How do you reward yourself

Other than seeing the numbers go down (inches and pounds)
I have fitness goals that keep me motivated as well

I try to reward myself every 10lbs or so. I have a list of things I can choose from (not food related) such as taking a "spa" bath, buying a new book, getting a massage, manicure, pedicure, facial, etc. Some goals get the "bigger" rewards (such as spending money on a massage) and some get smaller rewards.
I haven't consistently rewarded myself because I didn't feel like it or haven't gotten around to it. But I know I will earn a reward if I keep going which is motivating itself

When I lose my first 10 pounds my mom (I'm 18) is gonna get me some cute new nikes! I love nikes for just wearing everyday, a nice break from sandals. I already have my pair picked out and I look at them online every now and then to stay motivated! 7.4 pounds to go not sure what I'll get for my second 10 pounds but I'd rather reward my myself with things like this than food. Also losing weight is a great reward too lol

Stupid phone screwing up posts

I haven't really thought about rewards this time around.
Probably because I'm not goal focused - not on the scale number anyway. I don't have any particular goal weight in mind, and don't have any rewards planned when I weigh less.

I know everyone is different and has different motivations, but for me, the key has been not to make a big production of losing weight, not to view it as a "journey" with a start point and an end point, not to see it as a temporary state of being that I will stop one day.
I've just set out to make sustainable changes that will work towards me getting, and staying, healthier.

middlehaitch wrote: »

So yes I do reward myself after all by giving myself the best life possible.

That... That right there stopped my breath.

Thank you for that whole post. It made such a great start to my day!

Two frothy and extremely tasty imperial pints of Guinness on Friday night. That's my reward just for having to deal with people all week. Lol.

I fully comprehend that 40 g, or less, of prunes and a couple of fiber supplement gummies are a pale substitute for the desserts my mother prepared in my childhood. However, if I get to the end of the day and have stayed on my plan, my last 115 calories are reserved for the sweet flavors of my 'dessert'. Mentally, you need something of a reward for the work and will that has been exercised.

kazminchu wrote: »

Packerjohn wrote: »

Gallowmere1984 wrote: »

I do not reward behavior that should be the norm.

Yep, should not have to reward normal behavior. IMO, one of the problems with the US today, no just diet, but in general.

While I agree with this to an extent - is there really anything that bad about rewarding yourself for staying on track? A lot of us are here because we have formed bad habits with food, and if rewarding ourselves helps us break that habit it is a good thing in my eyes.

Improving one's health and feeling better physically, potentially being able to live longer with a better quality of life, i.e. giving yourself the best life possible as someone posted above, isn't enough?

Packerjohn wrote: »

Gallowmere1984 wrote: »

I do not reward behavior that should be the norm.

Yep, should not have to reward normal behavior. IMO, one of the problems with the US today, no just diet, but in general.

To each his own, but a little positive reinforcement goes a long way!

I don't. I just enjoy it.

While I agree with people who say that the results are their own reward (to a point), it's sometimes not sufficient for me. I am also dealing with disordered eating issues, and encouraging myself with little (non-food) treats on occasion when I meet goals is somewhat necessary. It doesn't have to be all the time or for every little thing. Usually it's for every 10 pounds, and the reward is some small thing that i've been wanting but usually put off getting because it's not a need. Like a couple weeks ago, I bought a peasant blouse to wear as part of a costume for the renaissance festival this fall. Inexpensive, but something I had really wanted. I've also considered buying a pair of shoes or an inexpensive accessory like jewelry or a scarf, or going and having a manicure or a pedicure for meeting goals.

It's not a reward in the traditional sense, but I spend a ridiculous amount per month on my gym membership when I could get one for $10/month. I love this gym; they have awesome specialty classes and the group atmosphere I'm looking for. I justify spending the higher amount because it helps me to achieve my healthy lifestyle in a way that I genuinely enjoy. So my "reward" for being healthy and regularly going to the gym is that I get to spend money on the gym that I want to be at.

Also, I see nothing wrong with rewarding yourself for "normal" behavior. With losing weight, people are often re-setting what they consider to be normal. If small rewards help people to re-wire their neural pathways to frame healthy food and exercise as positive associations, then reward away! It's all about what helps you as the individual achieve your goal.

Looking better, feeling better and being healthier ARE the reward.