Rewarding Yourself

When on a diet, we tend to want to award ourselves for our hard work. Most people choose to reward themselves with fattening foods, but we must realize that we've changed our lifestyle and shouldn't return to old habits. I've learned to reward myself with clothing instead of food. I recently bought myself a new swimsuit when I was 10 pounds away from my goal weight, but I realize some people aren't willing to make purchases until the reach that goal.

Buying clothes when we aren't at our goal weight can seem to be pointless since our waists are shrinking. I find myself not buying things because I feel that I'm going to get smaller and don't want to waste my money on something I'll only be wearing for a short time. I was watching What Not to Wear yesterday and they said just because you're not at 100% doesn't mean you can't look 100%!

I thought about it and realized that I could check out Thrift Shops and other places that sell used/new clothing at very low prices. I decided to check out a consignment shop today and found a pair of Express Jeans for only $12 dollars and American Eagle Outfitter pants for only $6.50! As I'm in between sizes, I can buy a few pieces that will fit my body now and not throw out tons of cash each time I drop a size.

I plan on going back next month to browse the inventory as they are always getting new pieces. This consignment shop gives the donor half of the sale price back as commission, so I plan on going through my clothes and taking a bag or two of clothes that I no longer want or that no longer fit me. Being a part time employee, I'm jumping on the opportunity to de-clutter my life and to make some extra cash to pocket or put in my savings. When I reach my goal weight, I'll be willing to spend more on clothing and buying myself things that I wouldn't when I had all of the extra weight.

Rewarding yourself is a great way to keep motivated, but just remember, food isn't the best way to go! Find something that you really enjoy, such as clothing, video games, collector's items, movies, or anything that will help push you onward with your weight-loss goals.