Reward System And Weight Loss
Mind over matter is the key when it comes to dieting. There are so many diet programs, but they generally only deal with the physical nature of losing the weight. The “program” they subscribe to dictates how many calories you should be limited to, or the kinds of food eat. They don’t assist you with how to re-program yourself so that not only will you lose the weight, but you will keep it off.
Milestone watching and building a reward system can be a very useful technique for conditioning yourself. We like to feel good, and when we spoil ourselves, when we reward ourselves, we do feel good. Come up with rewards that have nothing to do with food. Whether it is taking a trip, buying yourself clothing, playing a game, you need to spoil yourself in non-food ways once you accomplish milestones in your food-loss program. Every ten pounds you lose, reward yourself! This does not have to be an expensive habit. Just do something fun. Go bowling, watch a movie. Attach the things you like to do with your milestone program, so that when you don’t achieve the desired result, you still have a reward sitting waiting for you when you do achieve it.
The most important aspect to weight loss is staying positive mentally. When you are depressed you will seek comfort. Chances are you seek comfort by eating food. This is a habit that you will progressively change over time, but the first part of avoiding that habit is to avoid becoming depressed. This may sound easier than it is, but in truth you are in control over your emotions. Emotions are just thoughts, and though it may not seem like it sometimes, you are indeed in control. You can make the decision to not be depressed through the force of your own will. Once you learn how to do this, you will no longer seek the approval of others because you can easily see the good in yourself. Thus you will stay positive, no matter what trial or adversity occurs in your life. Others will notice this change in you and will gravitate towards you. You can utilize these friends in a positive way by recruiting them to help you with your program, exercising with you, role-playing scenarios with you, and enjoying the events you schedule as rewards with you.