Rewarding yourself while on the path to a healthier lifestyle can be so important. It can really motivate you to keep pushing forward, so you don’t end up giving up on your goals.
When you are setting your long-term and short-term weight loss goals, you need to have a non-food reward to give yourself. If money isn’t an issue, then feel free to pamper yourself with life’s luxuries (such as a mani/pedi or body massage).
If you’re on a budget, then find ways to say you’re proud of yourself that don’t cost anything. You might give yourself a day to relax instead of doing chores around the house. Sit down and read a good book and enjoy a relaxing bath instead.
You can also plan a day out that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg – like a movie date! Or just go enjoy a museum or spend the day at the park with your kids. Some people find it rewarding just heading to a store and trying on clothes in their new smaller size – even if they aren’t going to be spending any money that day, it could be a great motivator seeing how far you’ve come.
Rewards that are non-food can be small, too. A new eye shadow or lipstick costs under $10 but can be a nice reward for all of your hard work. One woman had a great idea to celebrate her weight loss wins; She would buy a $1 scratch off lottery ticket for each small goal she met. If she won money, she would splurge on herself. If she didn’t, she kept the ticket as a reminder of all of her “wins” that she’s had in her battle of the bulge.
Another idea is to put away $1 to $5 for every goal that you meet. The money will add up until you can to do something nice for yourself.
Regardless of whether you use monetary rewards or not, you need to celebrate your milestones as you reach each one during your weight loss journey! Take a minute to write down a few rewards you will do/buy for yourself when a certain goal is reached. These goals could be as simple as losing 1 pound or being able to do 10 push-ups, or you could go a bit bigger, like running a 5k!
Need some more weight loss tips? Check these out:
- Keys to a Good Weight Loss Plan
- 11 Hot Weight Loss Kindle Books
- 3 Smart Weight Loss Habits
- Water is Your Weight Loss Weapon
