What are your weight loss rewards?!

unicorngems

I'm interested and curious to know what people are giving themselves as rewards?

I really enjoy giving myself weekly rewards and my treat day is a Friday! So this reward is food, I just have to ensure I don't go mad. So I choose one food item I really want and I enjoy it!

I also have one large reward for when I lose my final 30lbs which is sort of a mini makeover.
A totally new hair do and a set of new gym clothes when I hit that goal weight!

What about you?

lalalacroix

I tried this a couple of years ago and it didn't work for me. I guess the rewards weren't enough to get me to eat less.

This time around being thinner, fitting in smaller clothing, getting rid of my acid reflux and being fit are my rewards.

I'm glad you found something that is working for you. 🙂

quiksylver296

lalalacroix wrote: »

I tried this a couple of years ago and it didn't work for me. I guess the rewards weren't enough to get me to eat less.

This time around being thinner, fitting in smaller clothing, getting rid of my acid reflux and being fit are my rewards.

I'm glad you found something that is working for you. 🙂

Same. those type of rewards didn't work for me, at all.

My rewards are PRing my deadlifts and seeing muscle definition.

AustinRuadhain

For myself, framing up food as a reward has been not helpful. Your mileage may vary!

For me, rewards:
- Getting rid of "fat" clothes
- Rocking skinny jeans
- Having people who have not seen me in a year not recognize me
- Having someone who last saw me when I was morbidly obese 2 years ago, come over at a reception to ask what happened (did I get sick? go on a diet? if the latter, what the heck worked so well?)
- No more knee pain! No surgery needed
- More energy
- Being happier

Terytha

No food, too dangerous. Lol.

At 20 lbs I bought a shirt from a band I love.
At 30 lbs I bought a hair straightener.
At 40 lbs, a gym subscription.
At 50 lbs... not sure yet. Still a month or more from that.

Maybe dress shoes. I think I've gone down part of a shoe size. At any rate, my dresses all fit but my last pair of dress shoes are sorta old and wrecked.

GrizzledSquirrel

Weight loss is the only reward I need.
Really.

nighthawk584

I don't do cheat meals or anything. I have a few healthy snacks daily but that is it. I always stay within my calorie deficit and most my macros, and eat healthy 99% of the day. My reward is at the scale and mirror and feeling incredible.

amusedmonkey

I don't give myself rewards. I'm usually able to eat anything I want, so that's not a reward. I also randomly do things I enjoy or buy things I like because, why not? I don't like to tie enjoying my life and appreciating myself to any conditions. I deserve to feel good even when not everything is going to plan.

I do have more extravagant meals or purchases to celebrate sometimes, not as a reward, but as an expression of happiness when something nice happens, or to celebrate with loved ones when something nice happens in their life.

Rewarding myself for weight loss makes that "you've been good/you've been bad" distinction, which is not good for my mental health nor for my diet. It also makes me feel like dieting is something special. That's not what I want, I want calorie control to be as normal as it gets, a normal regular part of my life.

LyndaBSS

My reward is being healthier. I never donated my smaller clothes so I'm good there. I actually don't think about rewarding myself for behavior I should have had all along.

steveko89

I get the need for some to try to incentivize losing weight but I think the repercussions of a transactional mindset, as others have mentioned, can be harmful and counterproductive. Whether it's with regard to weight loss milestone rewards, cheat/treat meals and/or days, or calories "earned" through exercise that sort of system and mentality don't support sustainable habits or solutions. In part, I think this is why we see so many return users and threads centered around how hard "maintenance" can be for some. Long term weight management is hard enough without the intrinsic motivation of seeing weight loss results, compounded by a weight loss journey buoyed by incentives and rewards and the void left when one crosses the proverbial weight loss finish line is even harder to navigate.

JasonRVA

Tattoos!

Duck_Puddle

I’ve tried setting up milestone rewards in the past, but the prospect of a looming future reward never did anything to help modify my current behaviors (which needed to be modified in order to achieve whatever milestone was attached to the reward).

I’ve also come to realize that life is too short to put off anything worth doing-so if I can do/have something now, I’m going to. I have a distaste for allowing an arbitrary number on the scale to determine when I am worthy of something. I’m awesome now.

Obviously, there’s a caveat in that some of the awesome “reward” things I’ve done (like skydiving) have weight limitations and those particular activities aren’t possible until achieving that much loss.

Mainly-my rewards are my health, my fitness, living a functional life, not saying no to adventure because I’m not able to do something, confidence in my capabilities, lower insurance premiums, etc.

YMMV. I went to flying trapeze class with someone who was celebrating 50 pounds lost. So that kind of system works for her.

