Rewarding Yourself
mazurkiepolish
Posts: 363 Member
For those who practice cleaner eating, what do you do to reward yourself? I’ve been practicing cleaner eating for not too long, almost 2 months now. Do you allow yourself a meal once a week/couple weeks to reward yourself for your progress?
1
Replies
-
If you think the foods you aren't eating are unclean, why would eating them be a "reward"?15
-
lynn_glenmont wrote: »If you think the foods you aren't eating are unclean, why would eating them be a "reward"?
Where did I say that?
1 -
Back when I was losing weight dramatically, I'd note each 20 lb increment as an excuse to run a 5k. That, or buy smaller clothes.3
-
JeromeBarry1 wrote: »Back when I was losing weight dramatically, I'd note each 20 lb increment as an excuse to run a 5k. That, or buy smaller clothes.
Never thought of a reward like this!! I’m almost down 20.
0 -
mazurkiepolish wrote: »For those who practice cleaner eating, what do you do to reward yourself? I’ve been practicing cleaner eating for not too long, almost 2 months now. Do you allow yourself a meal once a week/couple weeks to reward yourself for your progress?
In the big picture, I feel awful when I “reward” myself. My taste buds feel great, body not so much. I usually do 1 meal every 2 weeks. Every week got to me mentally in the thought of “wow I can’t even make it a week without having a cheat meal” every 2 weeks I hit a goal but sometimes I crave the foods I already eat!1 -
mazurkiepolish wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »If you think the foods you aren't eating are unclean, why would eating them be a "reward"?
Where did I say that?
I'm sorry if I misunderstood. When you asked if people allow themselves "a meal" as a reward, I assumed the meal would in some way be different than what you normally eat. I mean, you do have meals every day, right? So a reward meal would be different than the "clean" food you normally eat? If that's not what you meant, maybe you could explain what you did mean.10 -
I just rewarded myself with the cutest sparkly jeans.6
-
If we're opening it up to non-food rewards, I found the results to be rewards. I made a point of taking notice of the results. "Wow, I can bend at the waist to tie my shoes while sitting without the rolls of fat making me feel like I can't breathe!" "Wow, I'm dead-lifting nearly twice what I was two months ago!" "Wow, I can squat down to pick up something and stand back up without having to hold on to anything!" Those kinds of realizations were the best rewards for me. And being able to shop smaller clothes sizes isn't bad, either.
5 -
mazurkiepolish wrote: »For those who practice cleaner eating, what do you do to reward yourself? I’ve been practicing cleaner eating for not too long, almost 2 months now. Do you allow yourself a meal once a week/couple weeks to reward yourself for your progress?
In the big picture, I feel awful when I “reward” myself. My taste buds feel great, body not so much. I usually do 1 meal every 2 weeks. Every week got to me mentally in the thought of “wow I can’t even make it a week without having a cheat meal” every 2 weeks I hit a goal but sometimes I crave the foods I already eat!
I was afraid that after eating cleaner so long, that a reward meal would stump my progress. But sometimes I crave something not as healthy and ive been doing well. 1 meal every two weeks sounds like something I would want to do, even if it was once a month.
0 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »mazurkiepolish wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »If you think the foods you aren't eating are unclean, why would eating them be a "reward"?
Where did I say that?
I'm sorry if I misunderstood. When you asked if people allow themselves "a meal" as a reward, I assumed the meal would in some way be different than what you normally eat. I mean, you do have meals every day, right? So a reward meal would be different than the "clean" food you normally eat? If that's not what you meant, maybe you could explain what you did mean.
I’m sorry, my post was a little vague. I cut out a lot from my diet when I started losing and that’s ok because I overall feel so much better versus when I was eating a lot of not so good food, but sometimes I crave a pizza from Pizza Hut or a sub from Jim’s steak out. Or a whopper. I was wondering if anyone allows themselves a meal every once and a while and if it affects their progress5 -
I'm not what I would call a clean eater but I reward myself with new clothes, looking better in my old clothes, makeup or gym equipment. Also I get to take new progress photos and write my blog post which is very rewarding for me.4
-
mazurkiepolish wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »mazurkiepolish wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »If you think the foods you aren't eating are unclean, why would eating them be a "reward"?
Where did I say that?
I'm sorry if I misunderstood. When you asked if people allow themselves "a meal" as a reward, I assumed the meal would in some way be different than what you normally eat. I mean, you do have meals every day, right? So a reward meal would be different than the "clean" food you normally eat? If that's not what you meant, maybe you could explain what you did mean.
I’m sorry, my post was a little vague. I cut out a lot from my diet when I started losing and that’s ok because I overall feel so much better versus when I was eating a lot of not so good food, but sometimes I crave a pizza from Pizza Hut or a sub from Jim’s steak out. Or a whopper. I was wondering if anyone allows themselves a meal every once and a while and if it affects their progress
OK. I'm still not getting how food you believe is "not so good" and that leaves you feeling unwell when you eat it would be a reward.
