Why Reward Yourself for Losing Weight?
Losing weight can be extremely challenging, both mentally and physically. Rewards motivate you and reinforce the healthy changes youve made. Celebrating small successes along your weight loss journey makes sticking to your diet and fitness regimen that much easier!
Weight Loss Rewards Provide Positive Reinforcement
Rewarding yourself for achieving mini weight loss goals provides positive reinforcement. Every time you earn a reward, it helps cement your new healthy habits. Working hard to lose pounds only to deprive yourself leads to feelings of frustration.
If youve reached a milestone like losing your first 5 pounds or making it through a difficult week without caving to cravings, celebrate with a small treat! It gives you something to look forward to besides just the number on the scale going down.
Non-Food Rewards Prevent Bingeing
When trying to lose weight, rewarding yourself with food like dessert or your favorite take-out can undermine your hard work. Non-food rewards are smart alternatives that prevent binge eating triggered by restricting certain foods.
Great ideas for healthy rewards include getting a massage, buying new workout gear, or going to a movie. These perks motivate you to keep making progress without negative impacts.
Reward Ideas for Reaching Weight Loss Milestones
Beauty & Wellness Rewards
Pampering yourself is a fantastic way to celebrate achieving weight loss targets. Some self-care reward ideas include:
- Mani/pedi or facial
- New hairstyle from your stylist
- Massage or float therapy session
- Teeth whitening treatment
- Upgrading your skincare routine
- Home spa night with a face mask, candles and music
Apparel & Accessory Rewards
Update your wardrobe after losing weight with some of these fun rewards:
- Cute new outfit youve had your eye on
- Stylish handbag, jewelry or watch
- Trendy activewear like leggings, tops and sneakers
- Lingerie or a pretty robe
- Fashion accessories like a hat, scarf or sunglasses
Fitness & Health Rewards
Reward your hard work and dedication in a healthy way with:
- Fitness tracker to monitor your progress
- Upgraded gym membership or new equipment
- Entry fees for a race like a 5K run or mud run
- Personal training sessions
- Home workout programs and equipment
- Healthy cookbooks and kitchen gadgets
Entertainment & Leisure Rewards
Have fun celebrating your weight loss results with entertainment rewards like:
- Tickets to a sports game, play or concert
- Booking a weekend getaway or staycation
- Taking a scenic hike or nature tour
- Fun classes like pottery painting or dance lessons
- Admission to museums, zoos or theme parks
Choosing the Right Rewards for You
Pick Rewards That Fit Your Goals
The best weight loss rewards either enhance your healthy lifestyle or provide an enjoyable distraction from bad habits. Avoid rewarding yourself in ways that could trigger overeating or sedentary activities.
For example, a Netflix marathon sounds fun but could derail your fitness efforts. On the other hand, new running shoes fuel your workouts. Choose perks tailored to your personality that support your diet and exercise goals.
Vary the Size of the Reward
Scale your rewards based on the magnitude of each weight loss milestone reached. A smaller victory like losing your first few pounds deserves a smaller reward like buying a fashion magazine.
Reaching a major goal of losing 20 pounds could be celebrated with a spa package. Varying reward size adds excitement and anticipates to working toward the next target!
Change Up Reward Categories
Choose weight loss rewards from different categories like apparel, entertainment, leisure and more. Switching up the types of perks you earn prevents getting bored and burned out.
Youll have lots of different rewards to anticipate! After a pampering session, plan a fun night out. Then get excited about purchasing new workout gear after that.
Reward Ideas for Specific Weight Loss Milestones
5 Pounds - Mani/Pedi
Treat your hands and feet to a manicure and pedicure after losing your first 5 pounds. New nail polish colors are a great reminder of your weight loss success every time you look down!
10 Pounds - Movie Tickets
After hitting the 10 pound milestone, reward all your hard gym sessions and healthy eating with a fun movie night! Share popcorn with a friend while enjoying a film and some much-needed rest.
15 Pounds - New Outfit
shop for a stylish new top and jeans to reward shedding 15 pounds. Trying on slimmer clothes is a great motivator to keep going. Strut your new look on your next night out!
20 Pounds - Massage
Treat your muscles to a soothing massage once youve lost 20 pounds. A professional rubdown helps your body recover from all those workouts. Youll leave feeling relaxed and re-energized for the next fitness challenge!
25 Pounds - Hike & Picnic
Plan an active outdoor reward after reaching the 25 pound goalpost. Pack a healthy picnic lunch and spend the day hiking scenic trails with friends. Getting closer to your weight loss finish line surrounded by natures beauty is wonderfully rewarding.
Tips for Giving Yourself Weight Loss Rewards
Set Milestones and Rewards Upfront
Decide on 3-5 major weight loss milestones and associated rewards youll earn for achieving each one. Outline them before you begin dieting to have tangible goals to strive towards. Write them down to help hold yourself accountable as you progress.
Make a Rewards Jar
Write down or print out 10-15 different reward ideas and put them in a jar. Each time you hit a target, pull one out randomly! Not knowing what reward youll get adds a fun element of surprise.
Use Apps to Track Rewards
Weight loss apps like Healthi allow you to log rewards youll unlock for reaching goals. Visual reminders keep you motivated to see what fabulous prizes youll earn next!
Announce Rewards on Social Media
Share your weight loss rewards on social platforms to garner encouragement from friends. Post pics showcasing new haircuts, outfits, or events enjoyed as you celebrate milestones!
Staying motivated through the ups and downs of weight loss is challenging. Take time to acknowledge and reward your wins along the way! Positive reinforcement from small treats helps you achieve your big-picture dream results.
FAQs
Should I reward myself with food when trying to lose weight?
No, reward yourself with non-food treats instead. Food rewards can undermine your hard work and trigger overeating or binges. Pick healthy rewards like massages, active outings, entertainment and more.
How often should I reward small weight loss victories?
You can reward yourself as often as every 1-2 pounds lost in the beginning. Stick to small rewards for minor milestones initially. Save bigger rewards for when you hit major targets like 10, 20 or 30 pounds down.
When will rewards no longer motivate me?
Change up the rewards you earn to prevent boredom. Rotate between categories like apparel, wellness, leisure and tech rewards. Finding new experiences, items and activities will ensure rewards always excite you.
Should I tell friends about the rewards I'm earning?
Yes, announce your weight loss rewards on social media for encouragement! Share when you get pampering sessions, buy new outfits, or enjoy events. Positive feedback from friends helps you celebrate successes.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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