Hi everyone!

I have been working out and following a dietician's eating plan for me, and she and I talked last week about some non-food rewards for weight loss. An interesting concept for me, since my rewards are usually always food related!

I have been overweight for so long, I haven't really taken care of the rest of my appearance, figuring it's kind of a waste on a fat girl like me. Who cares if my hair looks great and my nails are done, etc, etc, etc. I know that is so self-defeating, and I really need to work on my self esteem.

Anyway, since I have been working out, I am really starting to feel STRONG and I have more energy than I have had in years. I feel SO MUCH better, and I've noticed myself looking in to the spa at my gym and thinking, I really think I'm starting to deserve some of that stuff!

I have decided that when I'm down to 275 (19 more lbs), I am going to have a manicure and pedicure. Then when I'm down to 250, I'm treating myself to a 1 hour massage!!!! Long term, when (not if!!) I get below 200, I am going to ride a horse. I don't know why that means anything to me, because I've never been a horse rider. It's just something that I think I would love that I would never consider doing now (I'd feel sorry for the poor horse!!)

Anyone else have non-food rewards they'd like to share? I need some more ideas!!!!

A new pair of shoes, new handbag, new outfit, new make-up, that shiney piece of jewelery you have been admiring for so long, a spa day, getting your car detailed, A Breast lift or Tummy tuck.

Lots of ways big and small to spoil yourself without food!

A really fabulous haircut is another great one to do early on. It repays you by making you feel so good that it's easier to make great choices.

I take the money I would have blown on junk food and Coffees and buy myself art supplies.

I did the massage and horse thing! And, I am sososo not a horse person either.

Some over the top rewards have included a scooter (Thanks to that tax rebate - we thought we'd do something fun with it to celebrate a smaller me) and trading in my big old vehicle for a small sleek race car I NEVER could have fit in comfortably before. My hubby is responsible for those big rewards, sweet guy surprised me.

Smaller rewards have been sexy pushup bras for the newly sagging girls, new hair products (I'm a hair product lover), cute gym clothes and new experiences.

My favorite simple rewards are new experiences that involve health. Like getting a personal trainer, a punching bag, fitness classes and a good bicycle. Also doing organized bike tours is a ton of fun.

My next reward will be martial arts classes I'm thinking. Or swimming lessons. I really want to kick butt and swim laps.

The rewards keep me going. They really do, so important, I don't have the mental need for cheat days when I know a reward is coming soon.

I love rewards of the non-food variety. When I am down to 175 I will get myself an Ipod to keep myself amused while I walk. At the grocery store I get myself a fitness magazine instead of a treat. Nice undies is always a great treat. I can't wait until I can go into a Victoria's Secret without feeling ashamed. I am going to get some pretty undies when I feel I can wear them. A weekend away that includes exercise is a good one (walks on the beach, hikes, bicycle rides, snorkeling etc.). That is a big one that has to be planned for. I want to go to a day spa and get an all over skin treatment and massage. Doesn't that sound like a trip with the girlfriends for a big milestone goal? The ultimate reward is a Hawaiian vacation in a cute little swimsuit, nice pareo, sandals, great skin and a new, svelte trim me. Now that's a big reward. That's a "I made my goal" reward.
Sheri

You will love riding horses. You will sure feel it in your legs! It's amazing how those animals work. I've only gone horse back riding a few times. It's so much fun.

A pedicure was my first mini goal reward too and I enjoyed it much more than when I got one "just because".

My next reward will be a subscription to Cooking Light (from Taste of Home) - I love that magazine - the recipes are really great and healthy!

Books, clothes, and a NICE pair of boots are all on my list of rewards for myself.

Dh and I are both on a weight loss plan, so we are also socking away $5 per pound loss into a savings account - when we reach our goals, we're going on a cruise We both have a LOT to lose - but it sure is keeping us motavated!

I plan to get a super funky hair cut when I have lost 30 pounds and we plan on going to disney land when I have lost 100. I really wanted some non food rewards and those were ones I could think of. the mani pedi is a good one too maybe I will do that one at 50!

Rewards are great! But, why wait to be nice to yourself until you've lost weight? Don't get me wrong, there is NOTHING wrong with incentives - IPod, scooter, CRUISE! WOW. But on a more regular basis, treat yourself like you've just fallen in love with yourself!

I:
* Buy myself a flower when I am walking by a flower store, for no special reason (yesterday was a yellow rose - gorgeous!).
* Treat myself to a mani/pedi as often as possible.
* Bought myself a face steamer, a good clay mask, and an extractor - instant facial anytime I'm feeling blue! (I'm doing my next one tomorrow night - not feeling blue, but like I'd like to pamper myself).
* Lather myself is super-rich body lotion after a long, hot shower on nights when I'm sore from a workout.
* Buy and frequently play with - coloring pencils, crayons (the twisty kind are my current favorite), coloring books, polymer clay, beads, jig zaw puzzles. I'm working on a 10,000 piece one right now, it's a good activity that lets my mind wonder and relax as I keep busy.

If you have a goal and an incentive will help you get yourself there, GO FOR IT...but don't forget to be kind and loving to yourself as you get there! :-)

I use personal care stuff. Bubble bath, a new polish, take the 30 min and do a self pedi and book a pro for a bigger goal. I also use books, mags, shoes. Hope this helps.

I guess I havent really rewarded myself for my weight loss. I know when I get below 200lbs I am buying a new bra from VS. I kinda have thought of the clothing i have to buy as my rewards. MY long term reward will be a healthier ME!!

I buy myself a gift after every 10 pounds such as, earrings, bracelet, perfume, flowers, book, no food or clothes as size will change.