Motivation for weight loss - small rewards?

[Anonymous]

I'm trying to get myself motivated to lose about 30 pounds. I thought I'd think of it in 5 pound increments, and give myself a reward after each 5 pound loss. What would you reward yourself with? I'm having a hard time thinking of anything I actually want. Except new clothes, but I don't want to spend money on new clothes until I lose all the weight!

[Anonymous]

I guess I should add, I've thought of doing manicures and pedicures, but I'm looking for something that would be a more permanent reminder that I had reached a goal.

[Anonymous]

I don't know if you've lost this amount of weight before. Sadly I have, and have to do it again. But for me, just seeing the weight loss on the scale and in my clothes was "plenty" reward. I weighed myself every day and reveled in how baggy my clothes were getting every day. I got kind of obsessed about it. Being able to slide once-skin-tight jeans down over my hips without even unzipping them was incredible.

Good luck with all!

[Anonymous]

I agree that the weight loss itself will be rewarding but doing some nice things for yourself along the way certainly can't hurt! Some ideas, a special make-up or perfume, CD or music download, new earrings, bubble bath or an evening out. Good luck to you!

[Anonymous]

PP here, sorry I just realized you would like a permanent reminder--how about a charm bracelete, add a charm for each 5 lbs, or for each week that you follow your eating plan? (ie, also reward yourself for effort, not just results.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP here, sorry I just realized you would like a permanent reminder--how about a charm bracelete, add a charm for each 5 lbs, or for each week that you follow your eating plan? (ie, also reward yourself for effort, not just results.)

A charm bracelet, I love it! I think I will go ahead and get an inexpensive silver link bracelet now. Then add a charm for each 5 pounds I lose. What I also like about this idea is that when I'm done I can wear the bracelet as a reminder of the hard work it took to lose the weight, and hopefully that will help me stay on track to keep it off. Maybe I'll add other charms later for other goals reached.

What a great idea. I'm really excited about this. Thanks!

And to the other PP, yeah the baggy clothes will be a great reward too. I have lost a lot of weight before, and it was such a great feeling when clothes got baggy. I'm really hoping to keep it off this time.

- OP

[Anonymous]

I did this about two years ago and lost 35 pounds. I rewarded myself with a new paperback book for each 5 lbs. Normally I'm a get-books-at-the-library kind of gal, so it was a nice splurge to buy books for myself. I agree with PP that the weight loss itself is a great motivator, but it's also nice to have to along-the-way little rewards. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I was also going to suggest a charm bracelet. Have you seen the Pandora ones? The charms run from a low of $25 to a few hundred depending on the metal and stones. The bracelet is about $35.

[zumbamama]

love the charm bracelet idea!

[Anonymous]

LOVE the paperback idea!! Also--use us as a reward. If you get to share it with us on here then you'll get lots of praise that will keep you motivated

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was also going to suggest a charm bracelet. Have you seen the Pandora ones? The charms run from a low of $25 to a few hundred depending on the metal and stones. The bracelet is about $35.

Those Pandora ones look nice. Thanks for mentioning that. I'd be more likely to wear the Pandora, than a regular charm bracelet, I think.

[Anonymous]

Silly, but what about a progress chart? I log into Self.com and sign up to log and track weightloss this time of year. It is amazing motivation to see the progress on paper and to chart it. Maybe you can reward yourself every 5 pounds with a new weighloss video or something really fun, perhaps a class to motivate you more.

[Anonymous]

Better than a charm bracelet-- Get yourself a fabulous pair of new shoes! No matter your weight, you can always enjoy a beautiful pair of shoes. All day, you needn't look i a mirror, just down at your feet, and think, "Wow, I feel gorgeous!" You can enjoy each pair as much now as you willl at any five pound increment and (horrors) at a return to your original weight. (which will be a consolation, if it happens)

[Anonymous]

OP, this website might have some good ideas http://www.bodiesinmotivation.com/

I know they have a post on a slacker jar which sounds neat.

[Anonymous]

Put a 20 in your piggy bank every 5 lbs and you will have enough to get a great new pair of designer jeans when you reach your goal.