SparkPoints: (10,491)
Fitness Minutes: (3,030)
Posts: 390
6/14/13 2:46 P

Bought a fabulous new BLINGIN" belt for 50 pounds of hard lossin'

LAURIEKRGR

current weight: 198.0

224 201.75 179.5 157.25

135

Posts: 1,208
8/29/12 8:04 A

I rode my bike to the park and had fun on the swings. I felt like a kid again, and it felt good!

347 Days since:  Starting Recovery for an Eating Disorder

0 87 175 262

350

Posts: 1,420
7/15/12 4:37 A

Taking my grandchildren to the park and being able to enjoy their company.

Posts: 3,949
3/28/12 6:48 P

Getting out in the sun and working in the yard.

Smile Joyce

current weight: 138.0

141 139.5 138 136.5

135

SparkPoints: (59,122)
Fitness Minutes: (37,428)
Posts: 1,753
3/9/12 2:06 P

Simply being able to do things like run, walk or wear a high heeled shoe where before the weight loss and strength training there was discomfort!

Pounds lost: 1.0

0 2 4 6

8

Posts: 3,949
3/7/12 8:54 P

Taking time to do something I really love, working with my flowers or changing something in the yard to look pretty. Being outside is heaven to me.

Smile Joyce

current weight: 138.0

141 139.5 138 136.5

135

Posts: 1,399
10/23/11 11:41 A

A good book ( probably with a cup of tea though).

SparkPoints: (59,122)
Fitness Minutes: (37,428)
Posts: 1,753
10/22/11 7:23 P

My favorite is ....

that look or word from my husband when he sees the changes.

talk about a moment!
You never know when its coming...which makes it all the better

Pounds lost: 1.0

0 2 4 6

8

Posts: 2,139
10/22/11 7:14 P

Such great ideas!! Time to let myself goof off is a good one for me.....

Pounds lost: 31.0

0 11.25 22.5 33.75

45

SparkPoints: (59,122)
Fitness Minutes: (37,428)
Posts: 1,753
8/28/11 1:36 P

An afternoon swim with my hubby...

Pounds lost: 1.0

0 2 4 6

8

SparkPoints: (59,122)
Fitness Minutes: (37,428)
Posts: 1,753
8/12/11 7:20 P

The not so snug fit of a favorite skirt,
the slide not tug into my skiny jeans,
the smoothness of my legs in baby dolls
all are treats that cost nothing but a good workout plan and effective eating plan

Pounds lost: 1.0

0 2 4 6

8

SparkPoints: (27,838)
Fitness Minutes: (21,521)
Posts: 966
8/12/11 5:22 P

Being outside in the sun, breathing the fresh air is very rewarding to me. Especially when I get to see wildlife living thier carefree life.

SparkPoints: (114,205)
Fitness Minutes: (127,920)
Posts: 7,519
8/7/11 9:40 P

Meditation

SparkPoints: (59,122)
Fitness Minutes: (37,428)
Posts: 1,753
8/7/11 2:08 P

Try dancing to Brickhouse by the Commodores aka Lionel RIchie in the mirrior after you have hit a goal!...Much too much fun!!!

Pounds lost: 1.0

0 2 4 6

8

Posts: 2,139
8/6/11 3:56 P

Thanks for the great ideas! I really like the concept that a reward can involve time, something have way too little of.

Sometimes I reward myself simply by telling myself that I AM AWESOME!! I yell it really loud in my head - like a cheer! I don't do that naturally and it really makes me smile!

Pounds lost: 31.0

0 11.25 22.5 33.75

45

SparkPoints: (19,405)
Fitness Minutes: (20,568)
Posts: 833
7/6/11 12:17 A

Great ideas here! Well, for me it would be some time alone to myself & get organised in my head so I'd be more organised in the day!

Also, using things I already own like nail polish & eyeshadow. Have not used it for some time! Sparking is also a reward in itself.

current weight: 174.0

174 163.5 153 142.5

132

SparkPoints: (8,960)
Fitness Minutes: (4,707)
Posts: 356
10/24/10 8:46 A

just joined today; my reward for the week is not quit

current weight: 244.0

249 234.25 219.5 204.75

190

Posts: 152
10/16/10 10:21 A

I am definitely in the exact same place. I reward myself with something relaxing. Time with my fiancee. A picnic (healthy food, and no cost!), a day at the lake, a hiking trip (this one even adds exercise!!!), learning how to cook something new (and healthy!), reading a few chapters from whatever book I'm on at the time, taking time to watch my favorite tv show, watching a movie I own or that comes on tv, doing a crossword puzzle. Plus, I also reward myself with very inexpensive things: a movie at the dollar theater, or renting a movie from the red box, a new hair clip from the dollar store. If I'm going to reward myself with something material, it will be $1 or less, but it's still great motivation for me. :)

current weight: 199.0

235 213.75 192.5 171.25

150

Posts: 924
10/15/10 6:55 P

I've pretty much decided if it doesn't cost money it has to be time that it costs. Today I spent all day with learning how to download pictures from my new camera on to my computer.

