Do you reward yourself?

I weigh every couple of weeks and when I see the number has gone down, that is all the reward I need. I am so happy that it s going down, no matter how far down it went.

I go to thrift stores and find great looking clothes that will fit eventually. It's a constant effort to get down to the next size with a built in reward. As I get smaller, the items that are too big go into the "return to thrift store" bag. It feels great to drop off a bag of clothes that are too big, wearing clothes I couldn't wear the month before.

AllyG47 wrote: »

gebeziseva wrote: »

I've heard it helps some people but I can't understand it at all.
For me the reaward is the weight loss. Why isn't it for you?

Because I have lost 20 lbs so far and honestly don't feel or look any different. My clothes fit exactly the same and I look the same when I look in the mirror (although my face is a little less puffy). It doesn't feel like a reward, especially when I don't allow myself to eat my favorite high calorie treats (I allow myself treats but they are often low-fat/low-calorie versions of my favorites which aren't the same) and I force myself to exercise when I really don't want to. I'm sure weight loss will feel like a reward eventually but, right now, it doesn't so I need other ways to keep up the motivation.

OK I see. I think I can understand that.
I only had 40lbs to lose total so maybe progress was more easilly visible for me. Also I take progress pics and looking at the change gives me enough dopamine.

Yes, absolutely. I have been dieting for nine months to lose baby weight. I was at a "normal" BMI after the first 8 pounds, but I still had 27 pounds to go to my goal weight (125). I'm now at 133. So progress has been really slow - less than a pound a week. And without much weight to lose I feel like I have to be pretty strict to get that half pound a week. celebrating interim milestones helps me stay motivated. So far my "treats" have been workout clothes, a fitbit, a meditation pillow, a date night with my husband. I'm probably not going to reach my original goal, but when I decide I'm "done" I will buy some new jeans. Having rewards has absolutely helped me keep from giving up.

My bigger goal is to lose baby weight before my next pregnancy, so I don't have even more to lose next time. But honestly that is depressing to think about - I'll have to do this all over again

gebeziseva wrote: »

I've heard it helps some people but I can't understand it at all.
For me the reaward is the weight loss. Why isn't it for you?

Well, weight loss is a great reward, but rewards help because: 1) because it's important to celebrate when you accomplish something, it's a pat on your own back. 2) it adds excitement to reaching that next milestone. Sometimes that milestone may not be relected in a smaller clothes size or noticeable difference, so your reward is a fun incentive beyond just a scale number. 3) It is a great guilt free excuse to do or get that thing that you really want to do or get and you were just waiting for an occasion to do so. And 4) because it is fun. and it makes you happy!