Stopping the overeating is the only way to lose weight! When I finally got that under control I was really able to lose. I'm now 154!
I wouldn't use a reward system though (unless it involves new clothes.) You really want to be able to have mind over matter with your eating or you won't be able to maintain your weight once you reach your goal. I really consider will power to be muscle that needs to exercised!
I also have a portion control/snacking issue. What has helped me the most was when someone wrote "I didn't eat because I told myself the kitchen was closed". Just tell yourself it's not time to eat, unless you're truly hungry in which case you should reach for things that give you nourishment and energy. My biggest reward, if I'm honest, is seeing that I'm sticking through. I'm not losing weight fast, which is fine by me, but I'm feeling much better than I was before I started, mentally and physically. I honestly think that's a much better reward than new clothes/new anything.
I also read on a blog one time that the author would treat herself by pampering herself. Doing her nails, taking a relaxing bath, lighting a candle...etc. I thought that was a great way to both save money and feel like a million bucks. I personally take time once a week to do my own manicure. Since I can't do much with wet nails, it forces me to unwind and focus on feeling great!
I feel like it's very important to some people to reward themselves, be it new clothes, new hair, a manicure, etc. You really have to find whatever it takes for you to keep going.
(Hence why I made this thread to see if other people are more creative than I am.)
Aside from that, I do agree that will power is something that needs to be exercised. I cannot tell you the number of times I've stopped/restarted. This time, though, I have a very great support system.
I also have a portion control/snacking issue. What has helped me the most was when someone wrote "I didn't eat because I told myself the kitchen was closed". Just tell yourself it's not time to eat, unless you're truly hungry in which case you should reach for things that give you nourishment and energy. My biggest reward, if I'm honest, is seeing that I'm sticking through. I'm not losing weight fast, which is fine by me, but I'm feeling much better than I was before I started, mentally and physically. I honestly think that's a much better reward than new clothes/new anything.
I also read on a blog one time that the author would treat herself by pampering herself. Doing her nails, taking a relaxing bath, lighting a candle...etc. I thought that was a great way to both save money and feel like a million bucks. I personally take time once a week to do my own manicure. Since I can't do much with wet nails, it forces me to unwind and focus on feeling great!
Yeah, I was thinking about the self-care rewards and think it's a good idea!
I was also thinking that maybe I could get a charm bracelet and get a new charm every 10 lbs I lose? That way I would always have something to remind me of the journey I've gone through.
Yeah, I was thinking about the self-care rewards and think it's a good idea!
I was also thinking that maybe I could get a charm bracelet and get a new charm every 10 lbs I lose? That way I would always have something to remind me of the journey I've gone through.
Accessories are always a good idea considering that if you lose weight, you'll probably have to buy clothes anyway
When I hit 100 pounds gone, I get a fancy new camera.
When I hit goal, I get to take a photography course.
There are other mini goals in my sig, I haven't decided what I'm doing for those yet. But my reward for getting below 300 was a new pair of shoes.
I need to figure out what to do at 50 pounds down, because that's right around the corner.
I think for passing my "lowest adult weight" I get to buy an elliptical.
Those are my rewards, currently.
Nice! I really like the new book one. I love reading and it'll help give me something to do (you know, when I'm not running around chasing my son in the next few months)
I feel like it's very important to some people to reward themselves, be it new clothes, new hair, a manicure, etc. You really have to find whatever it takes for you to keep going.
(Hence why I made this thread to see if other people are more creative than I am.)
Aside from that, I do agree that will power is something that needs to be exercised. I cannot tell you the number of times I've stopped/restarted. This time, though, I have a very great support system.
Will power is the most useless form of energy. It's completely undependable, it depletes quickly and can shift with any form of emotional distress. Everything could be fine but suddenly some stranger points to your bloated belly and asks "how far along are you" and suddenly your face down in a tub of ice cream. Will power is susceptible to mood, weather, energy level and seems to vanish at the mere presence of hunger.
So we're relying on an unreliable source of motivation, restricting ourselves from foods that one day we will be too weak/tired/hungry to restrict, and then telling ourselves we're bad people for eating those foods and blaming our lack of willpower. This is a cycle that never ends and so in my opinion will power always leads to yoyoing. It was disheartening to be in that cycle, and even more disheartening to watch others continue the cycle.
