Low cost rewards?

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3/9/13 10:37 P

Download music or a e book

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3/9/13 9:05 P

This is one of my favorite topics ;)

Here are a few freebie rewards:

setting aside some time for your hobby, refuse to feel bad about all the chores you're NOT doing

A new place to walk/run or ride

Allow yourself to have a slow "easy" workout

go to the makeup counter and let them make yolu over

Cheap rewards...

fashion or hobby magazine

shopping trip to Goodwill or thrift store

sample sized lotions

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3/8/13 7:43 P

For me its getting a design on my nails when their filled, its extra and if I have been doing well I will do it. Items to help cooking healthier are good too. Things like a mixing bowl I broke and want to get or adding to what I have already are great. Other than that, it might be new little things like renting a movie, or just going rummaging through clearance sections at favorite stores.

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3/2/13 7:06 P

I know what you mean about the costs of some of the things I would LIKE to reward myself with, however, I think there are some things that are not too costly that most of us would appreciate. I love books and have a Kindle so real books or books for the Kindle are both options I would not mind. Other people mention a lot of fitness rewards - I like things that are more related to relaxation, stress reduction (massages, spa treatments, a movie date, and casino night, or something like that) I like the idea of saving the money in a special jar based on the number of pounds lost, but unless I put in $5 or $10 for each pound it wouldn't pay for my reward.

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3/2/13 3:59 P

I'm like some of the others, I like workout clothes or a smaller pair of jeans. :)

It sounds like you would prefer some type of event reward. What about a day out or evening out with friends? You could go to a flea market, go fruit picking, get mani/pedis, go to a local mall and get makeup makeovers (usually free, sometimes they ask you to buy something).

Congratulations on your weight loss! :)

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3/2/13 2:00 P

a hot soak in a tub with a glass of wine is certainly an inexpensive treat!

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3/2/13 11:18 A

No matter what type of reward you end up going for a good thing to do might be that with every 1lb lost you put so much money into a jar or something so therefore when the time does come to reward yourself the money is set aside and you won't feel so bad about pulling it out of your regular checking account.

This can also work for other things to... put $5 in if you can make it to the gym so many days each week, maybe add 1 more than you normally do so its a little extra push for you and then when it does add up to like $20/$50 etc. you can treat yourself to something a little more regularly.

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3/2/13 8:27 A

Fitness items would be my reward system. I bought a fitbit after a couple of months of sticking to this, and then some cute workout clothes and then a treadmill! These are things that will last a long time vs the joy of a casino for one day.

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3/2/13 8:17 A

As others have said it really depends on what your interests are. I had/have three rewards for myself. The first was new workout clothes. This wasn't a reward for reaching a goal weight but for reaching a certain number of fitness minutes in a month. The second was a nice pair of jeans for hitting a size 4. The third (though I am going to have to REALLY work up the courage to do this) is a private rock climbing lesson at a local rock climbing gym. This is going to be my reward for hitting my final goal weight. It's not as expensive as I thought it would be, $35 for an hour long session for non-members.

Other good rewards for me would be books, mani/pedi, new clothes (real and workout), things for my apartment, and more expensive makeup.

Ask yourself what you really want. Just start brainstorming and right a bunch of things down, and then use that to make your rewards.

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3/1/13 5:19 P

I've used all kinds of stuff as rewards. When I started out on this journey, I didn't own any fitness equipment or fitness clothes or even a decent pair of shoes to wear walking. So fitness stuff has been high on the list of rewards. Some of it I got on sale, some at Walmart, some at TJMaxx. And some from Amazon. (I'm cheap by nature.)

I've also rewarded myself with regular clothes. A new purse, and new shoes. I love purses and shoes! Scented candles. Fresh flowers. Some new craft supplies. Books I wanted to read but was too cheap to buy and the library didn't have them. They made a good reward. A real splurge was a pair of expensive jeans I never would've spent the money on, otherwise.

Basically, you can use anything that makes you feel.... rewarded. Anything you want, that is worth working toward. That says to you, "Yay me! Good job!" I would highly recommend however that you don't use food as a reward.

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3/1/13 5:18 P

I have found that the best reward is a new piece of workout clothing! Whether it's a new sports bra, pair of running pants, or top, all are good! I didn't realize how much I ruined my current clothes (sweat stains lol) until I bought new clothes and compared the two. Not only that, but that specific reward keeps me motivated to keep working out. When I lose about 8 more pounds, I'm going to reward myself with a new sketch book, oil pastels, and possibly a new pair of running pants.

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3/1/13 2:47 P

If you are concerned about money, then gambling isn't necessarily the best "reward". I like to gamble, but I don't go to the casino if I can't afford to lose the money I'm taking. If gas money is problematic, then giving the casino your money probably is, too.

Do you have any other interests? Movies? Fitness (i.e. splurge on a personal trainer)? Gadgets?

I would reward yourself with something that will you enjoy for more than a few hours (you'll remember the movie, feel better after a workout, or have a gadget for a while) and not regret later.

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3/1/13 1:22 P

I've read where some folks treat themselves to a new piece of clothing, massage, mani/pedi, etc.

Personally, I am a scented candle buyer. I see the coupons for the Glade candles and used to get them in DROVES. I only buy Yankee when there is a BOGO or BOGO 1/2 sale. I like Village too (Yankee knock off)

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3/1/13 1:17 P

I had been planning to reward myself with a "Casino Day" for every 20 pounds lost. But as I get closer to that goal, the price of gas keeps spiraling upward. When I think about the full tank of gas the round trip will take, plus however many twenties I decide to sacrifice to the slot machines, I'm wondering if I shouldn't be considering a less costly reward.

What are some of your favorite budget friendly rewards for when you reach your milestones?

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