Posts: 1,624
10/15/10 1:33 P

Doing nothing...without guilt might actually work for me.

Posts: 688
10/13/10 8:40 A

These are really good ideas everyone. I will definitely be using some!

Posts: 476
9/30/10 3:02 A

NOELANIZ--good idea if I could actually cook!! or if I'd try to cook; as I usually do healthy frozen food, and some fresh fruits.

Edited by: 2BFITSPARK at: 9/30/2010 (03:03)

Posts: 691
9/30/10 1:50 A

Giving myself time to do something fun like drawing or creating my web site is a treat for me. I'm usually pretty busy doing chores, so just doing something relaxing is great.

current weight: 141.0

160 151.25 142.5 133.75

125

Posts: 924
9/26/10 11:04 A

Time to rfead or watch TV. I feel entirely extgravagant when I Spend my time off the to do list! I have to tell myself that this is a reward so that I allow my mind to stop

SparkPoints: (19,346)
Fitness Minutes: (33,393)
Posts: 50
9/26/10 9:58 A

Time.

One of my husband's and my favorite ways to "reward" ourselves is to give ourselves permission to blow off a chore or task and use that time to work on our hobbies - knitting for me, model building for him.

Pounds lost: 11.8

0 12.25 24.5 36.75

49

Posts: 587
9/26/10 9:33 A

I make a trip to the library and indulge in a new book or video. I have little free time and I tend to be compulsive about reading...2AM to finish a book on a work night plays havoc with my concentration the next day.

I take the time to drive to someplace special for my walk. I love to go to the port and walk the docks looking at all the boats. Or try out one of the new walking trails.

I invite friends for dinner. This does involve some extra money but I get invited back so maybe it all evens out.

SparkPoints: (10,826)
Fitness Minutes: (30)
Posts: 2,557
9/23/10 12:50 A

Okay, I did it! Yeah, I went to Bed Bath and Beyond and I bought some stuff. But I didn't buy wastefully and had a 20% coupon off the biggest item. I LOVE coupons, but won't buy something just because I have one.
And what can I say about Trader Joe's? Well, almost all the stuff I bought was really healthy stuff. They have really good curry sauces, so I stocked up on those. My freezer is filled with lots of frozen veg, and I bought some presliced uncooked sweet potato fries. I'll brush them with olive oil and some garlic and bake them. This way I know they have no wheat coating.
I rely on family and friends to read labels. When I can look up ingredients for a product online, I do so. Just being able to post here and do all my writing on the computer is reward for me!
So is cooking a meal where my guys all say: "Boy, this is really awful. But, I don't want you to feel bad, so I guess I'll have to force myself to have more!" That's their stamp of approval. I'm a wing it by the seat of my pants cook, so when it works, which is most of the time, then I'm tickled. I think how much something similar would cost in the restaurant and allow myself some music downloads once in a while.

Posts: 476
9/22/10 6:23 P

TELLITFORWARD--Good For You! Wow! how you do it is impressive, and you've been very creative.

SparkPoints: (10,826)
Fitness Minutes: (30)
Posts: 2,557
9/22/10 12:40 A

I'm a bookaholic, and do a lot of audiobooks while doing other things. I need to reward myself more by putting on music more often. That is a true reward for me.
All my faves are on the computer, but I am blind and use a screen reader which talks everything. I can't hear it when I have the music on. So, I need to rig up a speaker for my mp3 player. That will be a reward, and likely make me move faster!
Also for me is a cup of really fragrant black tea enjoyed with a friend if possible, but alone is okay, too. I like my company, and am not afraid of spending time with me.
But, tomorrow I'm going to a Bed Bath and Beyond with a friend to help her pick something out. I just know we'll take time to play, and drool over what we can't afford and just get ideas and stuff.
Then, it's on to Trader Joe's which is a reward in itself. They have lots of gluten free stuff, and wonderful fresh and frozen veg and fruit and sauces and....
Kate

Posts: 476
9/21/10 12:25 A

JP5214--I like that attitude! Somewhat buried a bit of the stress, and come out calmer.

Posts: 159
9/20/10 8:43 P

I like to time to do what I want to do, sometimes that is very hard for me, because I feel guilty that I am not doing something productive

Posts: 23
9/20/10 10:03 A

I struggle with the non-food and non-money rewards, too. So far I've taken baths and gave myself time to read. But one thing I absolutely love is a glass of wine after the kids go to bed. And I have to have pretzels with it because of my acid relfux. So I factor in the 3.5 oz glass of wine and 1 oz. of pretzels into my daily plan pretty much every day. As long as I stay on plan then I can reward myself and it doesn't go over my goals. If I didn't, no wine.
Another thing is to look at what your hobbies are. Watching tv? reading? painting miniatures? Limit those activities so that rewarding yourself with them is meaningful! We dropped cable in the Spring, so now watching Netflix is a super treat.

