How do you reward yourself?
jenb8529
Posts: 15 Member
I'm trying to break the cycle of using food as a reward, so I'm trying to come up with with a little reward system. I'm thinking maybe a new outfit if I can lose at least 4 pounds a month 
How do you reward yourself?
How do you reward yourself? 1
Replies
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I don't feel the need to reward myself, losing weight is reward enough for me. Plus I don't want to buy new clothes until I've reached my goal weight and then I'll need them.11
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New goals.4
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I think that's great that you see the value in breaking the habit of food rewards as that is a cycle that puts us all right back where we started. It's then a vicious cycle.
I think what you've suggested about a new outfit is fine... I don't how much you have to lose. If it's a large amount you might want to hold off on frequent buying of new items or shop garage sales, or thrift shops instead.
If you're looking to lose a small amount that might work out better.
Hope something in there helps
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I reward myself every 10lb lost (i have a lot to lose though!)
I do different things but:
- "Spa" bath (i bought nice bath bombs, new candles, and took a relaxing bath)
- manicure or pedicure (pedicure is coming up soon!)
- massage
- new outfit/article of clothing that I really wanted
I avoid using food as a reward because it is a slippery slope for me1 -
I buy new clothes when the old ones cant be worn anymore. I have a great tailor but even she has her limits! Or I go get my nails done, ANYTHING but food!! No more birthday cakes at my house either (we are all well past our teen years!) My son had a birthday (31st) recently and we had smores over a campfire. Did you know smores can be had for about 135 calories each - I had one and it was the best smore I have had all year (my first!) No left over cake, no making a cake or buying a cake or thinking about a cake - it was uplifting.4
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Love the idea of getting a manicure or massage! I'm aiming to lose 15-20 pounds so hopefully fitting into new clothes won't be an issue.2
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Rewards are vital for me this second round of losing weight. I will list the rewards i gave myself to help you.
I started at 295lbs
Every 5lbs lost i give myself a cheat day (usually a pizza for me)
When i dropped down to 280lbs i started jogging (reffing basketball)
When i dropped down to 260lbs i bought a workout machine with a 250lb weight limit.
When i dropped down to 240lbs i started doing pushups and crunches
When i dropped down to 230lbs i bought a comfy chair with a 225lb limit
When i dropped down to 225lbs i bought new shirts (went from 2xl down to xl)
Im at 220lbs now
When i drop to 215 i will start jogging for fun (i want to do long distances)
When i drop to 205 i will switch my workout routine from 75%cardio 25%weights to 50% and 50%
when i drop to my goal weight of 200lbs i will buy large shirts and hopefully size 36 pants
When i hit my goal weight also will change my workout to 25% cardio and 75% weights
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I usually just put on something that shows off the loss and then my husband rewards me.
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New clothes (will do soon!) and when I'm at goal I'm going to get a new tattoo!!0
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I don't have set intervals for rewards, it's more of a case when I want something fun if I have lost a decent amount then I'll go for it.
It's always a reward to buy smaller clothes!
My most recent purchase was to upgrade from the Fitbit Charge HR to the Blaze! I won't get anything else for a while now.
I do have a shopping trip planned for Mid-July though ready to shake my smaller booty in some new clothes for my honeymoon in August
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Something fitness related. Just ordered some new headband buffs for my latest reward. Other times it will be something like socks, handwraps, sports bra, fitness jewelry, etc...1
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It was a few years ago when I had to lose weight, but I always rewarded myself by looking in the mirror and being happier with what I saw.4
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I like getting a professional massage after reaching a goal, like running a marathon.3
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well, this isn't going to help you much, but i decided to reward myself with food. i LOVE mexican food, esp chips & salsa, so i have decided i am going to have that every saturday if i stay within calorie goal for the entire week.1
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louisepaul16 wrote: »New clothes (will do soon!) and when I'm at goal I'm going to get a new tattoo!!
funny - when i hit my goal, i am getting a new tattoo, also!
great minds think alike!
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I just rewarded myself (for a month on MFP, working out & watching my calories) with a new workout outfit and some new Dumbbells. I had an early reward as well-- I purchased a mandolin; beautifully cut veggies are veggies I REALLY want to eat.
At present, I'm trying to make my rewards health/fitness related but in a way that motivates. If I look cute, if my food looks beautiful, I'm more motivated.
As for food, I make room for "rewards" in my calorie allotment. I'm aiming for a lifestyle change & it has to include things I love (sweets, cheese, & wine)!
You've got a lot of great suggestions (I'm going to make the massage one of my rewards for the end of this month). Best of luck!!!0 -
Once every 2 or 3 weeks I get a Double Deluxe burger at Culver's, no fries. 650 calories or so without mayo.1
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85Cardinals wrote: »Once every 2 or 3 weeks I get a Double Deluxe burger at Culver's, no fries. 650 calories or so without mayo.