I don't view foods that aren't poisonous or spoiled as bad (I don't have any food allergies or intolerances). I often make adjustments to work in foods that are too calorie-dense and nutrient sparse to be something I eat every day, but I wouldn't consider it a reward for eating in ways that support my goals the rest of the time. It would just be finding a way to eat something I want to eat, with whatever adjustments or trade-offs I'm willing to make.8 -
mazurkiepolish wrote: »For those who practice cleaner eating, what do you do to reward yourself? I’ve been practicing cleaner eating for not too long, almost 2 months now. Do you allow yourself a meal once a week/couple weeks to reward yourself for your progress?
This is pretty easy to understand...but anyway.
Swedish fish are my go to3 -
I do one day a week where I eat maintenance I know that this not the popular choice but it works for me. I do plan on trying it every two weeks in a few months but I’m still losing and feeling great.
I just drink more and maybe eat a meal that’s not so healthy.
I don’t personally find that one not so great meal effects my progress of how I feel.2 -
Food as a reward? Nah....
There are much better rewards to be had.
3 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »mazurkiepolish wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »mazurkiepolish wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »If you think the foods you aren't eating are unclean, why would eating them be a "reward"?
Where did I say that?
I'm sorry if I misunderstood. When you asked if people allow themselves "a meal" as a reward, I assumed the meal would in some way be different than what you normally eat. I mean, you do have meals every day, right? So a reward meal would be different than the "clean" food you normally eat? If that's not what you meant, maybe you could explain what you did mean.
I’m sorry, my post was a little vague. I cut out a lot from my diet when I started losing and that’s ok because I overall feel so much better versus when I was eating a lot of not so good food, but sometimes I crave a pizza from Pizza Hut or a sub from Jim’s steak out. Or a whopper. I was wondering if anyone allows themselves a meal every once and a while and if it affects their progress
OK. I'm still not getting how food you believe is "not so good" and that leaves you feeling unwell when you eat it would be a reward.
I don't view foods that aren't poisonous or spoiled as bad (I don't have any food allergies or intolerances). I often make adjustments to work in foods that are too calorie-dense and nutrient sparse to be something I eat every day, but I wouldn't consider it a reward for eating in ways that support my goals the rest of the time. It would just be finding a way to eat something I want to eat, with whatever adjustments or trade-offs I'm willing to make.
I think you are reading too deeply into this. But thank you!4 -
It sounds counterproductive. Eat in a way you don't feel a need to reward yoruself for, and your likelihood to stick to it, increases dramatically!
Your weight (and the health aspects you can control by diet) is determined by your food intake over time. No foods are in themselves healthy or unhealthy, you can eat anything you like in moderation. A treat meal per week is perfectly fine for most of us.10 -
kommodevaran wrote: »It sounds counterproductive. Eat in a way you don't feel a need to reward yoruself for, and your likelihood to stick to it, increases dramatically!
Your weight (and the health aspects you can control by diet) is determined by your food intake over time. No foods are in themselves healthy or unhealthy, you can eat anything you like in moderation. A treat meal per week is perfectly fine for most of us.
Exploring these forums and reading them have made me realize that maybe dieting isn’t so complex as I made it out to be. It’s definitely an eye opener.
6 -
It really is, isn't it? I too was bogged down by so many rules I believed I had to follow. MFP has been a gamechanger for me. The most obvious testimony is 50 pounds off and not regained in almost 4 years, a less obvious one is my greatly improved confidence and relationship with food.mazurkiepolish wrote: »kommodevaran wrote: »It sounds counterproductive. Eat in a way you don't feel a need to reward yoruself for, and your likelihood to stick to it, increases dramatically!
Your weight (and the health aspects you can control by diet) is determined by your food intake over time. No foods are in themselves healthy or unhealthy, you can eat anything you like in moderation. A treat meal per week is perfectly fine for most of us.
Exploring these forums and reading them have made me realize that maybe dieting isn’t so complex as I made it out to be. It’s definitely an eye opener.9 -
mazurkiepolish wrote: »For those who practice cleaner eating, what do you do to reward yourself? I’ve been practicing cleaner eating for not too long, almost 2 months now. Do you allow yourself a meal once a week/couple weeks to reward yourself for your progress?
I don't practice "clean" eating ... except for the fact that I don't eat dirty food. Ick.
But when I was losing weight, I rewarded myself by doing more. As I lost the weight I was able to cycle further, cycle up hills easier, hike up hills without getting completely out of breath ... so the lighter I was, the more enjoyable things I could do!! 3 -
mazurkiepolish wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »mazurkiepolish wrote: »lynn_glenmont wrote: »If you think the foods you aren't eating are unclean, why would eating them be a "reward"?
Where did I say that?
I'm sorry if I misunderstood. When you asked if people allow themselves "a meal" as a reward, I assumed the meal would in some way be different than what you normally eat. I mean, you do have meals every day, right? So a reward meal would be different than the "clean" food you normally eat? If that's not what you meant, maybe you could explain what you did mean.
