In the past I have been really bad about telling myself that I've earned *insert unhealthy food item here* for working really hard at my job, or completing a really strenuous activity, or just doing something that I don't really want to do (ie. I don't want to clean the house, but if I do, I can have a big piece of cake). I'm sure I'm not the only one who has used food to reward themselves, so I was wondering what other people have turned to instead of using food as a bribe/reward. Nothing food related. I don't want to keep making that association.

Any ideas?

I am a fan of Retail Therapy For putting up with a bad day or making it to a weight loss goal, it's nice to buy myself something that I absolutely do not need but really want. It's probably a good idea to put spending limits on your therapy, like $20 or something, but that can be a shirt, or some jewelry, or a CD...

I think renting a movie is another good one, or maybe "time out" where you absolutely refuse to acknowledge the needs of others and do what YOU want to do for an hour (reading, bubble bath, reading IN a bubble bath!)

Behavior Modification is one of the first steps to long term success, and is an absolute requirement to make a permanent change. good on you!

in 16 pounds or so, I get to go get another full body massage. only had one once in my life, so Im looking forward to meeting that goal and getting to reward myself. Other than that, I might buy myself a new game, or sleep in and take a day off if I really deserve it (read: more like if i need it, lol)

Woohoo! I'm doing something right for a change! Thanks.

It's not so much a reward system that I've been using over the past year, but an incentive program Along the lines of retail therapy - I will go shopping (generally Marhsalls, TJ Maxx, Filenes Basement) and buy an article of clothing one size smaller than I am currently in and try it on regularly - until it fits and can be worn...

I look in the mirror and see no changes, but clothing sizes i do see changes so it keeps me going forward. I can't go any smaller than 1 size down because then it'd be too frustrating - but for the most part, 1 size can be achieved in 2 -3 months.

^^^Ditto that. I'm going shopping today, and while I need shorts right now, I'm also going to buy a new pair of jeans that don't quite fit yet. They will be my incentive, and my reward.

The reward I get is that feeling of accomplishment.

For example, when I work out at the gym, I feel a bit sore and sweaty afterwards. But, the next day when I wake up, I feel good and I notice gradual changes in the mirror, those are some of the best rewards in the world ...its funny, when I started this weight loss, I am sleeping less then pre-weight loss and waking up earlier. I don't if this is directly related to my new life style change.

I don't know if that helps you. It helps me out a bunch!

I think my first reward will being able to actually run a 5K. I also promised myself a pair of hottie jean shorts when I'm a couple sizes smaller. And then the whole "honeymoon wardrobe"...Goals and rewards, I suppose.

I've got $1000 allocated so that when I hit my goal weight, I am going shopping and throwing out my `big fat Tomble' clothes. I cannot wait.

I also worked out that I'm saving about $50.00 a week on not buying lots of junk food, takeaway meals and other bad stuff, so that's going to make up most of that money.

I've been saving money since dieting, since I haven't been buying any fastfood (and also the fact of the matter is, I can't afford it)

The other day on the road I was hungry...normally, I would pass into a fast food joint and bought a combo for like $4.00. But now, with my life style change, I ran inside Wal-mart, grabbed one banana. It only cost me $0.18, and was filling and extremly healthy (the cashier did look at me kinda odd when I was checking out...)

As far as rewards go.. just seeing the change is enough for me :] Though my family has said when I hit my first goal they are taking me shopping. Which is exciting! =P

About fast food.. the other day I was staying at a friends and they ordered pizza.. I woke up late that day and told them I was going to go home and I would see them tomorrow! I was proud- I didn't use the .. well I am here and thats all they have to eat excuses. Instead I went home and ate some grilled chicken :]

Also yesterday, my mom's boyfriend asked me if I wanted anything from Burger king..I told him I don't eat that crap. Later that night I heard him tell my mom how proud he was of me =P

Just knowing I am changing what I eat, and becoming healthy is good enough for me!

every 1-2 clothes size that i drop i have been buying myself a small selection of clothes (not too many cos im still losing). how nice it is to go into a "normal " shop selling "normal" size clothes. it is a reward and also incentive to keep going.
also underwear - cheap but pretty, started wearing those boy pant type knickers in bright colours and have chucked out all my big baggy black knickers
im also going to have a decent expensive hair cut and colour soon. time i put my needs first for a change. i think that was part of the reason i put on weight. never have much money to buy clothes, hair cuts etc so i let myself go. i swear i looked like a baglady at times. surprised people didnt chuck money at me thinking i was a down and out. slim

I will probably reward myself with clothes for all my hard work. Right now I just keep trying on things in my closet that haven't fit me in over a year and most things are starting to fit. It feels great and gives me such a high! I try not to "reward" myself with food. I did have a cheeseburger this past weekend. It had been awhile since I had one, so I wanted to eat one. You have to indulge every once and awhile....

-Sam

Maybe consider athletic oriented things. For a reward, go out and buy you a new stability ball, or jump rope, or weights. Before long you'll have your own miniature home gym and will be trim enough to use it all. That's what I did, and I don't feel the need to join a gym at all, most everything I want to do is in my garage and it's saving me $500 a year in gym memberships plus time and gas.

Also consider mini-trips. When you hit a goal, take a short trip to a hiking trail or something along those lines. If you do this regularly you'll also be able to see yourself improving and how much better you feel while on the trip.

Absolutely CLOTHES! Over the past 2 years I've been rotating my 'big' clothes despite the season because I refused to waste money on a body I didn't love. As a result I started looking a bit ridiculous until one day my mom is just like "SARA YOU LOOK SCARY!" So when I weigh 155, which WILL be next month, I'm going on a much needed shopping trip, where I will indulge in my chosen summer staples.