Hooray! I lost my first 10 pounds! I didn't think it would happen so soon since I've only been dieting for four weeks. Since I weighed myself on Christmas Day, that was enough of a treat. But with the next 10 lbs., I'm going to treat myself to a massage. Right now, my size 20 jeans have dropped a little lower and I have this empty space that's not occupied by my belly.

Do you reward yourself after you reach a mini-goal? What kind of reward? Which was your favorite?

Congratulations! That is a big accomplishment. Can I ask what you are doing to lose the weight? It sounds like I can take some tips from you!

I no what that is, and you so rock for getting their, make the next goal like 15 and work it. Dude that just rocks. - X

congrats on your first 10! I reward myself with anything from workout stuff, to magazines, movies, hiking, etc. Anything to stay focused.

Hi sweet fang,

That's great! Congratulations on shedding your first ten pounds during the month of the year when conventional wisdom says you'll likely gain weight. If you can make fitness progress in December, I think you can do anything.

Discovering extra space in jeans (especially if they were formerly tight) is it's own reward. I think new jeans in a new size is a good way to build on that reward. That's the positive way I've rewarded myself in the past.

Since you asked for other mini-goal rewards, I'll make a confession. In the past I've rewarded myself with a break from my diet. I know, I know. Believe me I know. It's a habit I'm determined not to fall back into again. It's too easy for that planned reward meal to turn into a full day off, then maybe a full twenty-four hours off. I've found myself rationalizing well, okay I've got some water weight this morning thanks to that awesome dinner last night so I may as well just have brunch instead of breakfast this morning. Bad times. Now I see that that kind of reward isn't for me.

I like your massage idea. Anything that reinforces a celebration of, and connection with, your newly improved body sounds like the right way to party. Congratulations (and thanks for bringing it up).