Resources

10 Ways to Rewarding Yourself ....without Food

We all do it at some stage in our life; here are some alternative tips.

Of the most important things you can do to keep motivation high as you lose weight is to break up the goal into bites sized pieces (no pun intended), and mark the achievement of those smaller goals with a reward.

That said, for those of us who have at times rewarded ourselves with food, it may be difficult to steer away from this old habit. As an alternative, we need to find ways to reward ourselves in a manner that doesn't involve eating. Just like your goals, your rewards should be varied and unique to you. Check out some of the ideas here to get your mind ticking over and help you create your very own ‘reward bank’.

Go for a walk in the botanic gardens, fly a kite, swing on a swing, ride your bike along the beach, go rock climbing or rollerblading – do something outdoors to lift your spirits, and build on the success you are creating. Acknowledge how much fitter you are becoming.
Buy a relaxation tape and use it every day. A great way to keep your mind clear, and as a result, stay focused on your goals.
Open a ‘Reward’ account at the bank. Every week you’ve stuck to your plan – or for every kilo you lose nominate an amount to deposit to go towards a “big” reward for yourself when you reach your ideal weight goal. (Hmm the Bahamas are looking good…)
Buy a new and hip water bottle/ gym outfit/ runners – every time you use them you will be reminding yourself of your previous ‘wins’ and motivated to keep going.
Begin a day with a sleep in, stay in your pj’s and read that book that’s gathering dust next to your bed. Alternatively, finish the day with a long, candlelit soak in the bath. (remember to take the phone off the hook) 
Sit quietly, deep breath, have a cup of your favourite (but healthy) beverage and just– S-T-O-P give your self permission to take time out to just R-E-L-A-X.
A haircut, manicure, or facial done by a salon (or even by yourself) is a great way to increase your self worth, feel pampered and special. (A massage goes down well too!)
Spend time with a friend with whom you've been promising to get together for ages. Go shopping, take a hike, watch (or even better – participate) in a sporting event, or talk for an hour on the phone if they are long distance. Re-connect; it feeds your spirit.
Give yourself flowers. Have them delivered or pick up a bunch at your favourite florist and put them in vases throughout your home.
Go to a movie you’ve been dying to see; sign up for a membership to your favourite art gallery, or subscribe to a theatre company for the next season.

Once you start thinking of special ways to treat yourself, dozens more will come to mind. Soon, rather than routinely slipping into a bakery the minute you feel a urge to treat yourself coming on, you'll think again. You'll find yourself automatically popping open a bottle of bubble bath rather than the bubbly, passing the chocolate store on the way to the florist, and dialling the theatre for tickets to a show rather than ordering in pizza. And even if you choose to do none of the above, as the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "The reward of a thing well done; is to have done it."

Living You

  “I enjoyed it and learnt more about...
Read more
Other Case Studies

Survival of the fittest

WE all know what a boot camp is. The term was originally...
Read more
Other News/Events

Elisabeth Gortschacher

Elisabeth E. Gortschacher, a multi business owner, has a...
Read more
Other Team Members