Weight Loss Rewards

by Mary on December 15, 2011

in Weight Loss

This is such a cute thing to stare at every day.

juju

I’m in love. She makes me super happy and makes me want to make myself happy in other ways, which is where this post comes in.

Though I’m not 100% focused on weight loss at the moment it is still a big part of my healthy living journey. I’m still wanting to get to 175 instead of living forever around this cozy 211 I’ve been stuck at more or less for over a year.

As a bit of motivation to actually do this, I’ve written up a list of weight loss rewards for myself as I get to 175.

I have to say, doing this was hard. I’ve never done a rewards type system and it was a struggle to think up things that I want but don’t need. Creating a list of things to buy myself, even if they are rewards for doing something good, felt selfish and weird. I guess I inherited that from my mom because I had trouble justifying things on the list since they would be just for me (my mom is so selfless and giving that it inspires me to try to be more like her!).

In the end after a lot of thought and internal struggle and questioning on whether weight loss rewards are even a good idea, I came up with a list.

My future rewards for weight loss:

  • 210 – nail polish and $10 for thrift shopping
  • 205 – a LUSH product or two
  • 200 – trip to Wellington
  • 195 – facial & new face product (I’ve never gotten a facial!)
  • 190 – new workout outfit
  • 185 – haircut & color or highlights
  • 180 – new bra from Victoria’s Secret
  • 175 – trip to nearby islands!

I tried to make the rewards things I really wanted. Also they aren’t exactly “cheap” things I  would normally get for myself but things that cost a little bit more than I would normally justify on spending. Since I lose weight so slowly (ha, hahaha, ha!) I figure it won’t be too big of a deal financially.

Also, I didn’t do any food rewards or things like going to eat at a certain place. I also didn’t connect the rewards with a deprivation of any kind like “I can’t do ___ until I reach this weight!”  Life is too short for that and I want to focus on positive things.

So there ya go. That’s the plan and what I’m getting when I achieve it.

Do you reward yourself for weight loss or sticking with healthy habits? What kind of rewards do you give yourself?

Related posts:

  1. How To Avoid Weight Loss Scams
  2. List of Male Weight Loss Bloggers
  3. Hard Work + Determination = Weight Loss
  4. Weight Loss Doubts
  5. “Healthy Living” Over “Weight Loss”

{ 25 comments }

1 Sheryl December 15, 2011 at 7:41 pm

OMG how cute – what kind of puppy is she?
Having a dog really is a great way to get in lots of walks and help lose some weight. I have a Rhodesian Ridgeback who is 18 months old and loves going for walks down the beach which is a great way for me to get some exercise.
I look forward to seeing more photos of the pup as she grows – she is gorgeous!

2 Mary December 15, 2011 at 8:02 pm

She is a Pitbull + Rottweiler. Pitweiler? Hehe. I can’t wait until she is older and can go on lots of walks and go play with us on the beach and at the park. It will be great. :)

3 Barbara December 15, 2011 at 8:14 pm

Great reward ideas!!! They will all pale in comparison to reaching your goals but it is really important to celebrate each step. It’s hard work!
Barbara´s last [type] ..The Day Def Leppard Became Muzak

4 The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh December 15, 2011 at 8:32 pm

That nugget is just so cute!

I think that’s a great idea. I know you’ve been wanting to do the islands trip so that can be a great way to tie the two together! I’ve always meant to do rewards but I just consider having to get new clothes my rewards. Though when we get down to being able to doing things that have weight limits like zipling, roller coasters and such, we’ll do those as our rewards. Goal weight reward is a 2 week trip to Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora.
The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh´s last [type] ..Day 9: Raspberry Tarts

5 Ann December 15, 2011 at 9:02 pm

Gaaaahhh!! The pictures of your puppy are ADORABLE! Also – i LOVE the ideas of setting weight-loss goals for yourself! Love that extra motivation!! :)

6 Angelika December 15, 2011 at 11:29 pm

LOOK.AT.HER.PAWS! Sigh. Was this post about something other than JuJu? I’m not really sure because I just keep staring longingly at her picture and wanting to snuzzle her puppy face.

7 Mary December 16, 2011 at 1:46 pm

Haha I have a feeling that is how most posts are going to be when there is a picture of her. ;)

8 Eating as a Path to Yoga December 16, 2011 at 7:19 am

For me, I know that weight loss is an outcome. An outcome that I cannot really control or predict what my body will do. I would rather reward behaviors such as joyful movement & eating without distraction.

There are many paths. I celebrate yours.

9 Hanlie December 16, 2011 at 9:34 am

I’ve set up a reward system for myself – one that will be meaningful but not expensive. When I reach my first milestone, I’m buying a silver chain and for every subsequent 5kg lost I will get a charm to add to the chain. There are also some exercise milestones that will earn me charms. I quite like the idea and when I wear the “finished” necklace, it will always remind me of my effort.

10 Mom December 16, 2011 at 1:40 pm

I agree with the comment that said look at her paws, they are enormous for a puppy, wont be long before she takes you for a walk, and she is adorable, makes you just want to snuggle all the time. I know as she grows she will become one of the best smartest dogs ever because she will be like her masters. The best ever…..
Love you
Mom

11 Mary December 16, 2011 at 1:47 pm

Yeah she is going to get big fast. But it will be fine she is still going to be super cute!

