Inexpensive, Non-Food Rewards
UsedToBeHusky
Posts: 15,228 Member
I've never been able to implement a reward system for myself. My budget is tight so shopping isn't a good option and I love food, but I don't think food rewards are a good option for me as one of my goals is to clean up my diet a bit.
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
0
Replies
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A trip to the movies with a friend, a new pair of sunglasses, new nail polish or a pedicure if you can get one inexpensively where you live, a new pair of earrings, or a new lipstick.
I go to Weight Watchers, so when you hit certain targets they give you rewards. So when I lose 10% of my initial body weight I will get a key chain, when I lose 25 pounds, I get a circle charm for the key chain, and so on. So I have those rewards, which actually don't cost me anything above and beyond my membership fees.
But I also have personal rewards for some milestones. When I lose5% of my body weight I am getting a pedicure. I go to Bikram yoga, so when I get to Onederland I am buying myself a new yoga towel. Stuff like that.0 -
I'd like some ideas too. Getting out to do anything just isn't really possible...0
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What do you do? What do your workouts involve? Little things like a new run hat, fast laces, new bike socks can work.0
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My problem is consistency. I want to set up a program where I can follow how consistent I am with workouts and calorie goals, but I know if I don't implement a reward, I want stick with tracking it... let alone be consistent. The only reason why I have managed to be this successful with calorie-tracking is because MFP made it easy... and the social element is sort of a reward for me showing up every day. LOL!0
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It doesn't have to be expensive to feel like a reward.
It could be as simple as a new lipstick/nail polish colour
I like buying myself something that feels good - like an oversized bath sheet that is super fluffy and in a cheerful colour.
Or fun socks.0 -
VERY VERY SEXY LINGERIE
the highest heeled boots you can find.0 -
What do you do? What do your workouts involve? Little things like a new run hat, fast laces, new bike socks can work.
Lately, the goal is to get up every morning and do some active Wii games for 30 minutes 5 days a week, 2 hours of rollerskating once a week, and lift 3 nights a week. Also, I want to reward myself for getting my macro goals right as this is another issue that I have.
Yes, my cardio is a lot of fun stuff which works well for me, but its the getting up early part that hinders it.0 -
I love the pedicure idea.. Or even a facial! (I'm afraid to say that word around my FL now, so hopefully they don't read my answer).. I love makeup so a Sephora trip is fun for me too..
Or how bout new things for working out. New shoes, lifting straps, things like that
) 0 -
Where I live, you can get a facial for about $30. It's a bit of a splurge, but it's SO worth it. Something to look into.
I've heard of people who put $5 in a jar for every pound lost. It sounds like a lot, but really you are only looking at $5-10 a week, tops. Then when you get to your goal weight, you have a nice little jar of money for a reward. Depending on how much weight you have to lose, that could be a night out, some new clothes, a new hair style, a weekend trip, whatever.0 -
It doesn't have to be expensive to feel like a reward.
It could be as simple as a new lipstick/nail polish colour
I like buying myself something that feels good - like an oversized bath sheet that is super fluffy and in a cheerful colour.
Or fun socks.
I'm not a frills and fluff kinda girl. I honestly can't think of any small things that matter enough to me to motivate me to be active.0 -
A dollar (or whatever monetary amount you choose) in a jar each time you accomplish a goal, until you have enough money to splurge on something that you really want.0
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Would setting up a money jar work? Every time you work out and keep your diary on target you add a certain amount to the jar? All of my rewards have been exercise related, like new sneakers and new weights when I hit 10% weight loss goals, so it gave me time to save up for them.
(Apparently I type too slow!)0 -
Bubble bath and a trashy novel.
DIY "pinup" photo shoot with a friend or the self-timer on the camera.
