food treats that you all may do. There are things that I do on a regular anyway such as manis and pedis, therefore I wouldn't necessarily consider those treats. Just looking for some tips. Good luck on your journey everyone!!

Replies

  • ktekc
    ktekc Posts: 879 Member
    mine were getting my hair done and a new tattoo.
  • sbmcm
    sbmcm Posts: 32 Member
    Hi Kay, like you I have more than 100 lbs. to lose, and I've been struggling to come up with a reward system that doesn't include food. One idea I had for myself was set aside the money I had been spending on fast food and saving it for a large purchase I wouldn't otherwise get for myself (a nice, new elliptical or a camera lens). I apparently have expensive tastes because there aren't many "small" things that would really motivate me.
  • bago08
    bago08 Posts: 360 Member
    Ive made a thermometer that I keep on the fidge and when each time I lose a percent of my body weight I let my kids color in the thermometer in red. They get excited to color in each mark and see the thermometer move from white to red. I get excited when I hit a new percent (typically a week to two weeks) not only for me but to see them get excited.
  • gak71
    gak71 Posts: 192 Member
    I'm using a 90 minute relaxation massage as a reward. Haven't decided at what intervals yet. Probably every 10 pounds.
  • msf74
    msf74 Posts: 3,498 Member
    New running gear
    New cycling gear
    Race entry
    Massage
    A great bottle of wine or case of beer (ok, you may class that in "food category")
    New item of clothing
    New item of tech
    Day out to an amusement park
    Day out at a sporting event
    Music concert
    Trip to the theatre

    I could go on...

  • 4whirlygigs
    4whirlygigs Posts: 11 Member
    Some people have done charm bracelets, and they get a new charm for each 10 lb loss. It's a way to visually remind yourself of your goals.
  • RobinSFoster
    RobinSFoster Posts: 44 Member
    New shoes
    Hot stone massage (once I reach 50lb lost)
    New purse

    I love the charm bracelet idea!
  • WickedPineapple
    WickedPineapple Posts: 698 Member
    Some people have done charm bracelets, and they get a new charm for each 10 lb loss. It's a way to visually remind yourself of your goals.

    What a lovely idea!

    Personally, when I started losing, my "rewards" were all fitness paraphernalia. I got new earbuds with different sizes and shapes of the tips for listening to music during workouts (I have super small ears and most earbuds fall out and/or hurt). I also got an HRM, a really nice/accurate scale for my bathroom, and a food scale. My favorite was wicking workout clothes. I can't believe I ever did cardio in cotton!
  • CurlyCockney
    CurlyCockney Posts: 1,394 Member
    ktekc wrote: »
    mine were getting my hair done and a new tattoo.

    The only other time I've been overweight, back when the world was all black and white and the Internet was just fields, I treated myself to a tattoo when I reached my target. It's a butterfly emerging from a cocoon, because that's how I felt.

    My target reward this time will be to have that tattoo covered with a different one :-)

  • Jdigs88
    Jdigs88 Posts: 71 Member
    bago08 wrote: »
    Ive made a thermometer that I keep on the fidge and when each time I lose a percent of my body weight I let my kids color in the thermometer in red. They get excited to color in each mark and see the thermometer move from white to red. I get excited when I hit a new percent (typically a week to two weeks) not only for me but to see them get excited.

    Do you use percentage of body weight lost, or percentage of weight lost towards your goal? The first one seems like you'd never get to 100% because then you wouldn't exist, or am I not getting the math? I really like this idea!
  • pondee629
    pondee629 Posts: 2,469 Member
    A new piece of clothing which shows off your current achievement?
  • emmacken
    emmacken Posts: 161 Member
    Do you have some hobbies? If I were to plan this for myself, I'd probably add to my video game collection, pick up some new arts and crafts supplies, order some new sheet music, make a special trip to a flea market or thrift store that's out of my usual rotation of stores, take a tour of a historic house, get a new Yankee Candle, etc. This treat would be something that is not part of my normal routine to emphasize the fact that I am celebrating achieving a goal.
  • Azuriaz
    Azuriaz Posts: 785 Member
    Some people have done charm bracelets, and they get a new charm for each 10 lb loss. It's a way to visually remind yourself of your goals.

    What a lovely idea!

    Personally, when I started losing, my "rewards" were all fitness paraphernalia. I got new earbuds with different sizes and shapes of the tips for listening to music during workouts (I have super small ears and most earbuds fall out and/or hurt). I also got an HRM, a really nice/accurate scale for my bathroom, and a food scale. My favorite was wicking workout clothes. I can't believe I ever did cardio in cotton!

