Rewarding yourself
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How do you reward yourself as you make your progress? Or do you? Is it with food, clothes, activities? Let's face it; we deserve a reward!! This is awfully daMn hard work!
I haven't really done a lot of that but tend to think of using indulgent food as a reward but am so afraid of it backfiring. If I treat myself to a cookie or ice cream, I can just see myself not stopping.
I have a friend that allows herself 1 piece of peanut butter. I'm thinking how do you do that??
Hypothetical question: Is fixing a bit of a mistake a reason for a reward?
Anyway, I reward myself with the things I can do and wear.
When I'm lighter, I can cycle up hills and run more efficiently and can wear more of the clothes in my closet.
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I have lost almost 50 pounds and am about halfway towards what I *think* my goal is. I incorporate all foods into my plan with moderation, so I don't feel the need to reward myself with food. One of the ways I do reward myself is by buying smaller sized clothing.
My next *reward* is not goal related, but I am scoping out a decent treadmill/elliptical so that I can drop my gym membership and save money in the long run, because I already have a bunch of other home gym equipment.
I do think that once I lose another 20lb(70total) and reach a low since my junior year in high school years ago, I am going to treat myself to something nice-maybe get my nails done or get a nice outfit... something!
I do have to agree with others that just progressing in this journey is enough reward itself!0 -
Ok ok, so the majority certainly don't believe in food as a reward. It has never worked for me because it's almost impossible to allow myself an indulgent splurge then go back to my new normal like it never happened; maybe that's just me. But I think I will make room in my calorie allotment for an extra treat now and then. Or at least (hopefully!) be able to cut myself off after 1 instead of a dozen of something, just because now I'm documenting everything on MFP. THANK YOU MFP!
I do have to add a note...I wore a bathing suit on a trip recently. You all may think 'what's the big deal?' But it's only the 2nd time since I was about 13(now 66)that I've worn one. I've never been a bathing suit or shorts type of gal, simply because I've never felt comfortable in my own body. But to put myself out there and do it, well that definitely felt good and liberating for me! 11 -
When I reached the half way point of my journey a couple weeks ago, I treated myself to a weight bench and a car full of dumbbells. But there have been plenty of jeans and t-shirts in smaller sizes all along the way. I do believe in rewards that positively reinforce success and encourage more of it.
Yeah, getting those dumbbells all the way from the store into my basement was not an experience I want to repeat anytime soon.4 -
My reward is reaching my weight loss goal. Along the way, I have been replacing my fat clothes with upscale brand smaller clothes, getting upscale workout gear, and then splurged on a gym membership. Every time I look in the mirror, I see my reward.3
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I only really used rewards when I was in the process of losing. I used them more to mark milestones though, like every 10-20 lb lost and things like that. The biggest one for me was getting under 200 lb for the first time in about 20 years and I bought myself all new "better" makeup and a counter top organizer. I got it just before reaching the milestone, and didn't use it until I achieved that goal. I would absolutely recommend doing something like that to celebrate a big achievement (whether weight loss, fitness, or hitting other personal goals).
In maintenance now for years I don't do it the same way at all. I do find at times though when I am in a rut and not feeling very motivated to exercise, if I treat myself to new fitness-related clothes, shoes, etc, it really peps me back up. Last week was my birthday and I got some gift cards that I used for a cute warm Nike top, Puma sneakers, and new athletic socks. I feel excited to wear/use those things and to me that's a fun way to keep myself motivated.4 -
Definitely not food... tried few times before and they always spiral out of control! And the feeling after is awful.
Fitting better in my clothes and the scale are my rewards now. Sense of achievement.1 -
How do you reward yourself as you make your progress? Or do you? Is it with food, clothes, activities? Let's face it; we deserve a reward!! This is awfully daMn hard work!
I haven't really done a lot of that but tend to think of using indulgent food as a reward but am so afraid of it backfiring. If I treat myself to a cookie or ice cream, I can just see myself not stopping. I have a friend that allows herself 1 piece of peanut butter. I'm thinking how do you do that??
I never really rewarded myself. My reward was improved health markers and improved fitness. It was amazing to start being able to do things that I thought were all in my past and to get off or reduce medication use.
As food goes, I have ice cream or some other kind of desert most nights...but I'm one who has no issues just having a cookie and calling it good.1 -
Smoked salmon, white wine, dark chocolate. I know food rewards are bad but that’s some good stuff.1
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Decided that at my first milestone I would reward myself with a better fitness tracker to keep building on the journey to healthier living (and eating). It should arrive Thursday. After that, it will most likely be just buying some new jeans. I am using my old favorite jeans as my measuring stick.1
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I can't do reward systems that are based on scale results. I have tried that in the past and it always failed. The rewards never come quick enough because of weight fluctuations. Knowing that I have done enough to lose 5 pounds or whatever the next mini goal is and it not show up for 2 more weeks on the scale just sucks.
The reason I always thought I needed a reward was because I was postponing happiness. I was choosing to be unhappy today to lose weight thinking I would be happy later. I don't do that anymore.
I don't need a reward system to eat. Eating is a reward. I might need a reward system if what I ate made me miserable or brought me no joy when I needed it. So I try to be happy with what I eat - no additional reward needed.
Since I am now fully aware of what weight loss and improved fitness means in terms of making my life happier that is another built in reward. I can do many things I could not do 20 months ago. I do not currently need an additional reward system for exercise for this reason.
