How do you reward yourself for weightloss?

MissFlab2Fab2014
MissFlab2Fab2014 Posts: 109
in Motivation and Support
I am thinking of giving my selfs *treats* if you will for weight loss. A little motivation to keep me going... I have some ideas *NOTHING TO DO WITH FOOD..

What are yours?

Replies

  • oddzki
    oddzki Posts: 10
    You realize that being overweight is not an option and every day you look in the mirror to see the progress you've worked so hard for. Your body is your reward.

    Treats shouldn't be needed, but if you need something concrete too look forward to, a good tip is to start a bet with someone who's also looking to loose weight. IE both should loose x LBS by x Date, or else you'll have to pay x or do x.

    Then you also have someone to share thoughts and ideas with during the journey.

    This is entirely not needed, but some people may find it easier when being pressured a little bit.

    I view my training and diet like work. I just don't skip a work day because I just don't feel like it that day, I have to go. The same with overall fitness. Hopefully most days should be fun and rewarding though.
  • juhnell2610
    juhnell2610 Posts: 291 Member
    Satisfaction and old clothes that fit are my reward. I'm a goal driven person so I don't need more than that to keep me motivated.
  • Lourdesong
    Lourdesong Posts: 1,492 Member
    New jeans in a new smaller size (the next size down to work towards.)

    It's like a half-treat, you get something new, but you don't get to enjoy it unless you keep at it.
  • benaddict
    benaddict Posts: 1,381 Member
    My rewards are to do with continuing my fitness journey. When I lost 5 pounds I got a new workout outfit (pants, sports bra, and shirt). When I lost 10 I got a yoga mat and some hand weights for my Jillian Michaels DVD. When I lost 15 I got a heart rate monitor so I can measure the calories I burn doing my DVD and C25K. When I get to 20 I'm getting another sports bra and more workout clothes. For me the rewards do double-duty: they give me something to work toward, and then when I earn them, I'm excited to work out to use my new stuff. I agree with your policy of no food rewards. If you're not into workout gear as a reward, think of a book, DVD, CD, item of clothing, shoes, makeup, etc, something that you want, and don't let yourself get it until you reach a certain goal. I like having lots of small goals rather than one big one because the smaller goals seem more do-able in the short-term and keep me motivated. Good luck!
  • SteampunkSongbird
    SteampunkSongbird Posts: 826 Member
    Bought myself a new bra online last night, I figured since I'm making some progress I deserve a new bra that actually fits properly, lol.
  • jennifer_417
    jennifer_417 Posts: 12,344 Member
    You realize that being overweight is not an option and every day you look in the mirror to see the progress you've worked so hard for. Your body is your reward.

    Treats shouldn't be needed, but if you need something concrete too look forward to, a good tip is to start a bet with someone who's also looking to loose weight. IE both should loose x LBS by x Date, or else you'll have to pay x or do x.

    Then you also have someone to share thoughts and ideas with during the journey.

    This is entirely not needed, but some people may find it easier when being pressured a little bit.

    I view my training and diet like work. I just don't skip a work day because I just don't feel like it that day, I have to go. The same with overall fitness. Hopefully most days should be fun and rewarding though.

    How's the view from the back of that high horse? Different people are motivated by different things, we don't need to tell one another what we "should" be motivated by.
  • Deipneus
    Deipneus Posts: 1,856 Member
    *NOTHING TO DO WITH FOOD..

    What are yours?
    I'm with you. I got control of food by no longer viewing it as recreation or reward but as fuel, so for me, that would have been counterproductive.

    I rewarded myself with travel.
  • MissFlab2Fab2014
    MissFlab2Fab2014 Posts: 109
    You realize that being overweight is not an option and every day you look in the mirror to see the progress you've worked so hard for. Your body is your reward.

    Treats shouldn't be needed, but if you need something concrete too look forward to, a good tip is to start a bet with someone who's also looking to loose weight. IE both should loose x LBS by x Date, or else you'll have to pay x or do x.

    Then you also have someone to share thoughts and ideas with during the journey.

    This is entirely not needed, but some people may find it easier when being pressured a little bit.

    I view my training and diet like work. I just don't skip a work day because I just don't feel like it that day, I have to go. The same with overall fitness. Hopefully most days should be fun and rewarding though.