    I wish I had done this when I had over a hundred pounds to lose, and I don't even like to wear much jewelry!
  • Sarah4fitness
    Sarah4fitness Posts: 437 Member
    SO many great ideas! Here's my list:
    *New workout gear
    *New supplements to try
    *New running/gym shoes
    *Massages/facials
    *Minitrips! For big milestones, I love one or two night trips away nearby. For BIG goals, like, ones I need HUGE motivation for, a big trip to a warm place (bikini on a beach warm) works like a charm for me.
    *New clothes
    *New tattoo or piercing
    *Entering into fitness contests (double bonus of adding NEW goals with this one!)
  • luckypony71
    luckypony71 Posts: 399 Member
    Pedicure, Massage, New Shoes...I like the trip to the beach idea.
  • Azuriaz
    Azuriaz Posts: 785 Member
    Oh new shoes! Love new shoes. When I hit goal weight I'm going to try running again in the hopes that not carrying around all this fat will keep my spine from bothering me (can't run right now). This obviously will require some high quality running shoes. I can't wait!
  • RoseTheWarrior
    RoseTheWarrior Posts: 2,035 Member
    Massage; manicure; pedicure; new purse or wallet; lingerie (last time I lost 50 lbs, I treated myself with a real silk sexy number).

    I think using anything you love/like would be great. Whether that's a new game, a movie, time alone or with someone you love, playing tennis, shopping... the sky is the limit!
  • bago08
    bago08 Posts: 360 Member
    Jdigs88 wrote: »
    bago08 wrote: »
    Ive made a thermometer that I keep on the fidge and when each time I lose a percent of my body weight I let my kids color in the thermometer in red. They get excited to color in each mark and see the thermometer move from white to red. I get excited when I hit a new percent (typically a week to two weeks) not only for me but to see them get excited.

    Do you use percentage of body weight lost, or percentage of weight lost towards your goal? The first one seems like you'd never get to 100% because then you wouldn't exist, or am I not getting the math? I really like this idea!

    I actually did percentage of body weight. When I got to 10% lost I had them change colors and start over. Im up to 13% lost. They enjoy it. We did a special night out for them at the local Dave and Busters type place to celebrate. They get excited which makes me work harder.
  • midsummer174627
    midsummer174627 Posts: 386 Member
    I got myself a running headband at 5lbs (3% of my starting weight for comparison with other body types)

    I'm planning to get some jeans at 10 lbs (5.8% of my starting weight)

    Most of my rewards are going to end up being clothes because --- hello! I'll NEED new ones!

    If I weren't so into clothes/workout gear, I'd probably treat myself with books or art or something. Maybe event tickets?
  • alizesmom
    alizesmom Posts: 219 Member
    edited September 2015
    So far I've earned myself a family trip to the zoo, a spa day, lots of new clothes and am working toward a new tattoo. I also immediately give away my too large clothes when I hit a new size and buy one outfit in the next smaller size to look forward to. I may not currently have a large wardrobe but it changes frequently.
  • lewisjan1963
    lewisjan1963 Posts: 2 Member
    Hi, I didn't read all of the replies, but I have lost over 100 lbs, (10 lbs. at a time, sometimes 5) and wish that I had put every dollar I would have spent on fast food towards my rewards for reaching my goal, which I have not yet reached. But I have promised myself after I have achieved my goals, I get a new wardrobe, I don't like to shop for clothes that I will be unable to wear in a year.
    This has been the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. But the rewards that you acquire along the way in feel good moments, such as your clothes falling off of you because you dropped 2 sizes and didn't realize it. Your shoes are too big because you foot shrunk. Every little feel good moment is a reward embrace each micro goal however small they are and don't beat yourself up for being human, none of us are perfect and we all exit the path to our destination, we just can't set up camp there, lol we have our moment of weakness, but we get back on the path. End motivation speech. Stay strong
  • kaysday
    kaysday Posts: 256 Member
    Massage; manicure; pedicure; new purse or wallet; lingerie (last time I lost 50 lbs, I treated myself with a real silk sexy number).

    I think using anything you love/like would be great. Whether that's a new game, a movie, time alone or with someone you love, playing tennis, shopping... the sky is the limit!