I’m sorry, my post was a little vague. I cut out a lot from my diet when I started losing and that’s ok because I overall feel so much better versus when I was eating a lot of not so good food, but sometimes I crave a pizza from Pizza Hut or a sub from Jim’s steak out. Or a whopper. I was wondering if anyone allows themselves a meal every once and a while and if it affects their progress
About once a month, when I would cycle 100+ km on a Saturday or Sunday, I would have pizza or something after the ride ... because I could afford to do so. I had enough calories to work with. A win-win situation!! 2 -
I try not to reward myself via food. I do it once every 3 weeks. Otherwise i reward myself with new gear for cycling. Sunglasses, shoes, helmet, bike parts, etc.1
-
Food can be a treat, but food shouldn't be a reward for humans. Food is a reward for lab rats.
If you don't 100% enjoy 100% clean eating, eat 80% clean and 20% treats. Hit your nutritional targets, get plenty of nice, varied, colorful fruits and veggies, and you'll do fine. I doubt you'd notice much/any difference in how you feel, vs. "eating clean" (except the aura of virtue - LOL
).
Even pizza and whoppers have nutrients, and they contribute to your nutritional goals. Have a couple of slices of thin-crust pizza, and a big green salad. Have a Jr. Whopper.
As long as you pay attention to your nutritional goals (enough protein, enough fats, enough fruits/veggies), and as long as you hit your calorie goal the overwhelming majority of the time, it won't hurt your progress. (In fact, if your only goal is weight loss, only the calorie part matters . . . but most of us think it's good to be healthy as well as thin, so nutrition and exercise are good goals, too.)
When you reach some milestones in your fitness and weight loss, reward yourself with new (smaller) clothes, some exercise toys (I like boats, myself ), a massage or facial or mani/pedi, attendance at a special concert or other event, or even an indulgent aromatherapy bubble bath and some "me time" if you just have a particular productive day . . . non-food rewards. 1 -
Food can be a treat, but food shouldn't be a reward for humans. Food is a reward for lab rats.
Disagree with you. Nothing wrong with food being a reward. My son did a great job behaving himself in daycare while I was taking a yoga class? "Good job playing nicely with younger kids and listening to the grownup! want to stop next door at Panera and get a cookie before we run errands?" He gets verbal reinforcement, a treat, and a chance to take a break/adjust to the fact that now we are going to the store.
I would say food shouldn't turn into a bribe (IF you behave, I will buy you a cookie) and shouldn't derail your efforts if attempting to lose weight, control cholesterol, etc. by going overboard or happening too frequently. There are some restaurants that I like we rarely visit. Either too far away, parking is difficult, expensive. Going there for a reward would be a great treat.
7 -
I eat all food in moderation and stay within my calorie budget for the day. I don't really know what is "clean or unclean" food. It is all food. Everything (except water) has calories. I am just learning to make better choices and to not eat more calories than my body burns.
The reward is in my going down another size.1 -
6 -
And? There is no logic to this statement, just an implication that dogs are lesser. How does "not being a dog" mean a person can't reward themselves with food?
What a dog can't do is plan for a distant future reward and resist temptations in the meantime. I on the other hand, have the ability to say "I want to go have cheesecake with my SIL when she visits in two weeks, so in the meantime I need to not have to keep to the planned eating/exercising and make sure the rest of my eating that day is healthy and low calorie."8 -
My rewards have been better clothes and running vacations. I eat what I want as long as it fits my calories.1
-
FireOpalCO wrote: »Food can be a treat, but food shouldn't be a reward for humans. Food is a reward for lab rats.
Disagree with you. Nothing wrong with food being a reward. My son did a great job behaving himself in daycare while I was taking a yoga class? "Good job playing nicely with younger kids and listening to the grownup! want to stop next door at Panera and get a cookie before we run errands?" He gets verbal reinforcement, a treat, and a chance to take a break/adjust to the fact that now we are going to the store.
I would say food shouldn't turn into a bribe (IF you behave, I will buy you a cookie) and shouldn't derail your efforts if attempting to lose weight, control cholesterol, etc. by going overboard or happening too frequently. There are some restaurants that I like we rarely visit. Either too far away, parking is difficult, expensive. Going there for a reward would be a great treat.
We'll agree to disagree, then. I don't believe in using food as a reward. I think it encourages unhelpful thought-patterns around food.
In some scenarios, I'd consider a visit to a special restaurant as a reward, on the experience front, just like a visit to a concert (where I might also plan to consume a caloric and non-nutrient-dense beverage(s)). I know that's parsing things pretty fine, but to me, delicious food is delicious food, one of the routine pleasures of life. It's been a goal during weight loss and maintenance to plan my eating for not only proper calories and good nutrition, but also maximum enjoyment within the calorie budget. . . routinely, not as an unusual "reward". I don't eat foods I don't enjoy. Life is too short, especially at my age.6
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.6K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.3K Health and Weight Loss
- 176K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.6K Fitness and Exercise
- 431 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.8K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions