Using Food as a Reward

Weebs628

I've spent the past couple of months reflecting and trying to be self aware about my eating habits and I realized that I use food as a reward. For example, I was working on the set of a community theater musical I'm in and someone brought donuts for everyone and I ate one because a little voice in my head said, "go ahead, you're working hard (with no pay), you deserve a donut"...

I also feel this way after a good lifting session at the gym - that I deserve to treat myself for my hard work by eating junk, when I really should be treating myself to something that's going to serve my body and aid in recovery.

This makes me feel crazy and really want to change this habit because it's now holding me back from my goals. What are some non-food related things that you guys do for yourselves as a treat, reward, or "me time"? I'm also open to adopting mantras related to this... I've already read "don't reward yourself with food, you're not a dog".

dakotababy

There are soooo many other alternatives to reward/comfort other than food!
- Get nails done
- Go buy a new book
- Massage
- Bubble Bath
- Buy something small, jewellery, makeup, new workout clothes

That is just a few, but the list really is endless.

sshintaku

I used to reallllyyy struggle with this mentality. I still do, to a certain extent. What I try to do now is put off "the reward." One weekend day, I plan a meal out with my husband. Then, when I want that doughnut, instead I tell myself, just wait until Saturday because you're going out to dinner. It's not like I wait until Saturday and then eat ALL THE THINGS, I just have my one "bad" meal and then still feel rewarded without messing myself up.

I also will make a nice cup of tea in a fancy mug, plant for my house, bubble bath (when I had a bathtub..., etc)

Weebs628

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm a little apprehensive to give myself a cheat meal. I'm not sure if it would cause a big slip, but I'll keep it in mind!

corgicake

I exercise and I eat more food.
I exercise and I eat more food.
I exercise and I eat more food.

This is going to register as food as a reward for exercising on some level, so why kid myself? I want to work out more and I bait myself into doing it with tasty rubbish. I seem to be getting what I want here.

Chieflrg

I just run, cycle, lift more. I eat chocolate and peanut butter all day long and eat everything in site. The only draw back to it is expense....

Francl27

Maybe change the mentality that you deserve a reward, and learn that the satisfaction of a job well done or a good workout is enough a reward.

onionparsleysage

I think the ideal view of food is as a fuel for our bodies.

When you complete a hard workout, your body DOES deserve good food. Think about what food is good for your muscles - those are what deserve a reward, not the sugar centers in your brain. The muscles deserve protein, carbs, and water.

My reward now is free time. Guilt-free time to do what I like to do - take my dog for a walk, watch some TV on netflix, go out to eat with my friends, etc.

I think our society is materialistic enough without using shopping as a reward.

onionparsleysage

double

SharonNehring

I do use shopping as a reward, mostly because nothing I owned fits anymore. LOL I have to buy new clothes anyways but I call it my reward for my hard work. I think buying work out clothes, running shoes etc is much better than eating a calorie laden meal.

My hubby tends to try to do this to me though by saying oh go ahead and order dessert, you've been working so hard and deserve it. I used to think the same thing but finally realized I was being my own worst enemy by doing that.

zillah73

I like to reward myself simply because I work hard and I want to do something nice – don't get me wrong, losing weight and feeling healthy and awesome is a fantastic reward in and of itself but sometimes it's also nice to go the extra distance. My treats to myself can be as simple as buying myself fresh flowers or indulging in a new workout outfit or a new pair of running shoes. Recently I bought a ticket to see Jillian Michaels and that was a nice treat. Also, I take an epsom salt bath every Sunday night to recover from my week in the gym and get ready for the next week so another little treat is that I get Lush bubble bars, which are a little pricey but worth it, to add to my baths. Just makes it a little special.

jenilla1

I'm intrinsically motivated, so I don't feel like I need any rewards. Just getting it done makes me feel successful and that's really all I need. Maybe that's strange but it works for me.

For your donut example, I'm not likely to think of it as "I earned this donut" or "this is my reward." I'd have a totally different problem. I'd be thinking, "free donuts!" I'm a cheapskate and wouldn't want to waste an opportunity for free stuff. Freebies are so hard to resist. Terrible, I know. :embarassed:

ETA: Also a great reason to avoid "All-you-can-eat" scenarios. You end up eating way more than you even wanted just so you feel like you're getting your money's worth. :grumble:

wannakimmy

I've been thinking about this one as well. I have a goal coming up, and can't decide how to celebrate it. Some days I think the reward is the weight loss itself. Others I want to do something special I don't normally do. Guess when I hit mine, I'll have to decide. Sorry I wasn't much help, I just ended up thinking aloud. lol Good luck OP!

kuolo

There is a difference between an excuse and a reward. What you wrote sounds more like making excuses to justify eating something than genuinely giving yourself a reward.

Weebs628

Thanks for the feedback and advice. I'm glad I'm not alone in this! When I think about it, my entire weight loss I've used food as a reward - even if it was eating junk with exercise calories I burned. Now I'm at the point where I need to stop so I can reach my goals!