In retrospect I agree that will power is the wrong word. It's more about being self-aware and understanding where the desire to eat comes from. Whenever I grab a snack I also stop and asked myself why I am doing it. Sometimes I actually need do need to snack because I am about to go on a run or came back from a work out. But a lot of time it is because I am bored or I am emotionally eating. I put the snack down if it is the latter reasons.
The reason I am against the reward system is because it creates the idea that leading a healthy lifestyle means you are owed something subconsciously. (Also, financially it is just not realistic for most people). It also is replacing the high of eating with the high of buying something which actually aren't that different.
If you have a significant other, or maybe a family member/friend you're really comfortable with and who is supporting you in your weight loss journey, you could always do a massage as a reward, provided it's okay with them of course. Someone from the boards suggested it to me. It doesn't cost anything, and is definitely nice and relaxing. Doesn't have to be an intimate massage. Could just be a shoulder/back/foot rub. There are even lots of cheapy home mixes for exfoliation and all to give a pedicure or something. Kind of an at-home spa day with homemade treatments.
Other rewards I've got lined up (a lot courtesy of asking on here) are books for my kindle, games that I wouldn't have otherwise bought, nail polish, make-up, house decorations.. a lot of little things that I may want but otherwise wouldn't normally buy. So like, instead of getting the $13 foundation from target, at a mini-goal I can go out and get a more expensive one from the mall that may be of higher quality.
For big goals right now I just have clothing shopping. I seriously don't go much and so when I get to my goal weight I get to make a big trip and get nice things. Usually I just order here and there online.
For cutting out the overeating though, I would recommend trying to figure out what your trigger is, and then avoiding the trigger. For me the biggest problem came in when I tried to take foods out of my diet. Telling myself I couldn't have something just didn't work. I'd end up craving it really really bad and eventually binge. My solution was to find a diet (WW) where I didn't have to cut out things, which resulted in a peace of mind. Now I don't feel bad when I eat sweets because it's within the diet to do so, so I'm not getting the cravings to just eat them cause I can't.. and the diet change I picked allows some flex points for the week, so even if I go over points for the day, it's okay.. just get back on track and don't feel bad about what's already happened. Intuitive eating can be real good for that too, from what I've heard.
OP, I think you are onto something with your quest to build a list of rewards! Rewards are what motivate most if not all of our behavior, according to the experts. I think I read this in my favorite weight-related book (The End of Overeating by David Kessler): A diet drug was developed that worked by inactivating the reward-seeking pathway in the brain, which is part of the wiring involved in overeating. The drug was so effective that there were suicides. The drug was not brought to market.
I like to reward myself by tracking my weight and measurements on a graph or website like MyFitnesspal.com. Also going through my closet to see which smaller clothes fit & getting rid of bigger sizes.
The absolute biggest reward for me is enjoying easier movement. How about rewarding yourself with a class like ballet, zumba, yoga, archery, etc.
My reward has been a long time coming, and still waiting. When I hit 150 I plan to buy a new mattress. Chucking the king bed with its mountain in the middle for a new queen. lol
Lately I've been reminding myself every cheat delays goal out even further. Since I've taken over two years already, it's working.
I'm thinking of keeping a money tin and putting £1 in for every pound lost.
Then I think every two months a trip out Im reluctant to have treats tied to a particular amount lost as I think it would demotivate me. For example, I know some weeks I will stay the same not because I'm not trying but because Its what my bodys rhythm is like. But I should still get a reward as Its still days I am on plan.
I'm thinking outdoorsy stuff like Quad Biking, paint balling and falconry. Memorable moments rather than items. Maybe.. budget permitting.. something a bit different when I get to onderland... I have seen something about a zombie survival experience not everyones cup of tea though.
Jen x
Last edited by JenniferPorter; 09-29-2014 at 07:30 AM.
I reward myself with experiences, whether they cost money or not. I've had massages, long walks in charming small towns nearby, romantic lunches at home and at restaurants with DP,etc. It usually happens spontaneously and goes like "I'm so happy i'm changing to a healthier lifestyle, maybe i can (insert activity) to celebrate how far i've come!" or it can go like this "I can't believe i resisted (insert something related to binge eating)! I should (insert small but fun activity) to celebrate it!". Yes, i do celebrate a lot! Lol!
Last edited by Marina Brasil; 09-29-2014 at 08:14 AM.
Trying so hard not to overeat- tell me your rewards!