Posts: 5,939
9/19/10 12:59 P

Gorgeous horse!

Pounds lost: 6.0

0 6 12 18

24

Posts: 1,026
9/19/10 11:56 A

Taking time to do nothing -- especially after trying new classes at the gym. I take 30 minutes after my shower to have a cup of green tea and sit in my favorite chair and "ponder" -- whatever I happen to think about, try to destress. When the timer goes off, it's back to reality -- but I feel much more calm and ready to face the challenges.

Pounds lost: 51.2

0 17.75 35.5 53.25

71

SparkPoints: (19,346)
Fitness Minutes: (33,393)
Posts: 50
9/19/10 11:52 A

Blowing off housework to give myself an hour - or a whole afternoon - of knitting works for me. Yesterday, I played in my yarn stash and wound a couple of hanks up into yarn cakes and that was very satisfying.

Pounds lost: 11.8

0 12.25 24.5 36.75

49

Posts: 5,939
9/19/10 11:16 A

I'm totally in favor of "free" & non-food rewards.
Exploring nature, window shopping (I've aced this one!), chatting with friends, reading a book or magazine, giving myself a manicure or pedicure, a long bubble bath, and my all time favorite -- scrapbooking. I know that costs $$$ but I've got enough supplies to last a lifetime!

Pounds lost: 6.0

0 6 12 18

24

Posts: 3,145
9/19/10 5:54 A

Cal, I do a lot of walking so a treat for me is to soak my tired feet in hot water and epsom salt. It feels great! Then since I can't get up and do anything, I read...two wonderful treats for me.

Posts: 620
9/18/10 7:05 P

Things that don't involve food or (much) money as rewards:

Walk/bike to your favorite neighborhood place, enjoy time with your family, play games & read with family, give yourself a gift of time just to relax!

Posts: 476
9/17/10 11:58 P

TubJumper--what a name! Is it because of a little child that loves to play in tub?
You are doing great on your weight loss! Anytime you notice you fit better in clothes, you KNOW you have lost weight and/or gotten more fit! Keep it up.

Posts: 1,177
9/17/10 8:53 P

Both.. At tax time I am going to give myself $2 for everypound lost. In the mean time I splurged on myself and got 2 pairs of leggings and a new shirt at Fashion Bug the other day. I also had to get some jeans because all most all my old ones ere to big.

current weight: 256.4

322 291.5 261 230.5

200

Posts: 476
9/17/10 12:01 A

CTCOLL41--Very good idea, I like to pretend!!

Posts: 351
9/16/10 10:14 P

Try a change in routine. If you've been walking your butt off, try a bike ride as a reward or a hike with a loved one.

Personally, my reward for a hard workout is a nice long shower or bath. Pets and hubby are locked out and I just have quiet reflective time to relax.

current weight: 192.4

248 228 208 188

168

SparkPoints: (16,228)
Fitness Minutes: (17,315)
Posts: 910
9/13/10 6:52 P

My very first reward was a $5.00 bamboo windchime. It reminded me I had a goal and that I already had some success. I hung it on the front porch which has a swing and glider. Sitting there enjoying a cup of coffee "taking a break" was very pleasurable and rewarding.

By the way, I gave it to myself for completing my first week, using the nutrition and fitness trackers and joining some Spark communities and getting a Spark Buddy.

I say reward early and often!


Edited by: IDEBORAH at: 9/13/2010 (18:53)

current weight: 169.4

190 178.75 167.5 156.25

145

Posts: 53
9/13/10 3:27 P

Try giving yourself a mini vacation a day away at the beach or the mountain or fishing something that you would enjoy or a weekend away even if you stay home pretend to not be home and just relax and do nothing for the weekend.

SparkPoints: (38,301)
Fitness Minutes: (43,050)
Posts: 1,304
9/12/10 4:10 P

You must reward yourself @ times with a treat of your favorite food or money.

Posts: 476
9/12/10 12:51 P

I'd say, really think what you like, what relaxes you or what energizes you...perhaps you like nature and find some places that are beautiful, peaceful; or go to a park where folks are playing with their dogs in training (many groups have set times and you can walk and watch at same time for more interest), or if you are intrigued with cars, go to Car Row and walk thru them with some pace, and the view could be interesting...and malls can be nice (indoor or out), or just walk with music.

SparkPoints: (10,008)
Fitness Minutes: (4,332)
Posts: 34
9/12/10 9:33 A

Here is my quandary: along with losing weight, my goals include rewarding myself for keeping to my nutrition plan and exercise schedule. I'm also trying to stick to a tighter budget than I've had in the past, now I have a kid to look after and my wife isn't working full time any more.

Problem is, most of my self-conferred rewards in the past have come from indulging in eating something I like (usually unhealthy) or splashing out on something I can't afford.

What do you suggest as a reward that doesn't involve either of the above?

Clem