Hi everyone

Just curious as to how all of you "reward yourself" for smaller goals accomplished... or do you??? Example... do you treat yourself somehow when you stay on track with exercise or don't "cheat" on your diet or eating plan?

Personally I have found it to be very helpful. For each month that I stay on my eating and exercise plan, I give myself a "treat" -- NOT food! Food is NOT a treat!!!

Even here in the forum... a little icon under my name for each five pounds lost is an encouragement! It's fun to add each little character and is just a small way of acknowledging to myself my accomplishments.

Does anyone else have anything you do... or any suggestions? I'd really love to hear about new ideas.

Sue

I confess I'm big into visual things or things I can hold in my hand. Actually "seeing" my progress is more motivating for me than any small reward I can buy. I put a star on my calendar each day I work out and I have linking stars I use to make a chain, one link for each pound. On those weeks when not much has come off, the length of the chain reminds me of how far I've come.

I should also confess I've never been successful at keeping my weight off, so I'm back on the wagon, so to speak, with a good friend and we're helping each other make this a permanent change. We've both done WW before but we're doing it on our own this time and paying ourselves. We meet every monday morning and each put $10.00 in a jar before we weigh in. Talk about watching something add up! By the end of this we're going to have one heck of a shopping spree - maybe even a cruise!


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Suzanne
268/262/150

"Thou shalt not grovel before the bathroom scale."

Wow Suzanne... that is a great idea about the $10 and having a great time when you are thin.

Thanks for sharing.

Sue

I havent really used anything, other than my clothes. I just love feeling them getting looser.

...and now that spring is here, and we have finally taken off our big bulky sweaters and coats....everyone is noticing how much weight Ive lost. That alone is a big motivator.

Hi Robin

Well for sure I agree! -- Seeing the difference in my clothes is wonderful. And the other day I suddenly realized I was lying face down on my bed on my stomach just thinking.... and it "hit me" -- I can't DO this (in the past) because of "sticking out" too much in all the wrong places that hurt. I still have a long way to go, but I am on the way!!! \o/

Sue

WTG Sue!! Its amazing the things we can do now!! Keep up the good work!

Robin

OK, I'm busted....

I usually like to reward myself with something small--some new bath products, a candle, makeup, earrings, maybe a casual shirt or two that won't be too big a month from now.

Hello everyone....I saw this thread and had to smile. I reward myself with shoes. I just love shoes. If I eat healthy and stay on track and I lose at least 3lbs a month I buy a new pair of shoes. Sometimes I buy 2 if there is a good sale. *smile*

When I meet my goals to workout at least three times per week, I buy a piece of workout gear. Plus the gym I go to gives rewards for reaching certain goals, too.

I am a handbag freak (own about 60 or so). There is a great leather outlet about 45 miles from here where all their handbags are $20 so I can get either suede or leather for cheap cheap cheap. Drives DH nuts, but that is what I reward myself with and so far on this diet I am 2 more rewards up! It is just about time for that third reward as I am getting tired of the second reward already..... I also make a date with dh and we go to the casinos and blow some money. I can get free drinks (I drink virgin bloody marys) and the tomato juice fills me right up and if we go and eat I am not very hungry then!

Donna

PS The handbag outlet is in the same area as the casinos!!!

I had to read this and thank you ladies! I haven't rewarded myself and to be honest the thought never crossed my mind. But after reading about you all I'm thinking maybe rewarding myself would be a great motivator. Of course not with food!

Suzanne that is a GREAT idea! You and your friend are going to have a wonderful time spending that money, and what a reward! And putting a star on your calendar, also a great idea!

Thanks Sue for this thread, it has given me some things to think about.

Monique: Find a friend willing to share and give each other facials and or manicures/pedicures. You can find facials online that are made with products from home like egg whites etc and most people have liquid soap/ lotion/ nail polish to do the others. These can be really relaxing and fun.

Also, find a friend to trade sitting for just an hour or so if you have kids and soak in a tub of bubbles, sit and read your favorite book, even take a long nap you may not get a chance to do. Go to the park and people watch or to the mall and window shop (I can't do this as I am a shopper not a looker! )

Maybe you have a dh that is willing to cook and clean up just one night for you. Have something ready that would be super easy for him to fix and clean up. Let him give you a nice back rub after the little ones are in bed for the evening. What a treat that would be!

There are a lot of things you can treat yourself to that you probably don't get to do if you have children in the home!

Donna

Hi Monique!

I'm not sure you could do this in your town, but we have a dollar theater (well, even it's $1.50 now, ha!). They show movies that aren't new releases but haven't yet made it to video. The movies are treat for me since I hardly ever get to go. I also have a friend who rewards herself with a trip to the library (she loves to read.) Or maybe calling a long distance friend for 20 minutes? Gee, I guess all those 10-10-220 commercials are finally getting to me, ha!

I'm trying to think of things for around a dollar, but that's all I've come up with so far. There are so many great folks on this board and some of them have been extremely successful so you just know they've found a good way to reward themselves. I'm sure they'll post when they see your thread.

Good Luck!

These are little things, but they give my ego a boost! I give myself a star (I put it on front of my WW weigh-in card) for every 5 pounds that I'm down (I now have 19 of them). I also give myself a sticker (happy face ) for every day that I go to Curves ...that goes on my calendar ...I go 5 days a week, so my calendars are pretty cheery things to look at. I know, it's not much, but it gives me a real sense of accomplishment when I look at them.

You all have given me such great ideas!
I usually just enjoy the feel of my clothes getting looser, too.
My mom really supports me....when I lose five pounds, she'll buy me a little gift...such as a candle, bath products, or some books. It keeps me motivated a little.
Unfortunately I don't have a workout buddy, but the money in a jar sounds like such a great idea!!!

I usually buy jeans a size too small, and when they finally fit comfortably, I go buy a size smaller!!