Terytha

I think people are missing the distinction between reward for weight loss, and reward for eating well. I don't eat a salad and then have a cake because I did good with the salad. That's silly.

Weight loss is hard effing work. Just like I'd reward myself for running a marathon or climbing a mountain, I reward myself for the hard work I put in to drop this weight.

When I'm at goal weight, I won't reward myself for maintaining. But I think it's good to recognize that the work put in right now is actually hard and major accomplishments deserve recognition.

amusedmonkey

Terytha wrote: »

I think people are missing the distinction between reward for weight loss, and reward for eating well. I don't eat a salad and then have a cake because I did good with the salad. That's silly.

Weight loss is hard effing work. Just like I'd reward myself for running a marathon or climbing a mountain, I reward myself for the hard work I put in to drop this weight.

When I'm at goal weight, I won't reward myself for maintaining. But I think it's good to recognize that the work put in right now is actually hard and major accomplishments deserve recognition.

Don't get me wrong, rewards can be helpful for some, they're just not helpful for me, personally. I think I must have explained myself wrong. When I set a reward "after X pounds I will buy that gaming controller I wanted", it's like I'm keeping it hostage. If I'm not "good", if some time passes and I don't lose weight because I need to put weight loss on pause, no controller for me. I don't deserve that controller unless I'm a good girl who eats well and loses weight. That's how my brain tries to flip it. It doesn't recognize that maintaining weight on a diet break is an achievement that should be recognized, not seen as "bad". A planned reward may also push me to not take that diet break when I need it or to try pushing for a larger deficit, which harms my diet.

The last part of my previous post was in reply to OP's mention of a weekly treat, which also isn't the best choice for me for the reasons mentioned.

RelCanonical

I have a weird "thing" with my weight loss rewards. I don't know how else to describe it. I keep changing a lot of my rewards up because I end up just buying the thing that I kept as a reward for another reason (like a birthday) so I could have it earlier. I would also change up rewards just as I hit them because I'd tell myself "well, that seems like too big of a reward for this goal". I also would change up rewards because I was excited about something else at the time, and would use the reward as an excuse to buy it immediately (changing my reward) rather than patiently waiting. I had a nintendo switch set for 40 pounds lost (my halfway mark) and now I'm 138 and I still haven't bought the switch. I kind of changed it up and picked up Habitica so that I could feel like I'm "spending" on rewards for good habits rather than the results. It feels a little better, we'll see how it goes. I still have my rewards up, but I don't think I've bought half the things on it.

amusedmonkey

RelCanonical wrote: »

I have a weird "thing" with my weight loss rewards. I don't know how else to describe it. I keep changing a lot of my rewards up because I end up just buying the thing that I kept as a reward for another reason (like a birthday) so I could have it earlier. I would also change up rewards just as I hit them because I'd tell myself "well, that seems like too big of a reward for this goal". I also would change up rewards because I was excited about something else at the time, and would use the reward as an excuse to buy it immediately (changing my reward) rather than patiently waiting. I had a nintendo switch set for 40 pounds lost (my halfway mark) and now I'm 138 and I still haven't bought the switch. I kind of changed it up and picked up Habitica so that I could feel like I'm "spending" on rewards for good habits rather than the results. It feels a little better, we'll see how it goes. I still have my rewards up, but I don't think I've bought half the things on it.

I've done the "habit rewards" thing in the past, but to make it work for me, it was more like a game. I would give myself a point every time I recognize myself doing something nice, then use these points to "buy" the reward I can afford or save for a bigger one (a bunch of things I wanted to which I assigned a point price). It was fun while it lasted, then I got bored of it, but it was the only way rewarding myself didn't affect me negatively because it was basically me going around my day telling myself "good job" every day several times a day, even on days when I didn't stick to my calories, so there were basically no "bad days".

88olds

Never food as a reward here.

Clothes that fit. Yeah, they may be to big soon but it’s worth it.

Terytha

amusedmonkey wrote: »

Terytha wrote: »

I think people are missing the distinction between reward for weight loss, and reward for eating well. I don't eat a salad and then have a cake because I did good with the salad. That's silly.

Weight loss is hard effing work. Just like I'd reward myself for running a marathon or climbing a mountain, I reward myself for the hard work I put in to drop this weight.

When I'm at goal weight, I won't reward myself for maintaining. But I think it's good to recognize that the work put in right now is actually hard and major accomplishments deserve recognition.

Don't get me wrong, rewards can be helpful for some, they're just not helpful for me, personally. I think I must have explained myself wrong. When I set a reward "after X pounds I will buy that gaming controller I wanted", it's like I'm keeping it hostage. If I'm not "good", if some time passes and I don't lose weight because I need to put weight loss on pause, no controller for me. I don't deserve that controller unless I'm a good girl who eats well and loses weight. That's how my brain tries to flip it. It doesn't recognize that maintaining weight on a diet break is an achievement that should be recognized, not seen as "bad". A planned reward may also push me to not take that diet break when I need it or to try pushing for a larger deficit, which harms my diet.

The last part of my previous post was in reply to OP's mention of a weekly treat, which also isn't the best choice for me for the reasons mentioned.

I see what you're saying, but I think that's why rewards that are not things you would otherwise buy are OK.

So I guess it's more like I'm just talking myself into being irresponsible with money, which isn't great. But I think that while I'm teaching myself that I deserve to feel good in my skin, it's ok to teach myself that I deserve to occasionally treat myself.

RelCanonical

amusedmonkey wrote: »

RelCanonical wrote: »

I have a weird "thing" with my weight loss rewards. I don't know how else to describe it. I keep changing a lot of my rewards up because I end up just buying the thing that I kept as a reward for another reason (like a birthday) so I could have it earlier. I would also change up rewards just as I hit them because I'd tell myself "well, that seems like too big of a reward for this goal". I also would change up rewards because I was excited about something else at the time, and would use the reward as an excuse to buy it immediately (changing my reward) rather than patiently waiting. I had a nintendo switch set for 40 pounds lost (my halfway mark) and now I'm 138 and I still haven't bought the switch. I kind of changed it up and picked up Habitica so that I could feel like I'm "spending" on rewards for good habits rather than the results. It feels a little better, we'll see how it goes. I still have my rewards up, but I don't think I've bought half the things on it.

I've done the "habit rewards" thing in the past, but to make it work for me, it was more like a game. I would give myself a point every time I recognize myself doing something nice, then use these points to "buy" the reward I can afford or save for a bigger one (a bunch of things I wanted to which I assigned a point price). It was fun while it lasted, then I got bored of it, but it was the only way rewarding myself didn't affect me negatively because it was basically me going around my day telling myself "good job" every day several times a day, even on days when I didn't stick to my calories, so there were basically no "bad days".

That's exactly what Habitica does. (: It helps me keep track to know I'm keeping up on my good habits (most of mine are related to self-care) and gives me gold each time, and you can even rank things from trivial to hard so you get more or less gold depending on the task. I also use it as a to-do list. You can then set rewards with a specific gold amount, and "buy" that item when you get enough gold.



I honestly get a bit of a high when I check something off that's been sitting there a while, or when I complete all my habits for the day.

HoneyBadger302

I haven't really set up any "rewards" persay, but I have my big motivation that I decided is happening in 2020 and is no longer a "when I'm ready for it" goal, and that is I will be gridding up at the MotoAmerica (pro) races next year.

In order to do that, and not be embarrassed by my performance, I will absolutely need to be in the best shape of my life - and losing the weight comes along with that. Every 7 pounds I lose off my body accounts for a +1 hp for my bike - and I'm still carrying close to an extra 3 hp around my waist.

Of course there are other things that go along with that goal, from riding to financial to mental, but the daily routine, and doing what I need to do in the gym and staying off the couch is probably the most "daily" of all the things I need to work on.

Achieving this goal will be all the reward I need - there's a lot of hard work between here and there, but it will be SO worth it!

cbstewart88

I never thought of it as a "reward", but I just enjoy shopping for and buying new clothes that now look good on me. I guess in a way, it's a reward, albeit a subconscious one...

middlehaitch

I started my ‘reward’ system when I was losing weight and going on my first cruise around the med.

My weight goal was only 5 lbs off by cruise time, but oh the 8 months I had to increase my fitness level was a killer for me- I’m Mrs Sloth Bookworm par exellance.

Lots of walking needed around all those ancient sites and beautiful cities, and swimming in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, so I start walking, aquafit, and swimming lessons.

For getting my fitness level up my ‘reward’ was doing hiking and walking tours instead of sitting on the bus with so many others my age viewing the sites instead of experiencing them.

That was the start of my ‘reward’ programme that has lasted over 10 years.

Too keep me moving I plan my yearly cruise/holiday with lots of activities and then train for them during the year.

Yes, my long term goals are the health benefits, as I age, from exercise, but the short term training for a new experience, often somewhere exotic, is what keeps my short term focus.

I know, not weight loss related, but if it has helped me maintain my weight and continuously improve my fitness level, for 10+yr, it’s worth throwing into the mix.