    All great ideas everyone!!!! I love the lingerie one. My man will enjoy that one too!!! ;-)
  • kaysday
    kaysday Posts: 256 Member
    I also enjoy the new clothes idea. That is very true I will definitely need new ones
  • puddintot
    puddintot Posts: 41 Member
    At ten pounds I got bath and body works shower gel, a major splurge
  • katharineshalia
    katharineshalia Posts: 243 Member
    edited September 2015
    ... and the Internet was just fields... I love this
  • LaceyBirds
    LaceyBirds Posts: 451 Member
    At 20 pounds lost, I bought myself two new shirts at Macy's. I have only bought my clothes at Walmart and Target for several years now, so this was a treat for me.

    At 35 pounds lost, I bought myself a pretty sterling silver chain necklace. It was another treat for me as I don't have much money. It also was a good thing to do because I actually cared about buying something pretty for myself - it's been years since I cared.

    As of last week, I've lost 50 pounds, so today I bought myself two new sweaters on sale at Dress Barn, 4 sizes down from my starting weight. Pretty sweaters that aren't just practical, but attractive. My necklace looks nice with them. :)

    I have 45 pounds to go and I haven't set any goals for a treat, but I kind of like this finding them as I go thing. I would, however, like to do something really special for myself (within reason monetarily) when I reach my final goal. I'm thinking new binoculars (I'm a birder) or a new, good camera with a telephoto (same reason). For these, I will need to save some money, so I'd better get going as I absolutely know that I will reach that final destination. :)
  • 0utrun
    0utrun Posts: 71 Member
    Azuriaz wrote: »
    Oh new shoes! Love new shoes. When I hit goal weight I'm going to try running again in the hopes that not carrying around all this fat will keep my spine from bothering me (can't run right now). This obviously will require some high quality running shoes. I can't wait!

    I buy myself new running shoes and/or new cross trainers for every 25-30lbs I lose. I lost a shoe size in the process too which was pretty neat for me.
  • LaceyBirds
    LaceyBirds Posts: 451 Member
    kaysday wrote: »
    Someone told me to set little goals for myself such as 10 pounds at a time or so. I find that kind of interesting, and it seems like something that's doable.

    I forgot to respond to this. I found that, at 95 pounds to lose, it was essential for me to not look wayyyyyyyy down the scale at that seemingly insurmountable number, and break it down into about ten-pound increments, even five pounds if I was having a rough time. Making, and then exceeding those smaller, more obtainable goals, is what has enabled me to keep going, I think, along with the fact that it just gets easier with time as I have learned to weigh, log and pre-log my food. It has become a habit, rather than a novel new concept.

  • kaysday
    kaysday Posts: 256 Member
    LaceyBirds wrote: »
    At 20 pounds lost, I bought myself two new shirts at Macy's. I have only bought my clothes at Walmart and Target for several years now, so this was a treat for me.

    At 35 pounds lost, I bought myself a pretty sterling silver chain necklace. It was another treat for me as I don't have much money. It also was a good thing to do because I actually cared about buying something pretty for myself - it's been years since I cared.

    As of last week, I've lost 50 pounds, so today I bought myself two new sweaters on sale at Dress Barn, 4 sizes down from my starting weight. Pretty sweaters that aren't just practical, but attractive. My necklace looks nice with them. :)

    I have 45 pounds to go and I haven't set any goals for a treat, but I kind of like this finding them as I go thing. I would, however, like to do something really special for myself (within reason monetarily) when I reach my final goal. I'm thinking new binoculars (I'm a birder) or a new, good camera with a telephoto (same reason). For these, I will need to save some money, so I'd better get going as I absolutely know that I will reach that final destination. :)

    Congrats on your weight loss and I hope you're enjoying your " treats"
  • kaysday
    kaysday Posts: 256 Member
    LaceyBirds wrote: »
    kaysday wrote: »
    Someone told me to set little goals for myself such as 10 pounds at a time or so. I find that kind of interesting, and it seems like something that's doable.

    I forgot to respond to this. I found that, at 95 pounds to lose, it was essential for me to not look wayyyyyyyy down the scale at that seemingly insurmountable number, and break it down into about ten-pound increments, even five pounds if I was having a rough time. Making, and then exceeding those smaller, more obtainable goals, is what has enabled me to keep going, I think, along with the fact that it just gets easier with time as I have learned to weigh, log and pre-log my food. It has become a habit, rather than a novel new concept.

    I'm hoping it becomes habit for me as well. Thank you for the tip!
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