How Selecting the Right Rewards Won't Leave you Feeling Guilty

Setting goals and milestones are a perfect way to stay motivated when it comes to fitness. They can help you gauge your progress and plot the path to your ultimate goal. They're also opportunities for celebration. Each new milestone represents another step closer.

Add a reward at those milestones and you can increase your motivation. However, you need to be careful because the wrong reward can leave you feeling guilty and can end up working against you. When deciding on a reward it's important to select something appropriate and in-line with your objective.

For example, a weekend in Vegas would not be a great reward for someone who's working to beat a gambling problem. So why do so many people select food as a reward for achieving weight loss goals?

How many times have we heard someone say they're going out for a big dinner to celebrate their weight loss? Why is it so common to use food as a reward?

Moods and Foods

For many, this idea of food as a reward goes all the way back to childhood. Many parents use food as a reward or consequence and it can interfere with the development of healthy eating habits at an early age. It also can set the stage for an association between certain moods and certain foods.

According to University of Rochester Medical Center

"...Offering otherwise off-limits food as a reward or special treat is also confusing. Children hear that they're supposed to enjoy foods that are good for them and avoid foods with little nutritional value. Being told that they can indulge in foods that are bad for them as a reward for doing something good sends a mixed message. They may also start associating unhealthy foods with certain moods—when you feel good about yourself, for instance, it's okay to reach for a sweet."

To compound things we have cake when we celebrate, ice cream when we win the game and an ice cream when we lose (just to make use feel better). It's no wonder so many people think of food as a reward.

Don't get me wrong, I like cake and I have nothing against food but if you're goal is to achieve a higher level of fitness or to lose weight there are other options that may be just as motivational.

Better Options

Here are some other ideas for patting yourself on the back when you reach a new milestone.

• Buy some new clothes;


• Get some new workout gear;


• Buy some new sneakers;


• Take a vacation;


• Go do something fun like skiing, or a white water rafting trip;


• Get a massage;


• Go to a spa;


• Go see a movie, concert or play;

Conclusion

Whatever you decide, reward yourself with something you can feel good about. You've worked hard and your reward should reinforce that effort not leave you feeling guilty.

How do you reward yourself for fitness success? Leave a comment below!