12 Sable@SquatLikeALady December 16, 2011 at 4:16 pm

OH MY GOD!! This is that rottie + pit mix right?!??! AHHHHHH I am dying over here. She is SO CUTE! Holy COW. Ahhhhhhhhh.

Okay. Pulling myself together. :)

Love your goal list!! I LOVE LUSH products too. Have you used their henna for hair?! It’s amazing.

13 Mary December 16, 2011 at 6:00 pm

Yep. She is super duper cute adorable, I’d say! :)

I’ve always wanted to buy something from LUSH but never have. I’ve heard cool things though so I hope to try something soon!

14 Marshmallow December 16, 2011 at 4:20 pm

JuJuuuuuu!! Bundle of cuteness! :D

As for weight loss rewards… back when I was trying to lose weight, I wrote these up but funnily enough, something interesting happened. When I achieved any goal, I never could be bothered going out and getting the designated reward for myself!? It’s like I was too lazy to shop for myself.

Weight loss is not my goal now, my goals are improving my classes, and for that, the only reward I need is the reward of seeing the numbers in my classes build and seeing them all working their arses off ;)

15 Mary December 16, 2011 at 6:01 pm

Haha. That might happen to me too honestly. I like the idea of it though even if I don’t follow through. ;)

Eventually I’m going to come take a class with you!

16 Jody - Fit at 54 December 16, 2011 at 5:00 pm

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO cute – JuJu!!!!!

Rewards are so important & love that they are non-food rewards. Really helps the process to a better life & mind state too – that food should not be used as a reward. For me, helped me get fat when I was young…

Great things to look forward to!
Jody – Fit at 54´s last [type] ..Gingerbread Protein Pancakes; Travel Gadgets

17 merri December 16, 2011 at 6:18 pm

Facials are great for your skin! I’ve only had one in my life so far, but my second is scheduled for Thursday, so I’m excited (love those social coupons that let me afford things!)! This seems like a fun idea and treating yourself is healthy in non weight loss ways as well. Adorable puppy photo as usual. Now I love coming to your blog even more, just to see cute puppy photos!!
merri´s last [type] ..I’m still here!! And, what to do when you have a big appetite..

18 M December 16, 2011 at 7:54 pm

Hi Mary!
Congrats on your sweet puppy- much joy
and love will bless your life with a dog as you know!
( I love dogs too!)
Lately I have been finding a happier path too,
for some reason I have suddenly started to
eat smaller portions of everything and have
become aware that my real problem IS
portion control. I eat too much and exercise too little.
Seems obvious , but this is the first time in my life
I haven’t tried to do a specific diet, instead I
am not restricting anything specific , except for
how much goes on my plate and in my mouth.
Curious to see where this takes me as it
has been a fairly easy mindset change to
follow through on…
Anyways , please give your pup a tummy rub
from me ;)

19 Barb December 16, 2011 at 9:08 pm

Love, love, love Miss Juju!!! She is adorable!!!! Also like the rewards system but you just want to snuggle with the pupper!!!

20 Denise December 16, 2011 at 9:29 pm

I got my nose pierced when I lost 20 pounds. No rewards yet planned for losing 40 pounds or 60 pounds. Maybe when I lose 60 I’ll get an entirely new wardrobe–I’ll drag my fashion forward friends out to wherever they tell me to shop and I’ll come back dressed for a body that weighs 140 pounds instead of 217–and perhaps a new hair style. Expensive. I should probably start saving my money.

21 Mary December 16, 2011 at 10:23 pm

Awesome! Yeah, rewards can be expensive … I’m saving a wardrobe complete rehaul until I’m in like the 150s which I’m going to say, will happen one day. ;) Until then I just buy enough to keep going. It sort of helps that I work from home now and don’t need any cute work clothes!

22 Brittany December 16, 2011 at 10:04 pm

Hey Mary! A reward system is awesome, I do the same thing! Every 10lbs I’m down I get to buy myself something from LuLu Lemon. So far I have a new hoodie and a pair of pants! I should have bought something new last week for being down 30lbs, but I’ll save it for after christmas, too many gifts to buy for others this time of year! Keep up the good work and thanks for letting me be part of your journey!

P.S. your puppy is the CUUUUUTEST little pup!! Soooooo snugly!

23 Mary December 16, 2011 at 10:22 pm

That’s a cool idea! I have never actually been in or seen Lululemon clothes, but I’ve heard they are nice. Great idea! :)

24 SUZY December 17, 2011 at 8:32 am

As usual, while reading your blog today I was struck again by the way you assess your thinking patterns . . . not only as to what you have in your mind at the time but the possible tracks from which they have arrived.

Reminds me of one of my favorite subjects – understanding thought generation and responses. Just meeting the train each day won’t get it.

25 Elizabeth December 17, 2011 at 1:33 pm

Hi Mary, just wanted to let you know that I love your blog! Thanks for sharing your goals and rewards – great ideas. When I’m feeling really skinny and attractive I reward myself with Thrift Shopping. I can get $200 jeans for $20 and I feel like a princess. You can do it!

Previous post:

Next post: