Reward System

I began making a list of my next alloted cheat meals that I had been craving. I thought that if I have a craving and visually add it to the "earned it" list, I would be able to stop thinking about it.
- Whole Foods Vegan Big John chocolate chip cookie
- Whole Foods black and white cookie
- Red velvet donut (not sure where to get this but sounds perfect)
- Elevation burger and fro yo
- Mexican Martini
- Hey Cupcake! cupcake
- Falafel
- Chicken and waffles
- strawberry coconut cake...

I had a epiphany. Why am I setting myself up for failure? Yes, indulging in non-clean food is ok every now and then but is it healthy for me to be thinking about it so much that I have a list I keep handy? What ever happened to my own lesson of not using food as a reward? So yes, I will indulge and allow myself cheats but how about changing my thought process and look more forward to rewards that are positive to me and all my hard work. Here is a list of possible non-food rewards I will begin partaking in. If I still feel unsatisfied, I'll allow myself a tasty treat.

1) New workout clothes. This can do nothing but increase your positive energy due to the fact you get to go shopping and you can not wait to work out again in order to wear your new garb.

I have been wanting a hat to workout in. I never have been a hat girl but I would like to give it a try.

2) A massage. 2 weeks of constant good choices in nutrition and sticking to my fitness regimen earns me a nice massage. Talk about motivation! Hot stone are my favorite, but all that hard work will most likely mean I'll be in need of a deep tissue.

3) Take a class. I have been using Sundays as a day to incorporate yoga for deep stretching and lengthening of my muscles. If I have a good week, I can allow myself to attend a local class on Sunday as opposed to doing videos at home.

I have a confession! I have bought a pair of ballet slippers, tights and a tutu to take adult ballet classes and never been. One more way I can reward myself is by taking a ballet class or some other form of exercise class like kickboxing, pilates, barre, kettlebell, crossfit even pole dancing.

4) New running shoes/equipment for home gym. I am actually in need of new running shoes but will wait to reward myself with them if I follow my cardio routine as prescribed for 4 weeks straight. After that point I can reward myself with new additions to my home gym, like a sandbag, bosu ball, kettlebells, etc.

What some ways you motivate yourself and reward yourself?
- Whittney C.