    How's the view from the back of that high horse? Different people are motivated by different things, we don't need to tell one another what we "should" be motivated by.

    so you took the words out of my mouth. I understand that at the end of my journey and sustaining the weight that will be the ultimate reward *point out the obvious* but to keep me motivated call me weak, I need little insentives.. So.... yeah? I am only curious what people use to reward themselves to stay motivated. THAT IS ALL :flowerforyou:
  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    You realize that being overweight is not an option and every day you look in the mirror to see the progress you've worked so hard for. Your body is your reward.

    Treats shouldn't be needed, but if you need something concrete too look forward to, a good tip is to start a bet with someone who's also looking to loose weight. IE both should loose x LBS by x Date, or else you'll have to pay x or do x.

    Then you also have someone to share thoughts and ideas with during the journey.

    This is entirely not needed, but some people may find it easier when being pressured a little bit.

    I view my training and diet like work. I just don't skip a work day because I just don't feel like it that day, I have to go. The same with overall fitness. Hopefully most days should be fun and rewarding though.

    How's the view from the back of that high horse? Different people are motivated by different things, we don't need to tell one another what we "should" be motivated by.

    Maybe so, but I have a question. What happens when the exciting phase of weight loss and rewards has halted? When you reach maintenance and you realize it is the hardest part by far?

    Motivation HAS to be internal for long term success.
  • kikityme
    kikityme Posts: 472 Member
    I go to a thrift store and buy new pants that don't fit, but show promise. Then I work on fitting into them. Right now I'm working on squeezing into a size I haven't worn since highschool.
  • MissFlab2Fab2014
    MissFlab2Fab2014 Posts: 109
    My rewards are to do with continuing my fitness journey. When I lost 5 pounds I got a new workout outfit (pants, sports bra, and shirt). When I lost 10 I got a yoga mat and some hand weights for my Jillian Michaels DVD. When I lost 15 I got a heart rate monitor so I can measure the calories I burn doing my DVD and C25K. When I get to 20 I'm getting another sports bra and more workout clothes. For me the rewards do double-duty: they give me something to work toward, and then when I earn them, I'm excited to work out to use my new stuff. I agree with your policy of no food rewards. If you're not into workout gear as a reward, think of a book, DVD, CD, item of clothing, shoes, makeup, etc, something that you want, and don't let yourself get it until you reach a certain goal. I like having lots of small goals rather than one big one because the smaller goals seem more do-able in the short-term and keep me motivated. Good luck!

    Love this idea! I had this in mind I was thinking when I lose 5lbs I'll get myself a HRM and then maybe at 10lbs all new work out clothes... and so on an so on. Keep me motivated and working out. At the end I am doing a total makeover. Hair, Clothes etc. but that will come last.
  • navygrrl
    navygrrl Posts: 517 Member
    Well, my big reward for losing 30 pounds, I got a new iPod. 12 more pounds and I'll no longer be in the obese category and will be "merely" overweight, LOL, so I'll be going to the running store to get properly fitted for shoes. When I hit my initial goal weight, hubby and I will go on a cruise. Those are my big rewards. My little rewards are just things like a pedicure or a new video game. :smile:
  • SunofaBeach14
    SunofaBeach14 Posts: 4,899 Member
    Taking my shirt off in public is plenty reward in itself
  • Sobus76
    Sobus76 Posts: 242 Member
    I dont reward myself for doing something i shouldve been doing all along. i think it leads me back to bad habits that im trying to break. at the end of the day my reward is knowing im possibly adding days/months/years onto my life.
  • MissFlab2Fab2014
    MissFlab2Fab2014 Posts: 109
    I think when you reach maintenance, you should continue to reward yourself. You are right that is the hardest. Because its so easy to think "ive reached my destination" only to realize that there is no end to a weightloss journey. It is internal, and mainly emotional but rewarding yourself and your discipline is important.
  • MissFlab2Fab2014
    MissFlab2Fab2014 Posts: 109
    I am really happy to see everyone's OPINIONS :) Gracias guys!!
  • sllm1
    sllm1 Posts: 2,130 Member
    I move a marble from one jar (going, going) to another (gone). It's surprising how excited I get when I get to move a marble. Crazy.