OMG we have a new culver's. i might have to go try that!!!0 -
Every 15lb lost I'll reward myself. The next one coming up is a new (to me) sundress, and I have my eye on the one I want!1
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mathiseasy wrote: »Every 15lb lost I'll reward myself. The next one coming up is a new (to me) sundress, and I have my eye on the one I want!
that sounds pretty! i won't reward myself with clothes until i've lost all my weight. i refuse to have a million "in between" wardrobes. LOL0 -
I treat myself to a massage or maybe shoes every five pounds. When I hit fifty, I get to test drive a Miata, which is the car I plan to get myself when I lose all 100 pounds.5
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When I get to 100kg I am going to sign up for a free diving course. I won't feel so bad in my wetsuit and I won't be as floaty as I was!1
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I read this fascinating idea about the difference between rewards and treats, and why "rewards" are bad for you. The basic idea is that if you want something to be a habit, you want to do it without thinking, and without needing a reward. You do it because you do it. Just like you don't need a reward for putting on your seatbelt or brushing your teeth, and you want other habits to become second nature just like that. Giving yourself a reward for such things can actually undermine you, because then you are doing it FOR THE REWARD, and then you lose your motivation if you no longer get the reward. Like, what if you were almost to your next goal weight and planning a reward, and then found out you didn't have the money for it? Better for the motivation to be the habit itself.
Treats are different. Treats are things you do for yourself that you didn't have to earn, just because you enjoy it. Rather than undermining your habits, treats help you gain motivation because when you feel better, you act better. Treats don't have to be spontaneous, they can be planned, just not earned. It's a subtle difference, but it's the difference between creating a habit that you will continue doing no matter what, and just doing something to get the reward at the end.
The next thing I'm planning to do for myself is buy an unschooling journal I have been wanting for my kids. Yes, I'm enough of a nerd that I consider that a treat for myself, LOL.2 -
I find that the weight loss, especially is effect on my physical and emotional well-being, it's it's own reward. However, I do celebrate every 5 lb milestone, mostly by telling my family.
For years I wasn't very kind to myself. I was ashamed to be seen in public at my high weight. I felt I didn't deserve to have clothes that fit well. That has stopped. I am a lot more forgiving to myself now, and I quit denying myself new clothes at the same time I started actively trying to care for my body.
Let me be clear : the clothes are not a reward for weight loss. Whether or not I'd lost weight, withholding things I needed out of self - shame was unhealthy. I stopped that behavior. Now I buy things when I need and can afford them without the negative self talk.
I feel if I liked and valued manicures or massages or whatever (these things are not important to me personally), I'd want to approach it the same way.. Not as a reward for taking care of myself, but part of my plan to take care of myself, body, mind and spirit.0 -
markswife1992 wrote: »85Cardinals wrote: »Once every 2 or 3 weeks I get a Double Deluxe burger at Culver's, no fries. 650 calories or so without mayo.
OMG we have a new culver's. i might have to go try that!!!
They're great burgers. Fresh beef, and they cook it to order. Bring it out to your car in a few minutes. Really great service too, I love Culver's.0 -
markswife1992 wrote: »mathiseasy wrote: »Every 15lb lost I'll reward myself. The next one coming up is a new (to me) sundress, and I have my eye on the one I want!
that sounds pretty! i won't reward myself with clothes until i've lost all my weight. i refuse to have a million "in between" wardrobes. LOL
Haha I hear ya. I have a few new pieces that were on sale-I refuse to buy any clothes full price regardless of my size. But I think some clothes that fit well are in order for nice occasions! I hit up thrift shops ("new to me") and you can get pieces for like $4...just have to get in before it gets bought! The great thing about that is usually you can turn around and sell back the clothes that are now too big.0 -
I don't feel the need to reward myself, losing weight is reward enough for me. Plus I don't want to buy new clothes until I've reached my goal weight and then I'll need them.
Exactly this. Losing weight in itself was the reward... and nope, not wasting money on clothes that will be worn a couple months at best.1 -
michelleepotter wrote: »I read this fascinating idea about the difference between rewards and treats, and why "rewards" are bad for you. The basic idea is that if you want something to be a habit, you want to do it without thinking, and without needing a reward. You do it because you do it. Just like you don't need a reward for putting on your seatbelt or brushing your teeth, and you want other habits to become second nature just like that. Giving yourself a reward for such things can actually undermine you, because then you are doing it FOR THE REWARD, and then you lose your motivation if you no longer get the reward. Like, what if you were almost to your next goal weight and planning a reward, and then found out you didn't have the money for it? Better for the motivation to be the habit itself.
Treats are different. Treats are things you do for yourself that you didn't have to earn, just because you enjoy it. Rather than undermining your habits, treats help you gain motivation because when you feel better, you act better. Treats don't have to be spontaneous, they can be planned, just not earned. It's a subtle difference, but it's the difference between creating a habit that you will continue doing no matter what, and just doing something to get the reward at the end.
The next thing I'm planning to do for myself is buy an unschooling journal I have been wanting for my kids. Yes, I'm enough of a nerd that I consider that a treat for myself, LOL.
That's my thinking too. I like internal motivation.
I'm working hard because I have fitness related goals. My "reward," other than liking the way I look and my performance in training, is to make the goals I have. I have three races this summer, a 5k, a 10k trail run, and a spartan sprint. My reward is being fit enough to do those things well. When I meet those goals, like @randomtai said, I'll make new ones.1 -
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