One of the most important things you can do as you lose weight is to mark goal achievement with rewards. By celebrating your successes -- even the small ones -- you are making it official: You're really doing it this time! In addition to the reward of having lost the weight, a special treat will help you stay motivated and focused.
But for those of us who have at times rewarded ourselves with food, it may be difficult to steer away from that old habit. As an alternative, we need to find ways to reward ourselves in a manner that doesn't involve eating. Check out some of the great ideas members of our community and some other "losers" have shared.
- Spoil Me, Please!
"I am trying to get small reward ideas when I lose ... like buying a scarf, having a nail job, new hair style, going to see an old high school friend, going to a spa, getting a massage ... I know about the best rewards would be to be able to climb stairs without huffing, being healthier etc. ... but I need rewards to spoil myself ... I don't seem to get enough of that sometimes and these rewards will help." - SAMANTH10019
- 10 Toes of Success
"I used to work across the street from a nails service salon and I would see women getting pedicures. I thought I was being so practical by dismissing them. I'd say, 'What a waste of money! Who would pay attention to my toes, anyway?'"
"Well, after I reached my first goal of a size down in dress size, I decided I wanted to give myself a treat. And guess what was convenient to do on my lunch break? I loved getting my pedicure. Now I've got 10 reminders of my success! Even if no one else appreciates my hot pink nails, I do ... now that I can see my toes! LOL!" - Karen, 22, child care provider
- Movies & Make-Up, Bras & Bingo
"Going to the movies or renting a movie that you've been wanting to see. Going to a cosmetics counter and asking for a makeover. Going to buy a new bra! That's important, as your weight changes, so does your bust size ... Going to play bingo!" - PLMAYO
- Get into the Kitchen
"What about a new cookbook or cooking utensils? A vegetable/rice steamer would be good ... something in the spirit of your new healthier lifestyle. Some nice cookware. What about a yogurt/smoothie/ice cream maker?"
"...Maybe some new workout clothes ... something a little more revealing than you ever would have considered before. Some of those new sneakers that have those cool supports for the ankle ... Sexy lingerie! " - MOONWOMON1
- The Magic of Music
"I am a true music lover. I wish I could have been a violinist or pianist, but I just didn't have the talent. As much as I love it, I never take the time to listen to really good music anymore; it just plays in the background, like at work or in the stores."
"When I really want to relax and reward myself, I get out a jazz or new age CD and I light some candles. I really take the time to listen and appreciate the music instead of letting it pass me by. It's a great way to spend a Sunday evening." - Julia, administrative assistant
- Be a Dancing Queen
"I will treat myself by going someplace special or maybe buy a new pair of earrings. A great treat would be to go dancing. Not only do you have fun but you'll also burn off fat." - SHALLOWATER
- So Many Rewards, So Little Time!
"I keep a weight loss journal and also keep track of my prizes that I give myself. Here's my list:1) Rocky Horror Picture Show CD 2) Faith Hill CD 3) new jeans 4) new walking shoes 5) new shorts 6) 'Milky' pens for my journal 7) new bathing suit 8) new jeans (next smaller size) 9) Bath and Body Works Cotton Blossom lotion 10) new shorts (next smaller size) 11) Paul McCartney Wings CD 12) new socks 13) new sweatshirt 14) new tops (smaller size) 15) People magazine subscription." - CBASICH
- Reluctant Romance Reader
"I'm going to kick myself for admitting this because everyone thinks I only read John Grisham and Nicholas Sparks, but ... I get those cheesy paperback romance novels by the handful and I stash them away. Then, when I feel like I deserve a lazy afternoon I'll get one out of the drawer. I can finish a whole book in one sitting. I know they're silly, but they're like eating chocolate ... except they're fat free!" - Susan, A/R specialist
- Do Something Scary
"I mark my goals at 10 pound intervals because I have a lot of weight to lose. I decided after I lost my first 20 pounds that at every 10 pounds I would do something that has scared me, or that I was apprehensive about doing before I started losing."
"For example, I always wanted to join a special-interest group, but I didn't want to go be around people because I was very large. I thought everyone would stare at me or talk about me. It took some time, but eventually I learned alienating myself was only making me feel worse."
"Even though I am still far from my goal weight, I joined that group and I love it ... Everyone has been so nice to me and no one stares. I guess that was just my low self-esteem before ... Anyway, I've decided to stop putting what I want on hold for another time. I want to live my life now!" - Tiffany, 28, secretary and mom of 2
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