I do get a sense of satisfaction when I log my food and stay within a weekly calorie budget. That does act like a small reward for me too. I like seeing my exercise calories get added in to even though I don't actually need them since I use a TDEE system.4 -
I would avoid using food as a reward. A little physical pampering such a manicure or pedicure or a professional massage.1
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New jeans or gym gear. I bought a pair of weight lift gloves, after going to class so many times, proving to myself this was not just a fad. I splurged on the not on sale rack at TJMaxx for gym pants and have even bought a pair of lululemon tights when I reached a different goal. Well because now that I am spending more time in gym clothes then any other clothes I need to look good at Costco. What little thing will give you glee? Weight loss will give you joy and happiness but sometimes a little glee, something flashy for you symbolizing you made it does something for the ego, has you smiling under your sweat...2
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At the risk of sounding sanctimonious, losing the weight, looking better and feeling stronger is its own reward for me. I'd never reward myself with food or drink, just as I'd never punish myself for food transgressions by forcing myself to do extra exercise. That way lies failure, for me.2
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Agreeing with all the above - LIFE is the reward, being able to fit in the seats at theme parks, being able to walk up hills and see the views, not feeling like I should hide under baggy clothes - these are our rewards!1
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I know it's corny but I've been living with chronic pain for a long time and the best gift is increased mobility and a stronger spine. I'm able to do routine things I wasn't able to before. I got my A1C low enough to stop medication, happened the same day I hit goal.
I've waited to hit 5lb goals before buying new clothes, but didn't actually plan rewards ahead of time. I just reached goal and realized I wasn't really prepared to hit 100lbs down and didn't have a reward scheduled aside of buying a permanent wardrobe, I don't think I really thought I'd make it. I have a few kitchen items I want but will wait until after Christmas for a splurge.4 -
I don't have to lose weight or gain weight for a reward. I try to do things I like on a regular basis without "earning it". If I want a tasty treat, I eat it. If I want a new pair of shoes, I will get it. If there's an event I want to attend, I will be there. It's good to do things you like without having to feel like you earn it 2
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I have a goal chart, and it's things like
Weight below 200
No longer obese BMI
100 pounds lost
BMI overweight to normal
Goal weight
Each time I hit one of those goals I buy myself a piece of jewelry. Why jewelry? Because I used to reward myself with food, I need to break that habit, and jewelry last longer. Plus each time I wear the jewelry I am reminded of my achievement (and would feel guilty wearing it if I backslid into weight gain).
For me, this works. I am a person who likes visual rewards and things that are tangible. Some say they buy new jeans etc, but I like something more special to me.
You'll have to decide your reward...it can be anything from just being proud of yourself all the way up to a vacation. Do what feels right FOR YOU2 -
I know it's corny but I've been living with chronic pain for a long time and the best gift is increased mobility and a stronger spine. I'm able to do routine things I wasn't able to before. I got my A1C low enough to stop medication, happened the same day I hit goal.
I've waited to hit 5lb goals before buying new clothes, but didn't actually plan rewards ahead of time. I just reached goal and realized I wasn't really prepared to hit 100lbs down and didn't have a reward scheduled aside of buying a permanent wardrobe, I don't think I really thought I'd make it. I have a few kitchen items I want but will wait until after Christmas for a splurge.
That's not corny at all 2 -
I was thinking of this thread yesterday when I was hiking in the woods on windy, twist trails. I felt kind of like a rat in a maze. However, cheese wasn't the reward - the process itself was rewarding.6
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kshama2001 wrote: »I was thinking of this thread yesterday when I was hiking in the woods on windy, twist trails. I felt kind of like a rat in a maze. However, cheese wasn't the reward - the process itself was rewarding.
In my opinion that is key. If the process is not rewarding by itself then you are less likely to stick with something until the results can be a reward.5 -
I try to reward my good habits rather than the results. I used to have weight loss rewards but would always talk myself out of actually getting them because it kind of felt like I was giving myself a huge reward for stepping on a scale, lol. Now I use Habitica and reward myself with "coins" each time I complete a good habit like exercising or filling in my food diary. I set "prices" for rewards I was and spend them when I have enough coins.2
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I did reward myself for every 10 pounds I lost when I lost 47 pounds a couple years ago. The rewards really motivated me and helped me feel even better about myself and my efforts.
After losing 10 pounds; I started having my hair dyed professionally again. I had stopped because I hadn't wanted to look at myself in the mirror for that long.
After losing 20 pounds: I started getting manicures and pedicures, I had stopped because I was embarrassed by my fat legs
After losing 30 pounds: Botox,
After losing 40 pounds: New makeup and eyebrow threading
After hitting my goal: New wardrobe, That was fun and necessary, had gone down from a size 14 to a size 4.
I know these sound expensive, but I really think I saved almost as much by not eating fast food, buying food that spoiled in the refrigerator while I spent even more going out because I was too lazy to cook.
I need to re-lose another 8 pounds, but have maintained all these improvements. It had really helped me realize how life changing my weight loss was!5 -
kshama2001 wrote: »I was thinking of this thread yesterday when I was hiking in the woods on windy, twist trails. I felt kind of like a rat in a maze. However, cheese wasn't the reward - the process itself was rewarding.
I see this as an evolution of thought. For someone new they tend to look at the destination as the reward, but the experienced understand that the journey itself is the reward.2 -
I know these sound expensive, but I really think I saved almost as much by not eating fast food, buying food that spoiled in the refrigerator while I spent even more going out because I was too lazy to cook.
I didn't think of these as expensive! Those are great non-food rewards for your accomplishments. Your point about the money you saved by cutting out fast food/going out is a very good point. I gave up alcohol last month as I revamped my weight loss continuation, and easily saved hundreds of dollars between my husband and I. I put it towards an extra payment on my student loans, but it was still a satisfying amount of money that I did not realize I was spending every month. Great job!
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