Routes To Self Improvement
Issue 21
Go On, Reward Yourself For Your Weight Loss Achievements
You may find that looking better, and feeling more healthy and energetic, may be sufficient rewards when you lose weight. However, it should not hurt to reward yourself whenever you achieve goals, or simply stick rigidly to your eating plan. Let's face it, none of these things are easy. Weight gain has been the result of many years of bad eating and exercising habits, so it is those habits you have to change to achieve your weight loss objectives. That is not easy, so a reward system for yourself is very much justified.
Using incentives is an established way of helping people achieve what they want to, or need to. With your weight loss programme, there are lots of things you can do to give yourself an incentive. For an example, did you turn down that gateau at the office, when it was being passed round for somebody's birthday? The reward yourself with your favourite health, and non fattening, food. have you had your best session yet in the gym? Then you certainly deserve a long aromatherapy massage or soak in luxurious bath oils.
By offering yourself such rewards you will accentuate your achievements, and at the same time feel good about yourself. That can become a great new habit that will boost your self confidence for years to come. So, if you need some excuses for rewarding yourself, then try setting one or more of these goals to give yourself something to aim for:
1. Simple Weight Loss Targets.
This is traditional target setting. Just treat yourself to something special whenever you lose ten pounds toward your target weight. Whatever will make you feel special, do it or buy it!
2. Losing Enough Weight To Drop A Size In Your Clothes!
Wow, that really is an achievement. So, you can now go out and buy that nice new outfit in your new size! That is also an immediate incentive never to put that weight back on again.
3. You Get Through A Half Hour Exercise Work Out Without Pausing!
Mmmm, there's a lot of people who you have put to shame! Why not unwind those muscles in the sauna and have a long massage?
4. You Resisted One Of Your Favourite Foods
You visited Grandma and she offered you a piece of your favourite childhood cake. You politely explained about losing weight, and declined. Reward? What about cuttings from your favourite plants in her garden? Something that will definitely not put on any weight?
5. You Can Fit Into A Dress You Grew Out Of Years Ago!
That's a real goal achieved there, so if it is still fashionable, make sure your wear it out while you go to buy your reward? Matching shoes?
6. You Lost Weight For 4 Weeks In A Row
A chance here an ongoing reward: for every pound you lose, drop a dollar or two into a jar, and watch the money build up. Entertain yourself with plans on how you'll spend it when you reach your goal weight.
7. You Hit A Weight Loss Plateau, But Finally You broke Through It!
One thing for sure is that sticking to a diet when you are not seeing any results is one of the hardest things that you will ever do. Now you have broken the plateau, you deserve to get yourself something that will make it easier to reward yourself. For example, you could buy a blender for whipping up frozen fruit smoothies.
8. You Have Reached The Halfway Point!
You deserve a Halfway Party Celebration! You're the only guest, so pull out all your old clothes that fitted the fat you, and try them on. You are sure to feel great, then you can tell everyone later!
9. You Have Been Dieting Unsuccessfully For A Long Time With No Success And Feel Discouraged.
Yes, this may not seem like a reward type of scenario. But why not? Have you not stuck to your guns with this diet, despite the reluctance of the pounds to fall away? You really deserve a reward for sticking to it this long. Do you want a quick pick-me-up? Pick up the phone, and arrange to meet a friend you have not seen in months. This will guarantee that you will receive compliments at how great you look, and give yourself a boost!
10. You Made It To Your Goal Weight!!!
Big congratulations are in order, and that includes from yourself. Be proud of this brilliant and very difficult achievement. That means remembering all that money you've been paying yourself for losing weight. Take it all out of whatever container you have stashed it in, and go and buy something really special.
