Rewards

[72butterfly]

Does anyone else reward themselves? That is one thing that I do that really helps me out. In the past I rewarded myself every 5 pounds but what happens when I do that is I am married to the scale. This time around I am rewarding myself for 2 weeks of meeting my goals. It does not have to be consecutive but just 2 weeks of meeting goals. I have a food goal, an exercise goal, and water goal. Rewards include things such as a new swimsuit, swim shoes, exercise dvds, a sweatsuit, a new purse, etc.

[susieokla]

I never thought about giving myself rewards. That's a great idea.

Mmmmm...I need to start making a list now.

[ehyatt]

I do monthly and also short term goals like going for a pedicure, some cool dangly earrings, trip to the bookstore, or buying a new outfit once I have gone down a size.

[Patty_Ann]

72butterfly...without getting too personal how do you rate your food goal, exercise goal, and water goal? You mentioned that you do it every two weeks but how do you mark them...do you have a personal calendar for this? I am just starting out and would like to get as many ideas as possible.

THANKS!

[sandollar1977]

Rewards help a lot! But it has to be rewards that are not food related! Like you said, a new purse, pedicure, manicure, massage, clothing, shoes, jewelry, anything to make you feel better about yourself that does not involve food! That is key!

[2BALoser2]

The reward system is great. Another thing to avoid being married to the scale is pick 1 day a week, as your weigh in day. On that date if you lost to your next goal you reward yourself. The 2 week rotation is an excellent idea as well. The biggest thing is finding what works for you.

Excellent job, keep it up.

[ehyatt]

Another idea is to keep a journal, just something like a spiral notebook to write down what you have eaten each day and how much you exercised. It is also good to write down your feelings and goals each day to help reaffirm them and stay motivated. I am going to do this. I don't really think there is any set way to do this, just write down whatever you feel in your heart each day. I am looking foward to reading it once I have lost the weight to see just how far I came on my journey.

[72butterfly]

Patty Ann

As part of my job we use behavior charts and sticker charts and basically that is what I do. Each week I review my goals with the "Fit Club" and let them know how I did and as a group we decide if I get my smiley faces. It's basically a stamp from Oriental Trading Co. You can buy stickers you really like, place an X in the box, use a stamp, or whatever works for you. The chart is organized by week and each goal is listed. If I meet the goal then a smiley face is stamped in the box next to the goal. I know it seems a little silly but working with kids and in the past working in a clinical setting where we had treatment plans for patients this is really what works for me. Its very familiar and something that I know works.

[Patty_Ann]

Originally Posted by 72butterfly

Patty Ann

As part of my job we use behavior charts and sticker charts and basically that is what I do. Each week I review my goals with the "Fit Club" and let them know how I did and as a group we decide if I get my smiley faces. It's basically a stamp from Oriental Trading Co. You can buy stickers you really like, place an X in the box, use a stamp, or whatever works for you. The chart is organized by week and each goal is listed. If I meet the goal then a smiley face is stamped in the box next to the goal. I know it seems a little silly but working with kids and in the past working in a clinical setting where we had treatment plans for patients this is really what works for me. Its very familiar and something that I know works.

Thank you so much for letting me know this. I do not think it is silly - my husband would - but that is because I have a chore chart and behavioral chart for my children. All we do is mark it with a smiley face if they did good and if not then it is a frown. I will be creating a chart for myself today - what would you think is best to include on my chart? Exercised for the day...drank _ ounces of water...snacked healthy I'm thinking more of a daily chart instead of a weekly chart.

[2BALoser2]

Originally Posted by Patty_Ann

Thank you so much for letting me know this. I do not think it is silly - my husband would - but that is because I have a chore chart and behavioral chart for my children. All we do is mark it with a smiley face if they did good and if not then it is a frown. I will be creating a chart for myself today - what would you think is best to include on my chart? Exercised for the day...drank _ ounces of water...snacked healthy I'm thinking more of a daily chart instead of a weekly chart.

Patty Ann I agree that this would be a great idea, I would have to say a daily basis would work the best for me too. I would do, water, exercise, something with food, depending on the plan your using, just an on plan day would be a good start and modify as you go if you want