Since many people struggle from time to time with their weight loss, I thought it would be helpful if we shared our non-food rewards to ourselves. For example, if I have 6 days in a row of sticking to my eating plan, I reward myself with a night out to a healthy dinner so I can relax and have a nice conversation.

If I reach a mini-goal (losing 10 pounds, etc.), I treat myself to a new blouse or an hour away from the house doing something I enjoy like strolling around Barnes and Noble or a gardening store.

So, how do you reward yourself?

I have an italian charm bracelet. I reward one charm for every 5lbs. It's been awhile since I got a charm. Sigh

Dragonwillow! That was exactly what I was planning to do. I just recently bought the bracelet and now I'm going to keep my eye out for good charms.

What can I say, great minds think alike. But why do you suppose you and I though of this? lol just kidding!

How many charms do you have so far and do you have any pictures?

Hm.. I am not one to set mini goals. Of course I'm looking forward to Onderland and that will be a biggie for me, but overall I am the type that has my eye on the end goal. And until I reach it, my head is down and I'm not looking around at things along the way as I charge on madly.

For me, and I know this isn't the same for everyone, it is too easy to get complacent when I reach mini goals. I don't want to slow down. I don't want to take breaks.

I want this thing done, in full, once and for all. So out of my way! *laughs*

My reward for reaching my big goal is going to be how I look and feel. The last thing I want to do is reward myself with food. That is a mentality that got me where I am today. Thinking that food is a reward, or a comfort, or something I deserve is dangerous for me. I've become a victim of commercials that tell me I deserve that chocolate candy, or that if I really loved my family I'd be baking cakes and Cookies for them, or that I really do deserve a break today so I should get my lard ass to McDonald's. *laughs*

Actually, it's not funny. I believed them. Many of us have believed them. So much so, that we get in serious arguments with each other over our right to have that stuff and how unrealistic it is to deny ourselves such stuff.

Ok, Umm.. I've really gotten off the path here. Sorry. *blush*

Um, yeah. Life in a size 11 or 12 is going to be my reward.

I splurge on an expensive outfit when I got down a size.

Pictures of me or the charms? LOL I have pictures of me at my blog entry (even though I haven't updated the blog or food diary...well pretty much since the scale stopped moving) I got alot of my charms online at a place called sarina's charms

She had fast shipment and the quality is nice. From her I got a moon and stars one, a chinese take out box one (my favorite type of food), A roller coaster one, some double link flowers which my daughters stole, and a tiger eye one. I also got some of her "suprise charm deals, all of which my daughters have stolen".

Right now I have 8 charms:

1. my tennis shoe (to remind me to exercise)

2. roller coaster ( to remind me that I'll never have to worry about fitting again)

3. chinese takeout (everthying is fine in moderation

4. Ying Yang (everything in balance)

5. moon and stars ( I just like it)

6. green birthstone for me

7. pink birthstone for daughter 1

8. purple birthstone for daughter 2.

I haven't been buying the really expensive charms....just the plain old stainless steel ones. I like the enamal ones best. The ones that are painted tend to get worn off....I had three charms that said dream it, believe it, become it...but they have worn off now. (but got them at claires for really cheap so guess I could replace if i felt the urge)

Walmart was clearing all of their charms out too...I founds some there...most of which the kids have (they aren't accumulating them for weight loss or gained so they get to have tons LOL) but I think my ying yang came from there as part of a 3 pack for the value price of 50 cents. ...told ya mine were cheap. Now I co worker has one that the charms are all white and yellow gold and real gemstones. She pays like 80. a charm...to rich for my blood. I'm a cheap date in more ways than one now.

When I reach my goal I will be booking a trip to Hawaii!!!!

This is a great idea and the thought had not even occurred to me. I remember last year during Optifast, they encouraged us to have small rewards for ourselves and not just b/c what the scale had to say. I used to buy OPI nail polish. A weakness of mine. I think it's a good idea b/c it is part of my past & currently present to reward with food. Like you said Photonut, this is a dangerous way of thinking. I do believe you do not necessarily break bad habits, but replace them with new habits.....something positive.

I have a charm bracelet with some BeautiControl charms. I will get that baby out and start thinking positive!! What a super way to encourage myself to make good choices!! Look out Wal-Mart, here I come. :cake:

i reward myself with shoes shoes and more shoes :(

Pink Mary, I am a shoe lover too. I try to justify the "buy" by only making a purchase if they're on sale or if I find them at a discount place. Now that the warmer weather has arrived, I'm on the hunt for sandals.

I plan on getting a small tattoo when I reach my goal.

I have a tattoo that I got when I lost 50lbs on weight watchers a few years ago. I want to get another when I've had my tummy tuck and I'm at goal on my lower back.

I go get a pedicure or a mini-massage, and some flowers!

I go get a pedicure or a mini-massage, and some flowers!

:)

PhotoNut, I am with you on this one. Your post was in my heart mind and soul.

I am going to reward myself all throughout this journey with kind words to myself, and bragging in here!!

Otherwise, head down, goal in site. Onward!!