My most successful self-manipulation trick has been to tell myself that I have to take a 15 min walk before I can watch tv: if I'm too tired to move my body for even 15 minutes then I'm too tired to veg-out and need to sleep. Usually by the time I'm done I'd rather keep going than watch tv anyway.
So what are some other tricks you use? I'm looking for knew ideas and insights into the psychology of weight loss... hopefully something i can use to psych myself out on those days when the gym seems evil lol

Thats a good one. I generally try to get some housework done before I spend any time crocheting or knitting...its like I have to earn that time. Of course, I may just give myself 15 minutes to do a quick tidy, but its a win win.

I do believe if I have time for "X", I have time to exercise tho.

I also tell myself, when I want more, that it isn't the last time in life that a certain food will be available, and I can have more another day.

This is a really good one! I think i'm going to have to tell myself that more often.

When I'm done cooking dinner (I usually make extra for lunches later in the week) I put one portion on my plate and the rest in tuperware and into the fridge before I start eating so its not sitting out for me to take seconds (same idea with takeout).

This is a really big one for me. Like, no, you can't have that piece of pizza today because it doesn't fit into your plan. But no worries, have it tomorrow or next week! It's so simple but easy and very rational.

I allow myself to watch MTV when I work out. Like, the trashiest reality TV shows...Jersey Shore, anyone? Anyway, I mowed through all four seasons and will need another workout show