    I will also reward myself with another tattoo when I reach my goal weight.
  • AlysonG2
    AlysonG2 Posts: 713 Member
    I made a deal with my husband that when I got down to a size 12, we would take a kid-free weekend trip. That's the first true reward I've planned, but I have had to buy new (smaller) clothes twice, so that was nice too :)
  • CJisinShape
    CJisinShape Posts: 1,404 Member
    I like rewards, but a sequence of X reward for X amount of pounds didn't work for me. So, I do my workouts and eat well as a kind of "taking care of me" and shopping for myself as "taking care of me." So every so often I get something - clothes, makeup, shoes, skin care, etc. I've essentially had several makeovers, moving more and more toward a really beautiful self. As a result, I feel and look better on many different levels, and I see a progression regarding self worth. I don't feel like I have to lose X number of pounds to have a nice outfit. It's also helped make the weight loss journey an enjoyable one, where I like my food and the exercise, because I see it similarly to going shopping, or taking a nice bath. My relationships have improved as well, since they like to see that I'm taking good care myself on many levels. God is good, and I'm so thankful for the peace he's given me about the whole process.

    Edited to add: When I reach my goal, I'd like to take a really beautiful photo. In the meantime, I take really beautiful photos. If that makes any sense to you guys!
  • jennifer_417
    jennifer_417 Posts: 12,344 Member
    For quite a while, I rewarded myself with an inexpensive pair of earrings for every 5 lbs I lost. I chose larger rewards for larger increments of weight, but I didn't do a good job of going through with them.
  • KaelaLee88
    KaelaLee88 Posts: 229 Member
    I am a very blessed woman and I have all the clothes, bags, shoes and jewellry that I need to be comfortable :-)

    However, you can never have enough memories! For milestones, it's nice to visit somewhere new :-) Discover a new walk, a nice pub or a good film.

    This is what we do and it's worked well so far!

    The resolve to make a change comes from within, motivation is a necessity - whichever form it takes.

    Kaela x
  • Polishprinsezz
    Polishprinsezz Posts: 249 Member
    perfume, smaller clothes, makeup.i want my hair done next. anything to makes that new you look better. my ultimate gift to myself will be a breast lift and tummy tuck after being in maintenance for two years.
  • Deipneus
    Deipneus Posts: 1,856 Member
    Maybe so, but I have a question. What happens when the exciting phase of weight loss and rewards has halted? When you reach maintenance and you realize it is the hardest part by far?

    Motivation HAS to be internal for long term success.
    I hit the maintenance phase two years ago this month and you're right, it's hard because I got addicted to the wins of seeing the pounds fall off. I started lifting and adding a few back on purpose but muscle building is a lot slower going. That's where the rewards come in. Every month is another win and every few months I take another trip.

    The drive is internal but my inner self likes a party as much as my outer self.
  • MissFlab2Fab2014
    MissFlab2Fab2014 Posts: 109
    Maybe so, but I have a question. What happens when the exciting phase of weight loss and rewards has halted? When you reach maintenance and you realize it is the hardest part by far?

    Motivation HAS to be internal for long term success.
    I hit the maintenance phase two years ago this month and you're right, it's hard because I got addicted to the wins of seeing the pounds fall off. I started lifting and adding a few back on purpose but muscle building is a lot slower going. That's where the rewards come in. Every month is another win and every few months I take another trip.

    The drive is internal but my inner self likes a party as much as my outer self.

    Love this!
  • Nedra19455
    Nedra19455 Posts: 241 Member
    I am going to be buying a foot bath for having reached my first big milestone. It is a splurge, but a needed one because my feet are rebelling against all the time I spend walking and jogging now.
  • jenniferpark01
    jenniferpark01 Posts: 34 Member
    I stopped the 5 to 10 pound loss rewards because they were not motivating me. I motivate myself by signing up for Disney Runs. They are super fun, expensive, and very motivating to me. I don't want to get kicked off the course (16 min mile pace) and waste my entry fee. It works for me.

    Try some different ideas and see what motivates you best.
  • TadaGanIarracht
    TadaGanIarracht Posts: 2,615 Member
    I have a whole list on my profile.
  • feliscatus84
    feliscatus84 Posts: 80 Member
    My rewards so far-

    -Being able to tie my shoes without getting out of breath
    -Being able to bend over to pick up said shoes without a damn struggle
    -Being able to stand at the kitchen sink to wash dishes without my back hurting/having to stop because my core is too weak
    -Getting into my fiance's low sports car without a problem and no more seat belt cutting into my waist
    -The way my old jeans are starting to fit and the way my fiance looks at me when they do fit!
    - Not using my hand or leaning on something to help me get up-thank you squats!
    -The ability to workout for a half hour virtually non stop and my overall body strength improving
    -The mental reward of using pure willpower to get off my *kitten* and work hard for something that is really only about me and no one else.


    May seem lame to others but it's the little stuff to me which really adds up to a whole heck lot. Hopefully I will be able to add to it as I lose more. :0)

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