Aug 19, 2011

Rewarding Myself

I've been feeling really good this week.  Usually when I feel good and have had a productive week, I reward myself with food.  A frothy coffee, an ice cream cone, or a treat of some sort.  However, I haven't done this since starting on this weight loss journey.  When I feel like having, as Pooh Bear says, a little smackerel of something, I abstain.  The thing is, I've spent years rewarding myself with food.  Do I need to replace it with something else?  Is the weight loss the reward in and of itself?  Is rewarding oneself a selfish act that should be dropped altogether?  The thing that was so cool about rewarding myself with food was that it felt great, I had a little time to myself while I consumed the treat and it was usually relatively inexpensive.  So, I'm a little lost now when it comes to this issue.  Your thoughts?


7 comments:

Appletree said...

I always did/do that too. And I find myself rewarding my kids that way sometimes and hate myself for it. But the truth is, that is a cultural and normal thing to do. An ice cream cone to celebrate a soccer game or a report card is fun. It just doesn't work with weight loss. But you should reward yourself with time to yourself or a pedicure or a hot bath and a book or a magazine you would not normally buy. The whole journey requires you to be more selfish, to take more time for yourself and you should not ever feel bad about it. It benefits your whole family in the long run.

Sarah Greenman said...

Thank you for this, my sweet little Miss Appletree. Its good to remember that this journey flat out requires that we be a bit more aware of our self and our time. If that means being a little selfish... so be it. I think you're right. Everyone benefits in the end.

Todd Stout said...

When I did WW (I know you're not doing this), I rewarded myself one "splurge" meal a week. I looked forward to it all week. Of course, my biggest reward was getting to buy pants without elastic, fitted shirts, and my numbers all getting back in line at the doc. I think the best was buying new clothes. But a life without any queso whatsoever is just not the life I want....so I have some splurges on a regular basis. And still lost 30+ lbs and have kept it off for 6 years.

Holly said...

Oops that was from Holly Stout (hollygirl, DAM) Sorry, my husband was logged in! ha.

Anonymous said...

I reward myself with a nice cup of tea, which means sit down, reading a little bit, and drinking my tea. Feels good an works with weight loss...

Sarah Greenman said...

Yes - I love the cup of tea idea. That always relaxes me and makes me feel slightly indulgent!

Splenderosa said...

I am so proud of you, Sarah. But, I'm proud of me too. I've lost 7lbs
doing nothing except dropping sugar & white carbs. I've been carrying some much unwanted weight around for a couple of years, and you've inspired me! Big Props, babycakes.....