Giving in to the food as a reward mindset is a surefire way to make sustainable weight loss near impossible to achieve. Think about it. If we head for the cookies and wine every time we achieve something great, survive a stressful or busy day, or complete a lingering task, we will eventually begin to experience negative body change.
Intuitively we know that this *Food as A Reward* mindset is not helping us but how do we get over it? It is such a common part of our culture. How do we undo the subliminal messages we received with each trip to the ice cream parlor for a good report card or night at the local pizza joint after a big win at a game?
Simply working to eliminate a habit can leave us with a much bigger problem- habit gap. Habit gap happens when we eliminate a habit without replacing it with an equally satisfying, yet beneficial, one. When we create that gap, it is just a matter of time before we give in and go back to our old habit. It is simply to draining to abstain in this case.
Check out what they had to say and see which ones you think may work for you.
Jill Coleman
I treat myself with a good book, a long leisure walk while listening to educational podcasts or my favorite treat: going to bed early!
Website: http://jillfit.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JillFit
I treat myself by getting a massage and putting work away.
Website: http://www.cassandraforsythe.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FitnessRevolutionVernonCT
Jessie Mundell
I treat myself with a haircut, brow wax, and nap.
Website: http://jessiemundell.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mundell.lifestyles
Ana Tigre
I treat myself with a massage. It is not something I get very often, so it feels special. It makes me slow down from the go go go mode I am usually in. It helps my body relax and recover from my workouts but also from long days at work. It makes me feel special.
Website:http://anatigre.com
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/BelezaBrazilFitnessWear
Michelle Rycroft
I treat myself with a mani, pedi, or a movie. My treats help relax me. When I take time for myself, I feel refreshed which helps me come back refocused and sometimes stronger than before. Oh and my bonus treat is buying new workout clothes. Who doesn’t want to work out in new workout clothes?
Website: http://www.rippedbyrycroft.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RippedbyRycroft
Carol Donahue
I like to treat myself with a few minutes of quality time playing with my sweet dog.
Website: http://www.strengthinfusion.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strengthinfusion
Shira Nelson
I treat myself to time alone. This is crucial for me since becoming a mom. My favorite way is a walk outside with silence. Just me and nature. I crave this because I have very little time for me. The silence allows me time to reflect and think. This helps me grow as a person. My best ideas and thoughts come from being alone in nature
Website: http://mombeyondbaby.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mombeyondbaby
Michelle Koe Page
I treat myself with massage. It feels good, helps re-balance hormones and is therapeutic for mind and body.
Website: http://www.michelle-page.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichellePageGettingHealthyFit
Rae Ann Mullins
My favorite treat is to sit down with a hot cup of tea and read a book. I love trashy novels or mysteries – nothing work-related, just pure pleasure reading.
Website: http://getramfit.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ramfitnessforwomen
Erika Nall
My favorite treat is to take a very hot shower. The combination of the silence and rhythmic sound of water, it allows me to relax and meditate. This is when my subconscious begins to work for me. Problems are solved. Innovative ideas are realized. Connections are made. New perspective arises.
Website: http://erikanall.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErikaNallCoaching
Ashley Olson
I treat myself by getting my hair blown out and going out for a girl’s or date night all dressed up
Website: http://www.ashleyolsonfitness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyolsonfitness
Elizabeth Benton
I treat myself with a facial or massage.
Website: http://primalpotential.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrimalPotentialFatLoss
Kelli Dilldine
I treat myself with acupuncture.
Website: http://www.kellidilldine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newubykelli
Lisa Mustard
I treat myself with MASSAGE! I love a massage! I also love to treat myself with a trip to the library- sans children. I love to walk the aisles and just look. Both treats allow me to clear my head and let my brain wander
Website: http://www.lisamustard.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisamustardchangeagent
Lana Osborne-Paradis
I treat myself with heat. It is comforting whether it is a hot bath, warm socks and a blanket or, my favorite, heating up my magic bean bags! This works for me because I find heat so soothing and relaxing. Rather than turn to a sugary treat which often feels unsatisfying, heat is a satisfying way of chilling out physically and mentally for me.
Website: http://www.blastfitness.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blast-Fitness/147727868573540?ref=br_tf
Erika Young
I treat myself with a long walk in nature. No headphones. With three young children, the quiet is the most restorative. I also go on coffee shop dates with friends, or just myself. When I can make a little extra time at the gym, I like to alternate between the sauna and the cooler pool for 15 minutes. This helps me feel more relaxed and rejuvenated all day.
Website: http://www.theeverydaychampion.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEverydayChampion
April VanHoose
I treat myself with massages. It helps me with recovery.
Website: http://aprilvanhoose.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/april.vanhoose
Jill Jacobs
My favorite treat isn’t something costly to my pocketbook or my physique. In fact, it’s FREE and helps my physique! My treat is to take baths almost daily- specifically at night before bed. It helps me in several ways. It relieves stress and readies my body for sleep. It keeps me from being in front of the TV tempted by food commercials (you know the ones that make you want to grab your phone and order a pizza or hop in the car to go grab some fast food). It keeps me out of the pantry and actually takes my mind away from night time snacking! Lastly, it relaxes any sore muscles I have from my workouts.
Website: http://jilljacobs.me/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jilljacobsme
Jamie Chanelle
I treat myself with a nap!! It is SO much more refreshing and energizing than anything else!
Website: www.jamiechenelle.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emotionaleatingsolutions?ref=hl
Adele Jones
I treat myself with a nap! Ahhhh it’s a treat and I wake up feeling well rested with a clearer vision!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/thefitlifewithadele
Facebook: http://www.adele-jones.com/
Sarah Garton
I call, or even better meet up with, a really good friend. I try and make sure it’s not food related so maybe going for a walk in the park with them. I find this a real treat as I get so much love and support from my friends and come back feeling invigorated. It also has the added bonus of making them feel good too.
Website: http://theschoolofbalance.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-School-of-Balance/
Now you know what the pros do to *treat* themselves without turning to food. So now I want to know… which strategy will you add to your toolbox? Join the discussion here…
[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