Stick $10 in a jar every week you stick to your goals, and in 2 months, buy something fun with that $80.0 -
I LIKE GOING TO GOODWILL OR THRIFT STORES AND GETTING A NEW OUTFIT OR USED WORK OUT GEAR. YOU CAN GO TO THE LIBRARY AND GET FREE WORK OUT DVDS OR RENT A FUN MOVIE AND HAVE A MOVIE NIGHT WITH FRIENDS OR YOUR PARTNER
A HIKE WITH A NICE PICNIC? TRIP TO THE FARMERS MARKET? 0 -
I don't have rewards, I have goals. I sign up for races and events. Completing them is my reward. most are only $10 or $20, and usually for good causes.0
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A dollar (or whatever monetary amount you choose) in a jar each time you accomplish a goal, until you have enough money to splurge on something that you really want.
That's a thought, but I'm not sure my budget could handle it. It would depend on how often I'm meeting that goal. Plus, I'm known to rob the piggy bank. I'm not real good at saving unless it goes from my check straight into an account that I can forget I actually own. LOL!0 -
A dollar (or whatever monetary amount you choose) in a jar each time you accomplish a goal, until you have enough money to splurge on something that you really want.
This is a great idea!!0 -
Everyday that you eat better or exercise put $1 in a jar when you reach a certain goal spend that money on something.0
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i reward myself with something high-end that is usually food, but healthy food. the whole foods salad bar or jason's deli salad bar is absolutely delicious and healthy, but is too expensive for every day, food rewards don't have to be unhealthy. sometimes i'll get a bottle of gourmet light salad dressing that i usually wouldn't pay the $4.50 for, or a specialty product like sweet potato jam. i also reward myself with a running shorts, ipod arm band, new songs from itunes...stuff that will help me get to my next goal faster.0
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A lot of the beauty schools around here offer discounted services for massage/manicures/pedicures/hair styling (if you're willing to let a student work on ya) They need the practice and you need the service, it's a win-win!0
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It doesn't have to be expensive to feel like a reward.
It could be as simple as a new lipstick/nail polish colour
I like buying myself something that feels good - like an oversized bath sheet that is super fluffy and in a cheerful colour.
Or fun socks.
I'm not a frills and fluff kinda girl. I honestly can't think of any small things that matter enough to me to motivate me to be active.
If this is the case then you've answered your own question. Your health and ability to go more, faster, farther will have to be its own reward. I enjoyed a thrift store run for smaller jeans but past that I also am not a big frills kinda girl. So I just am happy with my progress and the fact that I don't want to go backwards is what motivates me.0 -
A dollar (or whatever monetary amount you choose) in a jar each time you accomplish a goal, until you have enough money to splurge on something that you really want.
That's a thought, but I'm not sure my budget could handle it. It would depend on how often I'm meeting that goal. Plus, I'm known to rob the piggy bank. I'm not real good at saving unless it goes from my check straight into an account that I can forget I actually own. LOL!
If a dollar is too much .50 a day or a quarter then by the time you reach your goal. I prefer minigoals like every 10lbs you will have saved enough for a nice splurge. Just like you resist eating poorly resist robbing poor Mr. Piggy. It will mean a lot more to you in the end.0 -
It doesn't have to be expensive to feel like a reward.
It could be as simple as a new lipstick/nail polish colour
I like buying myself something that feels good - like an oversized bath sheet that is super fluffy and in a cheerful colour.
Or fun socks.
I'm not a frills and fluff kinda girl. I honestly can't think of any small things that matter enough to me to motivate me to be active.
If this is the case then you've answered your own question. Your health and ability to go more, faster, farther will have to be its own reward. I enjoyed a thrift store run for smaller jeans but past that I also am not a big frills kinda girl. So I just am happy with my progress and the fact that I don't want to go backwards is what motivates me.
That's been my motivation thus far. Perhaps I just need to get started on tracking this stuff and visually seeing that I'm succeeding might be enough. Thanks for the advice. And thanks to all of you. These are some great ideas. I do like the money-saving idea. I might find a way to work that one out later.
OH...and I like that massage idea. Maybe if I can work out the monetary thing, then I could use that money for a massage!
