What do you REWARD yourself with?

[Laurie]

All my life the biggest treat and reward for me has been FOOD....the kind that is very rich, high in calories and fat, and not good for me.

As you all progress along your weight loss journey, what do YOU use to reward yourself for achieving a goal, or maybe for sticking to your gameplan when it was very difficult to do? Ideas shared will be appreciated! Laurie

[muppet]

I think this is a great question. I would like to buy myself something. I love the health and beauty aids section of the store. Something to pamper myself-- new makeup -- lotion, nail polish -- maybe even Crest white strips.
Sadly, I don't know! I haven't really had any reason to reward myself. I'm stuck in first gear here, and I really need to kick myself into high!
Can anyone think of anything that doesn't cost money? I know there are lots of things that don't cost much. But everything I can think of has some kind of fee.
I thought -- see a movie, or rent a movie you've always wanted to see. I guess you could check out the library. Although I already do that, but I don't often give myself the time to actually watch them! So, maybe time -- a couple of guilt free self-centered hours.

[Laurie]

I know for everyone this is a personal thing. I'm thinking right now that for me what would make me feel really good and like I've rewarded myself and encouraged myself to keep going at the same time, would be to buy myself a new outfit.....dress, or pants and top, maybe even an inexpensive accessory to go with it. I don't buy new clothes very often, and expecially since I've been quite overweight for a long time, I don't. It's no fun since I don't like anything on me or that will fit me, and I don't have the money anyway. When I'm in the process of losing like this, of course I think, I don't want to spend the money if I'm not going to wear it very long! But sitting here now I'm realizing that if I can get myself a cute outfit for a reasonable price (and I am struggling financially, believe me...can't make it from one payday to the next, not even close) in even a little smaller size than what I was wearing, that would make me feel soooooo good and proud of myself. What is that worth?!!The thing about not being able to wear it for long...well, I'm thinking, so what? LOL. I spend money on other things that aren't ablsolutely necessary. This is something that would mean a lot to me and boost my confidence....and help make this journey I'm on FUN. Yes, I'm all about adding fun. Haha. And I know it would keep me going.

Hey, this is a revelation for me!

Other ideas? What works for you?

Laurie

[mifsit]

If I've been good all week and reached my target I'll go out on Saturday night and have a good time. This probably isn't the best thing to do but i still make good choices food wise and a shot + diet mixer isn't as bad a say a bottle of budweiser. I don't have that many and drink fizzy water in between.

[littleloser]

I reward myself either by buying myself something pretty or if its a culinary reward I need, I make myself a healthy but very special meal with the best ingredients and take my time in preparing it. Something Thai or Mexican....yum..last night I rewarded myself by making really healthy tacos, with low fat mince and kidney beans and a salad. I restricted myself to 2 tacos and enjoyed every mouthful.
I believe that it is okay to reward yourself with food, the rest of the world does, but do so in moderation, a little of what you fancy you know. Its much cheaper than buying things in the shops.
Take care
Littleloser

[Missy]

I reward myself by buying a new article of clothing or treating myself to the movies.

[brittnyngc]

Right now, every 2 weeks I stick to my exercising, I am going out an buying new, matching lingerie. Basically I figure, the more I work out, the better I look in it...Although no on really gets to see (I'm not married, and I hold very strong morals about waiting for certian things until marriage) its almost like an internal victory to feel so good about yourself and knowing your body's really changing for the better...I guess I get an "i know something you don't know pleasure from it." I also try to go cheap with it too since I'm a college student, no Victoria Secrets for me, I LOVE target!!

[bradybunch]

I treat myself with a new book, a new item of clothing, pampering beauty products etc.

[Jules]

A new flavor of tea, a magazine, new exercise clothes, new exercise equipment, nothing too expensive. I'm holding off on new clothes until I drop a size.

[muppet]

I think new exercise clothes are a great idea. It makes you feel better about yourself, and motivates you to work out too! Of course, when I'm hanging out at home, I tend to wear sweats, or comfy clothes like that. But there are certain types of clothes -- when you put them on, you really feel like working out!