So the only parenting experience I’ve had has been taking care of my puppies. I got my very first puppy ever one year ago this month. I quickly learned the best way to train them was by rewarding their good behavior with treats. What a concept, right? I’m all about rewarding myself when I accomplish something—just ask my friends. And it’s usually a good thing, but when you start rewarding yourself with the wrong things, trouble starts to show its ugly face.
A common thing people do is reward themselves with a treat or food after they’ve completed a workout or met their number of days per week. I admit, a lot of the time I think to myself, “Well, I worked out every day this week, so I’m going to go crazy on Sunday,” or, “I ran extra far today, so I’m going to get ice cream for dessert.” This is called rewarding yourself with the wrong things!! You will ruin all that hard work if you let yourself get that muffin from Starbucks after your workout.
So if not food, then what? Below I’ve listed some things you can reward yourself with when you’ve reached your goal. Scale the reward to match the gravity of your goal accomplished. If you go to the gym 5 days a week then reward yourself to a smaller degree, like a movie or new workout socks. If you hit your monthly goal, go for something like new running shoes. When you hit your goal weight, get yourself that new outfit you deserve!
Book
Movie on the weekend
Workout top
New music
Yoga mat
Exotic fruit that you normally wouldn’t buy because of the price
Game
New cool water bottle
Heart rate monitor
Nail polish – personal favorite
A family day to the zoo or museum
Manicure/Pedicure
Splurge on the good brand of gum
Magazine
Weekend away with friends or significant other
An accessory for your phone, iPod, or whatever gadget of your choice
An extra hour out on your Saturday night
A new workout video, equipment, or program
Bottom line: Reward yourself but NOT with food!
