Goal Setting~Rewards

Once you decide you want to lose weight, get in shape, or just make a healthy lifestyle change there are a few things you should do.  First think about what you want to achieve. Have a specific goal and come up with a plan to accomplish your goal.  If you have a lot of weight to lose don't set your goal low. For example if you have 100 pounds to lose, I know that can be overwhelming.  Still make that your ultimate goal, but set mini goals along the way! Reward yourself for each mini goal you reach.

Your mini goals should be realistic.  Remember a healthy weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. The first couple weeks you usually have a larger loss because you are getting rid of water weight. The more weight you have to lose, the bigger your weekly losses will be as well.  Don't only use the scale as a way to measure your success.  Get measured monthly to see the inches you are losing. Go by how your clothes fit.  As you start to workout and build muscle there can be times the scale doesn't budge, but you could be down a clothing size!  Do not be scared of muscle. The more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism, and the more fat you will burn. Remember: Fat is what we want to get rid of!

When you think about the rewards you give yourself, be sure they are not food related.  A reward for losing your first 10 pounds should not be something that can hinder your results for that week!  Some examples of rewards:
-Get a new haircut or color.
-Get your nails done.
-Get a facial.
-Get a massage. (Don't have the money for that? Have your spouse do it, or look into schools in your area: the students need practice hours!)
-Take a long, relaxing bath.
-Read a book.
-Buy a new outfit (you are probably a new size now!)

Those are just some ideas on rewards, you can come up with your own also.  The point is you are working hard to get to your goal, and you deserve to do something for yourself.

~Misty S.