Thanks again everyone!0 -
Buy a book when you follow through with your targets. Or, if you have an MP3 player you use during workouts, buy an audio book to listen to whilst working out. These aren't expensive, depending on what you get.0
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It doesn't have to be expensive to feel like a reward.
It could be as simple as a new lipstick/nail polish colour
I like buying myself something that feels good - like an oversized bath sheet that is super fluffy and in a cheerful colour.
Or fun socks.
I'm not a frills and fluff kinda girl. I honestly can't think of any small things that matter enough to me to motivate me to be active.
If this is the case then you've answered your own question. Your health and ability to go more, faster, farther will have to be its own reward. I enjoyed a thrift store run for smaller jeans but past that I also am not a big frills kinda girl. So I just am happy with my progress and the fact that I don't want to go backwards is what motivates me.
If your own personal dedication works thats even better. For myself, I need little treats and rewards it gives me something to look foward to because the day to day of measuring, resisting, battling, and moving gets tedious and boring. I have to have something shiny and new. If you arent frilly I bet there is something you need for the house one of my rewards was a salt and pepper grinder! It's anything that is special to you that you wouldnt normally buy if you need the rewards.0 -
It doesn't have to be expensive to feel like a reward.
It could be as simple as a new lipstick/nail polish colour
I like buying myself something that feels good - like an oversized bath sheet that is super fluffy and in a cheerful colour.
Or fun socks.
I'm not a frills and fluff kinda girl. I honestly can't think of any small things that matter enough to me to motivate me to be active.
If this is the case then you've answered your own question. Your health and ability to go more, faster, farther will have to be its own reward. I enjoyed a thrift store run for smaller jeans but past that I also am not a big frills kinda girl. So I just am happy with my progress and the fact that I don't want to go backwards is what motivates me.
If your own personal dedication works thats even better. For myself, I need little treats and rewards it gives me something to look foward to because the day to day of measuring, resisting, battling, and moving gets tedious and boring. I have to have something shiny and new. If you arent frilly I bet there is something you need for the house one of my rewards was a salt and pepper grinder! It's anything that is special to you that you wouldnt normally by if you need the rewards.
Well I was really looking more for short-term rewards, like "I followed my intended workout routine and nailed my macros for the week so I get a reward", but stuff for the kitchen would be awesome. I might definitely consider that for a long-term reward.0 -
A short massage (like 15 min) is a favorite of mine.0
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I just bought some perfume from Demeter Fragrances. It's cheap, and they have cookie scents you can wear. I've discovered I like the SMELL of sweets better than the taste anyway.
I'm wearing Almond and Black Russian today. I smell delicious. I bought 4 different scents (the small bottles) and got 2 free for $40.0 -
I have a wonderful collection of sample size bath salts, bubble baths, and body washes - every time i workout i get to use one (instead of regular soap) and baby myself a little. Keeps me motivated 0
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Don't know if you have access to a Dollar General, or a Dollar Tree type store - but if you're a crafty sort, you might say that after you reach __x amount__ of weightloss - or after you meet __x amount of days__ on your calorie goal, etc (whatever your goal may be) - that you'll go there and buy some items to make a new craft of some sort.
And maybe if you make your goals various things it would help/be fun - rather than 100% focus on the # on the scale? Maybe, "If I walk 5 miles this week - then on payday I'll go to the dollar store and buy some stuff to make a new vase for the living room"
etc
I know my biggest thing I would complain of - before lowering my debt - was the fact that i could get a great cheap reward from the $1 menu at wendy's anytime - alas - that is how i got in the state I'm in haha.
But I've found as my debt got lower and lower (I FINALLY paid off a 10,000$ consolidation after 10 years....that should have ONLY taken 5 haha) - it was easier to have money to turn my reward center from food, to other things - and doing smaller crafty things @ the dollar tree helps.
They always do seasonal stuff - so you might say if i lose x amount - or whatever goal - then i'll buy some fun stuff to have a healthy food 4th of july party at the house for family! woohoo!0
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