Cheers, h.

seltzermint555

I looked at mine more like "milestones" than rewards...not that it matters. I had a LOT to lose when I first joined MFP, so I would celebrate every 10 lb mark by getting myself some sort of fitness-related item, like workout clothes, nice jump rope, bike helmet, etc.

For my biggest one (finally being under 200 lb), I invested in all new "better" makeup and a special countertop organizer for it. I bought this stuff when I was around 215 and waited until I was below 200 to use it, just a couple months, but I think that made it more like an "event" for me.

After that I didn't really mark further progress with any type of reward. And since then I've not really done this stuff much as I've been pretty much maintaining in a small range for 6 years.

BUT I think rewards/celebratory "gifts" to yourself are awesome for all sorts of reasons. This week I treated myself to 2 new lipsticks (spendy ones) and a few clothing items for fall that I didn't necessarily need, just because I've done well lately at work and with managing my anxiety and getting more exercise.

carrolljessica4

I had a whole list of non-food related rewards, but really couldn't stick to them. The only couple things that I have as "rewards" still are getting my first tattoo when I'm under 200 lbs and trying out new activities when I'm fit enough. The big one on that list is scuba diving. I think another reward I get is how good I feel about myself as I lose more weight, get more self-confident, and more willing to try new things.

missysippy930

No real rewards. Just smaller clothes, as a nescessity. Relief knowing I feel, and look better.

unicorngems

I may have developed a dangerous habit of foods as rewards

No not really! When I've worked hard all week and going to end up in a large deficit anyway from exercise I do allow myself to eat back some of the calories by having 1 food I really enjoy. I don't get carried away, and I've still been losing. Because...food is my thing, I love food, I'd rather go for food with my partner/friends, make food for my partner/friends then buy anything else for myself. All in moderation.

I couldn't 7 days a week eat 100% 'clean' because that's just not my thing. Once in awhile I love to have a burger or chips and why? Because I know I can and it's 'guilt free'. I know all week I've been in control and I know I've exercised all of those days. Christ if I can't eat a biscuit without feeling like I've burned down an orphanage then what is this life?!

Haha, clothes are definitely a reward for when I'm thinner, as I don't like building my 'larger' wardrobe. So I'm certainly not buying much at my current size. Also rewarding to fit into my slimmer items!

unicorngems

JasonRVA wrote: »

Tattoos!

That's amazing ink!

unicorngems

AustinRuadhain wrote: »

For myself, framing up food as a reward has been not helpful. Your mileage may vary!

For me, rewards:
- Getting rid of "fat" clothes
- Rocking skinny jeans
- Having people who have not seen me in a year not recognize me
- Having someone who last saw me when I was morbidly obese 2 years ago, come over at a reception to ask what happened (did I get sick? go on a diet? if the latter, what the heck worked so well?)
- No more knee pain! No surgery needed
- More energy
- Being happier

I have to agree it's certainly rewarding when other people start to notice. I love compliments who doesn't! ;-)

unicorngems

seltzermint555 wrote: »

I looked at mine more like "milestones" than rewards...not that it matters. I had a LOT to lose when I first joined MFP, so I would celebrate every 10 lb mark by getting myself some sort of fitness-related item, like workout clothes, nice jump rope, bike helmet, etc.

For my biggest one (finally being under 200 lb), I invested in all new "better" makeup and a special countertop organizer for it. I bought this stuff when I was around 215 and waited until I was below 200 to use it, just a couple months, but I think that made it more like an "event" for me.

After that I didn't really mark further progress with any type of reward. And since then I've not really done this stuff much as I've been pretty much maintaining in a small range for 6 years.

BUT I think rewards/celebratory "gifts" to yourself are awesome for all sorts of reasons. This week I treated myself to 2 new lipsticks (spendy ones) and a few clothing items for fall that I didn't necessarily need, just because I've done well lately at work and with managing my anxiety and getting more exercise.

I think this is fantastic. When you've worked hard and you know you look good why not buy something (you wouldn't normally). I'm saving money while I'm loosing weight by walking everywhere (no bus or car for small journeys) that goes into the pot for new clothes when I'm slimmer!

zebasschick

rewards for weight loss never inspired me. for one thing, my favorite things are fitness gear, cameras and basses, and i have what i need. and i budget in ice cream and chips and pizza, so i can eat them when i want.

yes, i want to get fit but i want it for my own sake. yes, i want to lose fat, but i just can't think of a reward that would motivate me as i'm already as motivated about this as i've ever been.

grimendale

Back at the start, I promised myself that I could get the tattoo I wanted once I'd lost enough weight for it to look good. 50 lbs later, I'm about 5 lbs from that goal , so I'm pretty stoked. I'm itching for some ink.